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A semester prior to projected clinical teaching semester (fall or spring), teacher candidates must apply for clinical teaching. The Office of Field Based Experiences is responsible for reviewing applications in the order of submission. The office will facilitate placement with our district partners, and coordinate supervision according to TEA guidelines. Facilitating placement for each teacher candidate does not ensure admission into clinical teaching but is essential to complete for a successful transition into the clinical teaching program. Please consult with your advisor to discuss your academic plan and anticipated graduation date to determine if you are eligible to apply.
Clinical Teaching Application Deadlines
Spring 2027 Application
Opens: Friday, September 4, 2026
Closes: Friday, October 2, 2026
| Term | Application Opens | Application Closes | Testing Requirements Due Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | First Friday of April | First Friday of May | First Friday of July |
| Spring | First Friday of September | First Friday of October | Third Friday of November |
Admitted/Active in the Education Program GPA and Academic Coursework
- Minimum of 2.75 Grade Point Average (GPA) in each area of degree plan (i.e., major, minor/specialization, professional education)
AND - Final overall 2.75 Grade Point Average (GPA) for teacher certification
Field Experiences
- Complete all field hours required by program.
Degree Plan Completion
- Within 12 hours of completing degree plan - graduation
(12 include 6 hours of student teaching coursework)
AND - Complete all education/specialization courses before clinical teaching.
Testing Requirements
- One exam required by deadline to be considered for Clinical Teaching*
- Passing Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES) score [Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR), Science of Teaching Reading (STR), or Core/Content] due by:
- Spring semester on the 1st Friday of July.
- Fall semester on the 3rd Friday of November.
- Passing Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES) score [Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR), Science of Teaching Reading (STR), or Core/Content] due by:
Please contact your program coordinator or Certification Exam Support Hub program specialist.
Note: *All required exams must be passed by the end of clinical teaching
Other Program Requirements
- Good standing and currently active with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV)
- Currently active within the Educator Preparation Program (EPP)
- A successful Criminal Background Check (CBC) is mandatory for placement
- Any other specific program requirements if applicable
- Consult with your academic department
- Dyslexia and Empowered Educator Certificates
Final Step: Certification
- All required exams must be passed by the end of clinical teaching
- Elementary: Passing Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES) Core, Science of Teaching Reading (STR), Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR), and specialization exams (if applicable)
- All Level/Secondary: Passing Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES) Content, Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR), and specialization exams (if applicable)
- Dyslexia and Empowered Educator Certificates
- Requested conferred transcript
- Complete Watermark Certification Application
- Complete Texas Education Agency (TEA) Certification Application
Students under F1 Visa
- Will require prior authorization from the International Student Services