How It Works: Educator Certification
What is the Office of Educator Preparation?
Welcome to the OEP!
- The U.S. Department of Education
- The State Board of Educator Certification (SBEC)
- The Texas Education Agency (TEA)
- The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
- The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
- Texas State University offices of Undergraduate and Graduate Admissions
- The colleges of Applied Arts, Education, Fine Arts and Communication, Liberal Arts, and Science and Engineering
Notice of EPP dismissal policy for candidates and/or staff who violate the Educators’ Code of Ethics
Alleged violations of the Texas Educators’ Code of Ethics in PK-12 settings during any EPP-related experience (e.g., field experience, observations, practica, clinical practice, service learning) are thoroughly reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the Director of the OEP. The review includes interviews with relevant parties, including the candidate(s), and examination of documents, communications, and other evidence. If the preponderance of evidence indicates a violation of the Texas Educator’s Code of Ethics has occurred, the Director, in consultation with program faculty and administrators, will determine a course of action appropriate to the nature and severity of the violation. Decision options include (a) the candidate may continue in the program with a monitored growth plan or (b) the candidate is dismissed from the program. A degree-seeking candidate who is dismissed from the educator preparation program may be given the option to complete the degree without certification. Candidates may appeal the OEP Director’s decision to the Dean of the College of Education whose decision is final.
How long does it take to become a certified teacher?
Program Length
- For more information about how long each program might take, visit Program Length.
How much does it cost to become certified?
Program Costs
- For more information about how much it costs to become certified, visit Program Costs .
What certificates are available through Texas State University?
Certificates Offered
How do I get started?
- Before you begin the application to the university, review the requirements for Admittance to the Educator Preparation Program .
- How to access your Degree Audit through DegreeWorks.
- How to access your Texas State University transcripts.
- How to calculate your GPA: ask your Academic Advisor or use an online calculator like this one.
Decide what you want to teach.
- EC-6 grade students are typically 4 - 11 years old
- 4-8 grade students are typically 9 - 13 years old
- Secondary grades (6-12, 7-12, or 8-12) are typically 12 - 18 years old
Consider the material upon which you will be tested
- Review the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills and the Preparation Manuals.
- If you already hold a bachelor's degree, consider earning a certificate in a subject related to your degree.
Consider job demand
- Job demand varies from year to year and district to district, but you can get an idea of demand by browsing the job postings of schools and districts where you might like to teach.
- Visit the Texas Education Agency website for information about Teacher Shortage Areas and Loan Forgiveness Programs.
View list of available certificates
- Visit Certificates + Required Exams.
Contact a Texas State staff member.
- Prospective undergraduate students, you may want to request a tour and attend on-campus events like Bobcat Days.
- Prospective graduate students, visit the Graduate College page and connect with a Graduate Program Advisor.
- Prospective graduate students in the Round Rock area, be sure to check out the Teacher Recruitment Program Information Sessions.
- Prospective Stand-Alone Teacher Certification students, contact the Office of Educator Preparation.
Apply!
Apply to Texas State University.
- Make an appointment (optional): Contact an Undergraduate Admissions Counselor or a Graduate Advisor to set up an appointment for more information.
- Apply to the Texas State University: create an account through ApplyTexas and apply for the appropriate program (the requirements and deadlines will vary by program).
