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Educator Certification

The College of Education offers an extensive choice of specialized graduate and undergraduate plans. Our degree plans allow you to custom-tailor your course of study. This flexibility gives you a host of options when it comes to contemplating your career as an educator. 

To become a certified educator in Texas, you must have the following:

  • Hold a bachelor's or master's degree from an accredited college or university
  • Complete an approved educator preparation program.
  • Pass all state assessment tests required for certification area. For a list of the state assessments and information on which tests are required, visit the State Assessments page.

University of Houston-Clear Lake offers educator preparation programs at the initial teacher certification and advanced certification levels.

College of Education Degrees and Programs

UHCL Certification Pathways

Initial Teacher Certification

To become a certified teacher in Texas, you must have the following:

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
Completed teacher training through an approved program.
Successful completion of the appropriate state assessment tests for the subject and grade level you wish to teach. For a list of the state assessments and information on which tests are required, visit the State Assessments page.

University of Houston-Clear Lake offers initial teacher certification options for both undergraduate students and those who already hold a bachelor's degree (post-baccalaureate). 

Apply to the Undergraduate Teacher Education Program

Post Baccalaureate Degree Initial Teacher Certification

If you already hold at least a bachelor’s degree, then you may seek initial teacher certification through the post-baccalaureate teacher certification program. 

Apply to the Post-Bacc Teacher Education Program

Master's of Arts in Teaching (MAT) with Initial Teacher Certification

Students seeking their initial teacher certification while they pursue a master's degree in teaching. 

Apply to the MAT Teacher Education Program

Alternative Initial Teacher Certification Program (ACP)

The UHCL College of Education offers the Alternative Certification Program in cooperation with local school districts. This training program allows teaching certificate candidates who have earned a bachelor's degree to work as full-time teachers while they complete their certification.

Advanced Certifications (non-teacher)

At the University of Houston-Clear Lake, students may pursue the following advance certifications beyond their initial teaching certificate that require a master's degree: Principal, Reading Specialist, School Counselor, School Librarian, or Superintendent. Advanced certification requires the following:

  • A master's degree from an approved accredited institution
  • Completion of the UHCL certification program
  • Two years of full-time "teacher of record" teaching experience in an approved, accredited school
  • A valid Texas teaching certificate
  • Successful completion of the appropriate TExES state assessment
  • For Superintendent certification, one must hold a valid Standard Principal certificate

UHCL offers programs that include a master's degree with one of the certifications (excluding Superintendent) and programs that include the certification only for those who already hold a master's degree. The Superintendent certificate is offered within a doctoral degree or as certification only for those who already hold a master's degree.

Refer to the degree page for instructions for each certification area.  

Supplemental Certificates

A supplemental certificate is an area of concentration added to an existing state certificate. A supplemental certificate gives educators the ability to teach the supplemental subject at whatever grade level(s) or area(s) in which they hold certificates. No application is required. Check with an academic advisor for more information. 

Initial Teacher Education Program Deadlines

  • Suggested TEP Application Deadlines
  • April 1
    Fall semester start
  • November 1
    Spring semester start
  • Internship I (Student Teaching I) Application Deadlines
  • March 1
    For fall Internship I (Student Teaching I)
  • October 1
    For spring Internship I (Student Teaching I)
  • Internship II (Student Teaching II) TExES Exam Benchmarks
  • June 1
    All TExES exams pass for fall semester Internship II (Student Teaching II)
  • January 1
    All TExES exams pass for spring semester Internship II (Student Teaching II)

Advanced Certification Program Deadlines

  • Suggested Application Deadlines
  • April 1
    Second semester fall (apply during first semester after admitted to degree program)
  • November 1
    Second semester spring (apply during first semester after admitted to degree program)
  • Advanced Certification Practicum Application Deadlines
  • June 8
    Fall semester
  • October 1
    Spring semester
  • March 1
    Summer semester
  • Initial and Advanced Certification Application Deadlines
  • TExES certification exams
    Must be passed prior to certification application


Advising Assistance

Direct all questions about educator certification options to the College of Education Advising Center at 281-283-3600 or education@uhcl.edu. This office also:

  • Assists in processing admission into the college
  • Advises candidates about educator degree and certification plans, and courses
  • Prepares degree and certification plans
  • Audits for student teaching, internships, practica and graduation

Certification Assistance

Direct all questions about educator certification policies and regulations to the Office of Educator Certification at 281-283-3618 or certification@uhcl.edu. This office maintains all official certification records for the college and:

  • Approves applications for admission to the Teacher Education Program
  • Audits the Master's Comprehensive Examination, and graduation
  • Prepares deficiency plans
  • Recommends candidates for educator certificates
  • Tracks and reports Title II and TEA data

Complaint Procedures

For Educator Preparation Program (EPP) issues or complaints, contact the College of Education Office of Academic Advising by email education@uhcl.edu, or phone, 281-283-3600. If the issue is not resolved, contact the College of Education, Associate Dean, Dr. Terry Shepherd, or phone, 281-283-3620.

For steps to follow in contacting the Texas Education Agency with a complaint about this EPP, see the Complaint Procedures documentation.

Contact

  • College of Education Office of Educator Certification

    Phone: 281-283-3618
    certification@uhcl.edu

  •  
  • College of Education Advising Center

    Phone: 281-283-3600
    education@uhcl.edu

    Bayou Building 1231
    2700 Bay Area Blvd, Box 188
    Houston, TX 77058-1002