The Texas Institute for Teacher Education
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
DOMESTIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
1. Complete Admission Application and Fee
2. Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended showing a conferred bachelor degree or higher from an accredited institution of higher education.
3. A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.50 for the undergraduate degree or a 2.50 GPA for the last sixty hours earned prior to receiving the conferred degree. Applicants with a GPA less than 2.50 must pass the designated PACT exam.
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4. An applicant must demonstrate basic skills in reading, written communication, and mathematics by meeting the requirements of the Texas Success Initiative. Applicants with a conferred bachelor degree or higher are exempt from this requirement.
5. For an applicant who will be seeking an initial certificate in the classroom teacher class of certificate, the applicant shall have successfully completed, prior to admission, at least: (A) a minimum of 12 semester credit hours in the subject-specific content area for the certification sought, unless certification sought is for mathematics or science at or above Grade 7; or (B) 15 semester credit hours in the subject-specific content area for the certification sought if the certification sought is for mathematics or science at or above Grade 7; or (C) a passing score on the appropriate content certification examination.
6. Rubric-scored Oral/Written Interview
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7. Government-Issued Photo ID: We require a government-issued photo ID with your application submission.
PROGRAM COMPLETION & CERTIFICATION
WHO SHOULD ENROLL?
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Individuals called to serve God through the teaching ministry.
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Individuals interested in earning a Texas Standard Teacher Certificate to teach in public, charter, and private schools.
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School personnel seeking to broaden their skills and improve their organization’s educational effectiveness.
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Individuals interested in pursuing teaching careers in institutions of higher education.
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Individuals interested in becoming education leaders in the public and private sector.
Admission is open to all college/university graduates and students enrolled in their last semester of coursework.
Candidates who complete all program requirements earn the Texas Standard Teacher Certificate.
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We offer TEACHER CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS in the following categories:
Bilingual Core Subjects/STR EC-6, Core Subjects/STR EC-6, Core Subjects/STR 4-8,
ELAR 4-8, ELAR/SS 4-8, ELAR 7-12, ESL EC-12, JROTC 6-12, Math 4-8,
Math/Science 4-8, Math 7-12, Science 4-8,
Science 7-12, Social Studies 4-8, and Special Education EC-12.
PROGRAM EXPECTATIONS AND IMMEDIATE PROGRAM DISMISSAL
The Texas Institute for Teacher Education (TXITE) aspires to be the preeminent Educator Preparation Program exclusively dedicated to preparing future teachers of faith for instructional and leadership roles within K12 schools and learning communities.
We are committed to providing an inclusive, safe, and welcoming environment for all community members.
Interfaith cooperation and understanding guides the mission and vision of TXITE.
Within the context of TXITE’s mission and its determination to be faith-centered, candidates are expected to develop and maintain a high standard of personal and behavioral values.
At its core, this expectation is based on loving God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and loving your neighbor as yourself.
We expect all teacher candidates to adhere to the following or be subject to immediate dismissal:
*Demonstrate respect for the personal worth, dignity and rights of others.
*Demonstrate respect for the diverse backgrounds, personalities, convictions and faith traditions of all candidates, staff and faculty.
*Demonstrate academic, spiritual, and moral enlightenment.
*Demonstrate adherence to the Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators.
*Demonstrate respectful behavior towards all TXITE staff, faculty, and candidates.
*Fulfill all academic, including satisfactory academic progress, and financial obligations when due.
Failure to adhere to any of these expectations will result in the immediate program dismissal without possibility of appeal.
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TRANSFER CREDIT FOR PRIOR MILITARY/CAREER/ACP EXPERIENCES
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Applicants with prior military, career, and ACP experiences may be awarded course credit once admission credentials are evaluated. To earn transfer credit, please submit evidentiary artifacts of any activities or accomplishments that could be directly translatable to the classroom. Artifacts may include: Examples of training that candidate developed, conducted, or deployed, including peer mentoring, workshops, or formal training programs; Involvement in public relations, presentations, or meetings; and Examples of new procedures or processes that candidate designed and/or implemented; Awards, medals, or commendations; Relevant training or certifications received in the military and prior service occupations, such as basic training, and any specialized training or professional development received; certifications including titles and dates; and ACP transfer forms.
TRANSCRIPTS
Need to request your transcripts from College/University? We've made it easy for you! Simply click on the highlighted text to request your official transcripts through PARCHMENT. Parchment allows you to securely and conveniently request, track, and manage your transcript requests online."
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Already enrolled in our program and need to request your transcripts? You can request your official transcripts from us through our online system. Click on the following link to access the TRANSCRIPT REQUEST FORM. Our online system makes it easy for you to submit your request. If you have any questions, feel free to contact our office for assistance."
If you are transferring from another program, please have your previous program complete the TEA Transfer Form so you will be awarded credit for professional competencies already mastered. TXITE will not admit an applicant who: (1) has been reported as completing all EPP requirements by another EPP in the same certification category or class, unless the applicant only needs certification examination approval; or (2) has been employed for three years in a public school under a permit, intern, or probationary certificate as specified in Chapter 230, Subchapter D, of this title (relating to Types and Classes of Certificates Issued), unless the applicant is seeking clinical teaching to earn the Standard Certificate.
Candidates may transfer into TXITE from another Texas EPP if they have completed coursework or fieldwork that meets Texas Administrative Code (TAC) standards for educator preparation. All transfer candidates must be in good standing with their previous institution, as verified by the sending EPP.
Credit Requirements
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Total Required Hours: Candidates seeking a standard certificate must complete 300 clock hours of educator preparation, as required by TAC.
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Pre-Internship Hours: A minimum of 150 clock hours of preparation must be completed before a candidate may begin serving as an intern or probationary teacher.
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Good Standing: The candidate must be confirmed in good standing with their previous program to be eligible for transfer. This includes satisfactory academic progress, professional conduct, and compliance with program policies.
Transfer Process
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Submission of Transfer Request: Candidates wishing to transfer must complete the TEA Candidate Transfer Form. The form must be filled out by both the candidate and their previous EPP. The transferring institution must include:
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Number of completed coursework hours
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Number of completed field experience hours
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Practicum or internship time completed
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Confirmation of the candidate’s standing (good or otherwise)
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Review of Transfer Credits: TXITE’s Program Director or Certification Officer will review the TEA Candidate Transfer Form and assess the candidate’s previous coursework, field experience, and practicum hours. Any gaps in the required 300 clock hours or the 150 pre-internship hours will be identified.
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Determination of Additional Requirements: If additional coursework, field experience, or practicum hours are needed to fulfill the TAC requirements, TXITE will create a personalized plan to help the candidate complete the necessary components. This plan will outline the remaining hours, assignments, and assessments the candidate must complete.
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Acceptance of Transfer: Once the candidate’s prior records have been reviewed and any additional requirements have been established, the candidate will be notified of their acceptance into TXITE. The transfer credits will be officially applied, and the candidate will be allowed to continue with the program.
Transfer Credit Limitations
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Credits transferred must directly align with the coursework and fieldwork requirements of TXITE and TAC.
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TXITE reserves the right to deny transfer credits that do not meet the institution’s standards or TAC requirements.
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A maximum of 150 clock hours may be transferred toward the total 300-hour requirement, and at least 150 hours must be completed through TXITE before the candidate begins their internship or probationary teaching.
Appeal Process
If a candidate disagrees with the transfer credit evaluation, they may submit an appeal to TXITE’s Program Director. The appeal must include a detailed explanation of the disagreement and any supporting documentation. Appeals will be reviewed, and a decision will be made within 10 business days.
Maintaining Records
All transfer candidates’ records, including the TEA Candidate Transfer Form, evaluation of credits, and correspondence regarding the transfer decision, will be maintained in the candidate’s file for compliance with state regulations and accreditation requirements.
This policy ensures that all transfer candidates are treated equitably and that their previous work is appropriately recognized while maintaining compliance with TAC and TEA standards. Additionally, transfer of credits earned at the Texas Institute for Teacher Education to another institution is at the discretion of the receiving institution. It is the student’s responsibility to confirm whether the credits will be accepted by the institution to which they plan to transfer.
LATE HIRES
A late hire is an individual who has not been accepted into an educator preparation program before the 45th day before the first day of instruction and who is hired for a teaching assignment by a school after the 45th day before the first day of instruction or after the school's academic year has begun.
A late hire for a teaching position must complete the required 30 clock-hours of field-based experience as well as 150 clock-hours of initial training prior to the internship or within 90 days of the assignment start date as a late hire.
Under this stipulation, late hires must successfully complete four courses (Course 5312, Course 5312 LAB, Course 5000, and one additional course within 90 days of the hire date.
CRIMINAL HISTORY BACKGROUND CHECK
Pursuant to the Texas Education Code (TEC), §22.083, candidates must undergo a criminal history background check prior to employment as an educator. Prior to issuing probationary or standard teaching certificates, the Texas State Board for Educator Certification conducts a national criminal history check on all applicants.
Pursuant to the TEC, §22.0835, candidates must undergo a criminal history background check
prior to clinical teaching.
An individual who has been convicted of an offense may be ineligible for issuance of a certificate on completion of the Educator Preparation Program.
The applicant has the right to request a PRELIMINARY CRIMINAL HISTORY EVALUATION letter as provided in Chapter 227, Subchapter B, of the Texas Education Code.
Pursuant to the Texas Occupations Code (TOC), Chapter 53, and the Texas Education Code (TEC), Chapter 21, Subchapter B, the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) may suspend or revoke an existing valid certificate, deny an applicant a certificate, bar a person from being assessed or examined for a certificate, or take other disciplinary action because of a person's conviction of a felony or misdemeanor or certain other criminal history.
When statute or SBEC rule codified in the TEXAS ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, requires an offense to directly relate to the duties and responsibilities of the education profession, an offense is considered to directly relate if the offense indicates a threat to the health, safety, or welfare of a student or minor, parent of a student, fellow employee, or professional colleague; interferes with the orderly, efficient, or safe operation of a school district, campus, or activity; or indicates impaired ability or misrepresentation of qualifications to perform the functions of an educator.
Offenses considered to relate directly to the duties and responsibilities of the education profession include, but are not limited to:
offenses involving moral turpitude;
offenses involving any form of sexual or physical abuse or neglect of a student or minor or other illegal conduct with a student or minor; offenses involving any felony possession or conspiracy to possess, or any misdemeanor or felony transfer, sale, distribution, or conspiracy to transfer, sell, or distribute any controlled substance defined in the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 481;
offenses involving school property or funds;
offenses involving any attempt by fraudulent or unauthorized means to obtain or alter any certificate or permit that would entitle any person to hold or obtain a position as an educator;
offenses occurring wholly or in part on school property or at a school-sponsored activity;
or felony offenses involving driving while intoxicated (DWI).
PROGRAM COMPLETION AND EXIT REQUIREMENTS
1. Completion of all required coursework for the intended Certification Category with a grade of "P."
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2. Satisfactory field supervisor evaluations/recommendation, mentor/cooperating teacher evaluations/recommendation, and principal evaluations/recommendation.
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3. Score of "Proficient" on all elements of the last two Field Supervisor evaluations.
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4. Submission of Graduation Form.
5. Submission of remaining tuition balance per current Tuition Schedule.
