Post-Baccalaureate Certification
Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is required for teacher certification?

A: In Texas, to be certified, one must

• have the minimum of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited university or college;
• complete an accredited certification program;
• complete the required certification exams.

Q: How do I get started with the certification process?

A:

1. The first step in the certification process is to get a "deficiency" plan (post-baccalaureate plan) written.
   1. You may either make an appointment or submit a request by mail.
      • To make an appointment, contact Cynthia Harris @ (903) 566-7053.
      • To make a request by mail, download the request form and complete it, indicating what certification you are seeking--both level and content. If you have questions about the completed plan, you can schedule an appointment to clarify information. Send the completed request form to:

      Virginia Fender, Director
      Educator Certification and Program Accountability
      3900 University Boulevard
      Tyler, Texas 75799

   2. To write a deficiency plan, we will need official transcripts from every college and/or university that you have attended. A degree must be posted. You will also need to have an overall GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
2. The second step is to be admitted to the University. To do this, contact the Admissions Office, (903) 566-7202 or 1-800-UTTYLER.
3. At this point you may register for your first semester of coursework. If you have questions about this, see your advisor, Ms. Fender.
4. During your first semester, complete Admission to the School of Education as described in your deficiency plan.

Q: What kinds of certificates does UT Tyler offer?

A: Certification in Texas is available at 4 levels:

1. Early childhood through grade 4
2. Grade 4 through grade 8
3. Grade 8 through grade 12
4. All-level (EC-12) is available in art, music, special education, health education, and physical education only.
   • At the EC-4 level, one will specialize in early childhood and reading;
   • At the 4-8 level, there are several specializations from which to choose:
     • generalist (can teach any subject)
     • English language arts and reading
     • social studies
     • math
     • science
     • English language arts & reading/social studies
     • math/science
   • At the 8–12 level, the specializations can be any of the “traditional” subjects taught in secondary school, e.g., English, chemistry, math, history, etc.

Q: What is a deficiency plan?

A: This plan—much like a degree plan—tells what courses you need, or in what areas you are “deficient” for certification.

Q: If I do not have a 2.5 GPA, can I get a deficiency plan?

A: If your GPA is not at least a 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, you cannot have a deficiency plan. However, the Certification Office will work with you to determine how to raise the GPA while moving toward your goal of teacher certification.

Q: What is the cost for a deficiency/certification plan?

A: There is a $45.00 non-refundable fee for writing a certification plan.

Q: How long will it take to complete the courses on my deficiency plan?

A: Most deficiency plans for 8-12 certification may be completed in one year. Plans for 4-8 certification or EC-4 may vary in length depending on an individual’s “deficiencies”.

Q: Can I work while I complete my certification?

A: Yes, you may work in your current employment, or you may be hired as a teacher by a school district. The pedagogy classes are offered at night and in the summer.

Q: If I am teaching, what do I do?

A: As one who is teaching with a probationary certificate, you are required to complete a minimum of 6 hrs. from your deficiency plan each year. The school district will be unable to extend your teaching position without your having accomplished this. In most instances, UT Tyler’s education courses for 8-12 and all-level certification are offered in a way that allows you to complete all of them in one year.

Q: Will the university help me find a teaching position?

A: The University of Texas at Tyler’s Career Services office maintains a list of job openings that our students can use as a resource of available positions. The University also sponsors an Education Career Fair once a year.

Q: If I get a teaching position, will I be paid the same?

A: An individual who is hired to teach has all the rights and responsibilities of any first year teacher. As a newly hired teacher in a school district, you will apply for a probationary certificate through the Certification Office after you have attained a deficiency plan. This probationary certificate enables you to meet the federally legislated standards of No Child Left Behind while you work on completing your certification.

Q: What does a Probationary Certificate cost?

A: Cost: Probationary Certificate $52.00; Fingerprinting fee $47.00

Q: When do I take my exams?

A: You may be directed to take the content exam early in your program. These exams are offered six times a year, and preparation manuals are available at the State Board for Educator Certification’s website: www.sbec.state.tx.us. You will take the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR) exam when you are completing the last of your required coursework. (See your advisor, Ms. Fender, for details)

Q: How much do the state exams—TExES or ExCET—cost?

A: At this time, each state exam is $82.00

Q: What about financial aid?

A: The Financial Aid office located in Room 215 of the Administration Building (903-566-7180) will be happy to discuss opportunities that are available for certification students.

Q: What happens when I finish my coursework?

A: When all required State exams and all coursework, including student teaching or internship, have been successfully completed, you will apply for your standard classroom teaching certificate. This certificate is renewable every five years.

Cost: Standard Certificate $77.00; Fingerprinting (if not completed for a probationary certificate) $47.00