Teacher certification program

We welcome your interest in applying here at INSPIRE TEXAS | Educator Certification by Region 4. Please read carefully the information within this section if your background and education are from Puerto Rico or a foreign country.

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Getting Started

If you are applying for bilingual teacher certification and your bachelor’s degree or equivalent comes from a non-English-speaking university outside the United States, the following is required:

Application Requirements

1. A four- or five-year university degree: Degree from an accredited college or university in the United States or equivalent. 
2. A four- or five-year university degree from outside of the U.S. must be evaluated, verified, and deemed equivalent to a bachelor’s degree by an approved credential evaluation service.

3. GPA: 2.75 Grade Point Average (GPA) or equivalent.

4. English Language Proficiency Assessment: Must be demonstrated before preservice training by one of the following:
   1. Completion of an undergraduate or graduate degree at an institution of higher education in the United States.
   2. Completion of an undergraduate or graduate degree at an institution of higher education outside of the United States where the primary language of instruction was English. A letter from the university or an evaluation company verifying the language of instruction is required.
   3. Verification of satisfactory score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language-Internet Based Test (TOEFL iBT). Applicant must take all four portions (Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing) for a score to be calculated. All four sections must meet the folowwing criteria: The acceptable passing score on the Speaking portion is 24; Listening is 22; Reading is 22; and Writing is 21. To have scores submitted directly to Region 4, use our institution code 4805.
   4. Please register at the Education Testing Center (ETS)
   5. Information concerning the Texas Education Agency English language proficiency requirements, including new score requirements for the Test of English as a Foreign Language - Internet Based Test (TOEFL-iBT)
   6. List of countries outside of the United States approved by the State for Educator Certification (SBEC).

1. Core Subjects EC–6, Special Education, ESL, and Bilingual EC–6 areas of certification: 24 total college hours including English, mathematics, science, and social studies with a minimum of 3 college hours in each subject.
2. Core Subjects 4–8 , Special Education, ESL, and Bilingual 4–8 areas of certification: 36 total college hours including English, mathematics, science, and social studies with a minimum of 6 college hours in each subject.
3. Mathematics 4–8 and/or 8–12: 30 college hours in mathematics. 15 semester hours must be in at least one teachable subject.
4. Composite Science 4–8 and/or 8–12: 30 college hours in science. 15 semester hours must be in at least one teachable subject.
5. Documents Needed
   1. ​Copy of “diploma” and copy of “cédula profesional” (Only for Mexico graduates)
   2. Copy of diploma stating that a bachelor’s degree was conferred
   3. Original transcripts from all universities attended
   4. Original credential evaluation (if available)
   5. Criminal history record (“Carta de no-antecedentes penales”)
   6. Copy of front page of passport or official U.S. ID
   7. Three letters of recommendation
   8. A self-addressed, stamped envelope to return transcripts (one SASE per mailing) 

INSPIRE TEXAS FEES (Effective May 1, 2018)

*Additional fees may apply based on the institution and the country of origin. Verification (with existing evaluation from an approved agency) will start at $75, with fees subject to change based on the institution and the country of origin.

Timelines

 

Application and Documents Submission Deadline	Prerequisite Training	Preservice Training
April 15, 2019	April 25, 2019–July 14, 2019	May 1, 2019–October 6, 2019
July 15, 2019	July 25, 2019–October 13, 2019	August 14, 2019–January 19, 2020
October 15, 2019	October 24, 2019–January 12, 2020	November 6, 2019–April 19, 2020
January 15, 2020	January 23, 2020 – April 12, 2020	February 5, 2020 – July 19, 2020
April 15, 2020	April 23, 2020 – July 12, 2020	May 6, 2020 – October 11, 2020

 

FREE TEACHER INFORMATION MEETINGS

Any questions? Many questions? Seek answers about the certification process by attending a free information meeting. Learn about our programs, admissions, costs, alumni experiences, and more. We know it’s a significant step, and we want you to be in the best position to make a well-informed decision.