Eduaction
Education Program
STATE CERTIFICATION
Students on the graduate EC/Elementary track are eligible for state certification and must be formally accepted into the Teacher Education program.
Requirements For Graduate Students Seeking State Certification
Only those students pursuing state teacher certification need to be accepted into the
Teacher Education program. Candidates will be required to take the Texas Higher Education
Assessment (THEA), formerly the TASP Test. Registration bulletins for taking the THEA are
available in the Teacher Education Office. Internet registration is also available at
www.thea.nesinc.com.
Certification eligibility is reserved for students who have met admissions requirements, made application, and have been approved into the Teacher Education Program (Separate from admission to the Graduate program). Eligibility to the Program requires the candidate to:
- take the THEA and meet a minimum score of 260 in reading, 220 in math, and 220 in writing. Passing standards are subject to change as the State Board of Education changes minimum standards.
- have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.75.
- gain approval of the Teacher Education Committee.
- meet such standards as may be implemented by law in the State of Texas at any time during the student’s matriculation.
The candidate is responsible for initiating the application, which is available in the Office of Teacher Certification or on the Online Forms page. All applications must be accompanied by:
- a photocopy of the student’s ID card.
- a statement of purpose – a one-page, typed essay describing reasons for desiring a profession in the teaching field.
- two recommendations from individuals other than relatives, SAGU faculty members, or fellow students who can verify moral character and child/youth related experience or other work experience. Recommendation forms available on the SAGU Education Department website.
- recommendation from the University’s Counselor, based on results of the Taylor- Johnson Temperament Analysis (TJTA).
The purpose for taking the TJTA is to identify strengths possessed by the potential teacher. If the TJTA indicates areas that may need strengthening, the Teacher Education Committee may prescribe counseling which must be completed before admission to the Education program. The Counseling Office administers the TJTA and the results are sent to the Certification Officer upon completion.
Once the application packet is complete, the Teacher Education Committee will review the applicant’s file. The Committee reserves the right to request and interview as part of the application process. The Committee will vote and make a determination of acceptance or denial. Applicants will be notified by mail of the Committee’s decision. Any applicant who is denied acceptance will be given a clear statement of reasons for denial. Denial of admittance, for any reason, may be appealed in writing to the Teacher Education Committee and to the Vice President of Academic Affairs.
After being admitted into the Teacher Education Program, the student will work with an education advisor to plan the student’s program.