Eduaction
Admission to the Teacher Education Program
Students pursuing teacher certification or Teacher’s Professional Development courses 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.
Professional education course work is reserved for students who have met admissions requirements, made application, and have been approved into the Teacher Education Program. To be eligible to apply to the Program, a candidate must:
- 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 completed 60 semester hours, or be enrolled in the semester that will complete 60 hours.
- have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.75.
- meet institutional English proficiency requirements by one of the following:
- “B” or higher in both ENG 1113 and ENG 1123, or equivalent courses. Students who fail to score an “A or B” will be required to make a “B” or higher in ENG 2213.
- Score of 29 or higher on the English portion of the ACT.
- meet Speech proficiency requirements by obtaining a “C” or higher in SPH 1113, or an equivalent course.
- meet Math proficiency requirements by passing MTH 1123 or an equivalent course.
- 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. 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 letters of recommendation 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 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 which 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.