Be a certified Texas educator in 2 years or less.
Seeking a career change? Follow your passion in education and shape the minds of future generations.
SAGU alternative certification is an alternative to the traditional teacher education certification process in the state of Texas. You will work with credentialed advisors who will review your previous coursework and field-based experience to design a program that assists you in becoming certified.
Students who participate must hold a bachelor’s degree with at least 24 credit hours in an approved field of study. Qualified students must meet SAGU Teacher Education program requirements, pass required content exams, and secure a year-long internship in an accredited school district.
SAGU Teach Texas advisors will work with students through each step of this process.
Apply nowField Experience
SAGU’s Teacher Education Program integrates direct instruction with hands-on learning experiences in local schools. Each student taking education-related courses is required to complete Field Experience in a local public, charter, or private Christian School. The number of hours of Field Experience vary by program and course.
When students enroll in a course with required Field Experience hours, students must contact the Education Department Office to set up their placement. All placements must be made through our office in order for students to access local schools. Students enrolled in Distance Education courses with required Field Experience must also contact the Education Department Office for guidance.
The following forms must be reviewed, completed, and returned in order for Field Experience hours to be processed:
State Certification
- Teacher Education Certifcation Flowchart
- SAGU Teacher Certification Testing Policies
- TExES Testing Process Flowchart
State & Federal Reports
Military Service Waivers
In accordance with 19 TAC §228.35(a)(5)(A), military service members or military veterans may be given credit for certain verified military service, training, or education toward the training, education, work experience or related requirements (other than certification examinations) for educator certification requirements, provided that the military service, train, or education is directly related to the certificate being sought. Contact the education department for additional information.
Effective September 1, 2015, the TEA waives certain fees for eligible military service members, military veterans, and military spouses. For more information, please see the TEA website at: https://tea.texas.gov/Texas_Educators/Certification/Military_Community
Information regarding Military Service Members, Military Spouses, and Military Veterans may be found in the Texas Administrative Code 234 at https://texreg.sos.state.tx.us/public/readtac$ext.TacPage?sl=R&app=9&p_dir=&p_rloc=&p_tloc=&p_ploc=&pg=1&p_tac=&ti=19&pt=7&ch=234&rl=1
In accordance with 19 TAC §228.35(a)(5)(B), those who are not military service member or military veterans may be able to substitute prior or ongoing service, training or education, provided that the experience, education or training is not also counted as pare to the internship, clinical teaching, or practicum requirements, and the aforementioned was provided by an approved EPP or an accredited institution of higher education within the last five years, and is directly related to the certificate being sought.
Criminal History Checks
Prior to clinical teaching and field-based experiences, students will undergo school district criminal history checks. The state of Texas also requires a criminal background check before an individual can receive a Texas teacher certification. Information regarding requirements for certification may be found on the TEA website at: https://tea.texas.gov/texas-educators/certification/educator-certification-online-system
Texas Administrative Code (TAC) 227.101c) states that a person who is enrolled or planning to enroll in a State Board of Educator Certification-approved educator preparation program or planning to take a certification examination may request a preliminary criminal history evaluation letter regarding the person’s potential ineligibility for certification due to a conviction or deferred adjudication for a felony or misdemeanor offense. For more information about the Preliminary Criminal History Evaluation, go to the link: https://tea.texas.gov/Texas_Educators/Investigations/Preliminary_Criminal_History_Evaluation-FAQs
Calendar of Events
This document provides important deadlines and events for the education programs.
We will help you through the process.
SAGU advisors are available to encourage and coach you through the process to become a certified teacher in Texas.
- Speak with a SAGU Teach Texas academic advisor to determine an action plan.
- Apply to the Harrison School of Graduate Studies.
- Determine a content area and pass the PACT exam.
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Complete the SAGU Teacher Education Program Application.
The approval process includes completing the TJTA personality assessment, maintaining a qualified GPA, and effectively communicating a desire to become a teacher. - Pass the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR) exam.
- Complete program coursework, including Internship I and Internship II.
- Complete a one-year internship.
- Apply for Certification. Once certified, students are officially considered a Texas state teacher.