SAGU TEXAS Alternative Teacher Certification

Become a Certified Texas Educator Through SAGU's Alternative Teacher Certification Program.

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Low Pricing

SAGU Alternative Certification is available for a simple package price of $5,155. Coursework: $3,600 Field Supervision: $1,500 Teacher Education Program Application: $55

Master’s (M.Ed.) Credit

Get certified and be halfway toward an M.Ed. When you are done, you will have 18 hours of credit toward your accredited master's degree.

* Receive a priority tuition rate to complete your M.Ed. through Harrison Graduate School.

Financial Aid Available

Unlike some alt-cert programs, SAGU students are eligible for federal financial aid, reducing your out-of-pocket costs. Pay for your certification on your terms.

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.

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Field 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

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.

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Take a simple step toward your alternative certification.

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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.
  • Complete the SAGU Teacher Education Program Application.
    The approval process includes passing the THEA exam, 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.

Questions & Answers

SAGU Alternative Certification (ACP) is a university-based program designed to serve as an alternative to the traditional teacher education certification process in the state of Texas. SAGU faculty and advisors work with highly-motivated individuals who have a passion for teaching. This non-traditional ACP is specifically designed for individuals who have earned a bachelor’s degree and who desire to earn teacher certification in the state of Texas.
Individuals who have earned a bachelor’s degree and have at least 24 credit hours of undergraduate coursework in a specific content area are eligible for the ACP. Individuals must meet with program advisors to review transcripts and determine eligibility.
No. Individuals interested in the ACP can hold a degree in any field.
No. Individuals seeking employment must be hired by an independent school district (ISD) or TEA approved charter school and meet district employment qualifications.
Yes. Texas law requires all program candidates to complete a minimum of 30 hours in an approved classroom. These experiences allow individuals to experience the day-to-day functions of a classroom, network with teachers and principals, and determine the grade level where they are most compatible. This requirement must be completed prior to the internship.
SAGU Alternative Certification is approved through the Texas Education Agency to offer certification in a wide variety of fields. A complete list can be found at: Educator Certification Online System .
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