Exams
Texas Examination of Educator Standards (TExES) refers to a series of content tests given by the state of Texas to teachers or individuals wanting to become teachers.
Currently, all tests in the TExES program contain multiple-choice questions. Some tests also have other types of questions (e.g., open-ended written or oral responses).
In Texas, a “Content Test” is required to teach a specific subject. Each teacher must pass a test demonstrating their understanding of the content he or she will teach in the classroom. TExES is just the umbrella term that refers to all the individual content tests in the state.
There are two ways to become a certified teacher. The first is the "traditional" route. You go to college, you earn your degree in education, and then you complete a student teaching and content test. That route to certification is very expensive when compared to the alternate route of going through a program like Web-Centic ACP. However, each route has its pros and cons and you must choose the program that is right for you.
A traditional college education is a good choice if you intend to become a teacher after you finish your college education.
It is probably best to take the alternative route if you have already graduated college and wish to become a teacher (perhaps as a second career).
There are a few key factors to consider before choosing an alternative certification program. Do you know if the program is approved by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and in good standing?
It is very important to make sure the program is in good standing with TEA and is fully accredited. There are larger programs that push their weight around and hide behind a national accreditation, but they have problems with their accreditation when it comes to Texas and TEA. A national accreditation is useless if the program is not in good standing with TEA.
Web-Centric ACP has been online since 2005 and we are fully accredited by TEA, and our accreditation is in good standing.
Does the program take place online, in person, or both? Currently Web-Centric ACP is a 100% online certification program, which means everything you do will be done completely over the internet when it comes to program curriculum. Of course, your one-year teaching internship will be done in a classroom setting.
How much does the program cost? Web-Centric ACP is the most affordable program in the state of Texas. Others claim to be, but we dare them to match us. Most programs are over $4,000 and require monthly fees to be paid while enrolled. However, with WCACP, you have the option of not paying program fees until you are in the classroom teaching and earning a full teacher salary.
You also have the option to pay your program fees in full and save over $650 in the process. At just $3,350 you can become a fully certified teacher! That’s right! $3,350 and no other program comes close! Not only that, but we offer everything other programs offer and more, and what makes us stand out is our customer service. We take pride in our customer service and that is why most of our business comes from referrals!
You can find a list of approved certification programs in Texas, as well as their approval status with the state, on this website.
Approved Certification Programs in Texas
What is the process for getting hired as a teacher?
There is more to this question than meets the eye. Truthfully, any school can hire anyone they want at any time. When schools do not hire properly qualified teachers, they can get into big trouble if the teacher performs poorly.
Before hiring a teacher, schools typically require two things:
The appropriate content test must be passed, and they have enrolled in an alternative certification program like Web-Centric ACP.
If you meet those two criteria, then you have a good chance of being hired.
How do I become a teacher?
Pass your content test and enroll in a certification program before you're hired to teach. However, the more work you can complete in your certification program, the better. A certification program can help you prepare for some of the challenges you will face during your first year as a teacher.
What is the date of my certification exam?
You should take your content test as soon as possible once enrolled in an ACP so that you can get your statement of eligibility and start looking for teaching jobs so that you can begin your one-year teaching internship.
Can you tell me what certification exam I need to take?
Check out the teacher certifications that we offer. Choose one that best fits you, take the exam, and then get hired. Apply for free today and let our team of experts guide you on what subject area you are qualified to teach based on your college transcripts. There is absolutely no obligation and we are happy to help you in any way we can.
The certification process has introduced me to a lot of new words - what do they mean?
Take a look at this glossary - it contains the majority of terms you need to know as a new teacher.
A glossary of important terms
What is an ACP or EPP: An alternative certification program is an approved educator preparation program for those with a baccalaureate degree.
Intern: Students who are enrolled in an ACP and are teaching in the classroom earning credit towards their standard teaching certificate while completing a one-year teaching internship.
Internship: A one-year teaching internship at a school district, accredited private school or charter school may lead to a standard certificate recommendation considering all program requirements have also been met.
Teacher of Record: Typically, an intern who teaches the majority of their instructional day in their content area is employed by a school district, private school, or charter school. The teacher of record must be responsible for evaluating student achievement and assigning grades.
Program Transfer Form: It is used by SBEC to transfer a teaching candidate from one program to another. It must be completed by the new program, the old program, and the teaching candidate.
Content Test: Testing the knowledge of a teacher candidate regarding a specific subject area is called a content test. The content exam is intended to ensure that each educator has the prerequisite content and professional knowledge necessary for an entry-level teaching position in Texas.
Contingency Admission: If the applicant is currently completing their final semester of coursework towards a Bachelor's degree, they are eligible for contingency admission. It is not possible to extend the contingency admission beyond the semester it was granted.
Statement of Eligibility: This form verifies that the teacher is enrolled in Web-Centric ACP and lists the high levels of certification for the content exam/s they have passed. Once the statement of eligibility has been completed by a campus administrator, it will be returned to you.
Field Supervisor: A field supervisor is a certified educator hired by an alternative certification program to observe interns, monitor their performance, and provide constructive feedback while the intern is teaching in the classroom.
Cooperating Teacher: In the classroom where you are assigned, the cooperating teacher provides feedback and support to the clinical teacher. As part of their clinical teaching assignment, the cooperating teacher and clinical teacher must play a supportive / formative role. A clinical teaching assignment is one that takes an average of 14-weeks to become certified, and as previously outlined in this article, the teaching position is non-paid.
Observation Hours: In order to prepare teaching candidates for the classroom, observation hours cover a wide variety of experiences. Substitute teaching, tutoring, aide experience, or observation of a certified teacher in the classroom are examples of this. SBEC/TEA encourages interaction with neighboring teachers and administrators in the building.
Service Record: An educator's service record documents their activities and accomplishments while serving as educators. It is usually requested from the human resources department.
English as a Foreign Language Test (TOEFL): This test measures your ability to communicate in English through reading, listening, and writing.