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Prairie View A&M University
Alternative Teacher Certification Program
1-2-3 The Steps To Certification

There are a lot of requirements to meet before gaining your Provisional Certification in the State of Texas. This informal list will help keep you on track. You can even check off the steps as you complete them. If you have any questions, just give us a call at (409) 857-2312. Please Note: This list applies to the ATCP of Prairie View A&M University. Other programs may deviate from the requirements listed here. Be sure to contact the offices of your specific program for correct infomation.

Let's Begin
You must have your transcripts evaluated to verify that you meet the minimum state requirements for entry into the program. (You can check those requirements online at http://www.oocities.org/~kittyestes/ATCP/Official/entryreqs.html). No evaluation is official until the ATCP receives official transcripts to verify coursework and GPAs, and issues a final acceptance letter. If you meet the requirements, you begin the Application Process.

Step 1 - The Application Process (Status:Applicant)
  1. Complete an ATCP application _____
  2. Pay the $50.00 Application Fee _____
  3. Submit 3 ATCP reference forms _____
  4. Submit official transcripts for all college work _____
  5. Submit proof of passage of all 3 sections of the TASP _____
  6. Submit a one-page Philosophy of Education _____
  7. Gain admittance to the Graduate School at PVAMU _____
  8. Sit for a Haberman Interview _____
  9. Attend Orientation (if at all possible) _____
  10. Register for Class(es) _____
  11. Complete a Content Area Self-Evaluation _____
  12. Complete 30 hours of classroom observation _____
  13. Turn in your required Observation Log _____
Please Note: Applicants should begin looking for a teaching position immediately upon receipt of their final acceptance letter from the PVAMU ATCP (if they have not already done so). Be aware that securing employment is the sole responsibility of the applicant, the ATCP does not place it's interns.

Once you have secured employment, you move to the Employment Process.

Step 2 - The Employment Process (Status:Intern)
  1. Have your district representative complete the Statement of Eligibility for Internship form _____
  2. Sign, and have your district representative sign your ATCP financial contract to set up payroll deduction of internship fees ($3,200.00) _____
  3. Complete and submit your application for Probationary Certification _____
  4. Submit a money order made payable to SBEC in the amount of $50.00 for the Probationary Certification Application Fee _____
  5. Submit a school information form _____
  6. Deliver Mentor Handbook to your mentor teacher _____
  7. Submit the Mentor Commitment Form completed by your mentor _____
  8. Submit the Principal Commitment Form completed by your principal _____
  9. Attend Mentor/Intern Training with your mentor _____
  10. Pick up your Internship Log Book during the first ATCP class of the fall semester _____
As autumn approaches and the school bells ring, it's time to get serious about meeting the rest of the state's requirements for certification.

Step 3 - The Certification Process (Status:Intern)
  1. Verify that your district is deducting the correct amount of intern fees from your paycheck (this is your responsibility) _____
  2. Pass a criminal check _____
  3. *Complete 6 intern half-day observation sheets - 1 2 3 4 5 6
  4. *Your mentor completes 6 half-day observation sheets - 1 2 3 4 5 6
  5. *Complete 12 mentor/intern conference sheets - 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
  6. *Your University Supervisor completes 6 classroom observations - 1 2 3 4 5 6
  7. *Your principal (asst. principal or other authorized district representative) completes 6 Principal walk-through forms - 1 2 3 4 5 6
  8. *Obtain a completed PDAS or TTAS evaluation _____
  9. Earn a passing score on the Secondary Professional Development ExCET _____
  10. Earn a passing score on the Secondary Content Area ExCET _____
  11. Your principal submits a recommendation form _____
  12. Turn in your completed Internship Log Book with all of the paperwork above marked with an "*" _____
  13. Submit official PVAMU transcripts showing completion of all 4 required ATCP classes with no grade lower than a C _____
  14. Complete and submit an application for Provisional Certification _____
  15. Submit a money order mady payable to SBEC in the amount of $75.00 for the Provisional Certification Application Fee _____
THAT'S ALL FOLKS!

Keep in mind that while you are meeting the requirements above, you must register and pay tuition for your courses, attend class and turn in all coursework assigned. While this may seem like a lot of work, it is manageable as long as you stay organized and keep on top of where you stand with the completion of your requirements. This list should help with that!


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