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College of Education
Office of Educator Preparation

How It Works: Educator Certification

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  • What is the Office of Educator Preparation?

    • Welcome! We are thrilled you are considering Texas State University for your teacher certification. The Office of Educator Preparation collaborates with several departments on campus to guide candidates through our university-based Educator Preparation Program (EPP).

      It is important to note that many entities are interested in who becomes a teacher: the federal government, state government, universities, accrediting bodies, school districts, parents, etc. 

      The laws and rules for educator certification are written and regulated by the entities listed below, and the Office of Educator Preparation (OEP) implements the laws and rules created by these institutions:

      • The U.S. Department of Education
      • The State Board of Educator Certification (SBEC)
      • The Texas Education Agency (TEA)
      • The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
      • The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
      • Texas State University offices of Undergraduate and Graduate Admissions
      • The colleges of Applied Arts, Education, Fine Arts and Communication, Liberal Arts, and Science and Engineering

    • Texas State University’s Educator Preparation Program Exit Policy

      Texas State University’s Educator Preparation Program, hereafter TXST EPP, is committed to educating, graduating, and certifying candidates who will be effective educators. Teacher candidates are carefully assessed throughout the educator preparation program for effective teaching practices, successful course completion, and adherence to program standards. Candidates may be dismissed from the TXST EPP if they do not follow Texas educators’ professional and ethical expectations. This document details why a teacher candidate may be dismissed from TXST EPP. This policy is specific to the EPP’s programs for teacher certification. It does not replace any broader university retention/dismissal policies. Notably, the Texas Administrative Code requires that all EPPs have a published exit policy for the dismissal of candidates (TAC §228.31(b)). Candidates are required to review and sign this exit policy upon admission to the EPP. 

       

      Teacher candidates may be removed from TXST EPP for the following reasons: 

      • Violation(s) of Texas State University’s Code of Student Conduct that endanger the physical and/or psychological safety of others.
      • Violations(s) of the Texas Educators’ Code of Ethics (19 Texas Administrative Code § 247.2) that endanger the physical and/or psychological safety of others. 
      • Violations(s) of applicable PK-12 teacher handbooks during field-based experiences, clinical teaching, internship, or practicum that endanger the physical and/or psychological safety of others.
      • Reaching Level 4 in the Program Standard Development Process. 
      • School/district partners are unwilling to accept the teacher candidate field for experience/clinical teaching. 
      • The teacher candidate fails to make timely progress toward program completion. 
        • The teacher candidate has not completed any coursework, training, or testing requirements for a period of two years and is not a program completer, and is therefore considered inactive in accordance with TAC §228.31(b)
      • The teacher candidate, who is an intern teacher, fails to fulfill the roles and responsibilities of a professional educator.
      • Failure to become certified within two years of degree/program completion.  

       

      Exit Process

      The TXST Director of Educator Preparation determines exit from TXST EPP in consultation with a standing committee composed of three full-time teacher certification faculty and a representative from the teacher candidate’s respective program. This exit process may be initiated at any time a student is enrolled in the program. A degree-seeking candidate dismissed from the EPP may be allowed to complete their degree without obtaining certification. Candidates may appeal the Director of Educator Preparation’s decision to the Dean of the College of Education. The Dean’s decision on dismissal is final and not appealable.    

  • How long does it take to become a certified teacher?

    • Depending on your program and certification area, it can take anywhere from 2 years to 4 or more years to earn certification. 

      • For more information about how long each program might take, visit Program Length.

  • How much does it cost to become certified?

    • Costs include University Tuition and Fees as well as state and program fees. 

      • For more information about how much it costs to become certified, visit Program Costs.

  • What certificates are available through Texas State University?

    • Texas State University offers a variety of certificates for grades K-12 as well as student services certificates and principal and superintendent certification. 

  • How do I get started?

  • Apply!