The Digital Frontier: Empowering Texas Educators Through Online Certification

Leading Texas Educator Preparation Programs (EPP) have custom trainee plans designed to deliver the entire teacher training program online, making it possible for candidates to pursue certification training from anywhere in the country.

Through such programs, applicants use digital solutions to complete the training, from application to learning, sitting exams, and completing field-based experiences. This approach is an effective way of nurturing teachers of tomorrow in the heart of Texas.

Online Admission

Applicants seeking admission to the Texas Teachers of Tomorrow Educator Preparation Program, for example, do not require in-person screening. Applicants only need an internet-enabled device to apply for the EPP. Once admitted for training, they will access all the training material and interact with their teachers and fellow trainees online.

The Texas State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) allows EPPs to use digital screening instruments to gauge applicant suitability and aptitude for the certification. Educator training programs follow the laid out SBCE parameters to assess each candidate's:

• Skill level.
• Knowledge
• Experience
• Aptitude for teaching.

They then give a score based on the results of the screen. Candidates who meet the cut score for each certificate area qualify for admission to the training program. Not sure which certification area to select? You can consult Texas Teachers Program Advisors for help making the right choice. They will evaluate your qualifications and guide you in finding the subject area for which you're best suited.

Training

Great online teacher certification programs offer more than 100 hours of instructional training. The training is 100% delivered online, with the curriculum focused on preparing trainees for the classroom. Candidates can expect research-based training that covers:

1. Professionalism for educators.
2. Code of ethics applicable to Texas educators.
3. How to be an effective teacher.
4. Communication and collaboration skills.
5. How to prepare for a teaching career.

It takes about 9–12 months for most applicants to complete the program. The variation in learning duration happens because trainees learn at their own pace and can schedule lessons for when they are available. Or they can spend more time on some lessons if need be. At the end of the program, trainees should be confident in their skills and have the confidence to manage a classroom at their chosen grade level.

Exam Prep

Preparing for teacher certification also entails being exam-ready. Reputable educator programs equip their trainees for all the exams they should take. Any program offering online teacher certification should go the extra mile to help trainees familiarize themselves with the test material and format.

Candidates have a set of online exam prep resources that may include, video tutorials, study guides, test preparation manuals, and practice tests.

But perhaps one of the most powerful resources available for candidates is the community of fellow trainees. Educator programs usually have community forums where educators-in-training can share their experience, study tips, and test preparation tools. It's where trainees who've already taken their exams can give feedback on the tests. Candidates waiting to sit their exams can learn from this feedback and use it to improve in areas where they're weak.

Field-Based Experiences

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) requires educator programs to offer 15 hours of in-person field-based experiences (FBE). Candidates may also receive 15 hours of FBE in digital format. Or they can gain experience by working as a substitute teacher.

In-person FBE

The candidate shall actively engage in instructional activities for 15 hours throughout the educator program. Activities covered during this time include:

• Educational activities in a public school accredited by the TEA.
• Interacting with actual students in classroom or instructional settings.
• Grade-level classroom or instructional settings.
• Instruction by certified teachers.
• Written reflection on their experience and observation.

Digital FBE

Where candidates complete FBE electronically, they should meet these goals:

• Authentic school settings—This can be a public or private school accredited by the TEA.
• Actual students in classroom or instructional settings
• Grade-level classrooms or instructional settings
• The experience should be under the direction of the EPP
• Instruction by certified teachers
• Candidates should submit a written reflection of their observation

Long-term substitute FBE

Candidates can also meet their 15 hours of FBE by serving as long-term substitute teachers. To satisfy this requirement:

• Learners must carry out instructional or educational activities in a public or private school accredited by the TEA.
• The EPP must document the learner's instructional activities.

Under the long-term substitute category, the TEA allows candidates to complete their FBE two years before their date of admission to the EPP or after their admission to the EPP.

Trainee Supervision

The EPP assigns a mentor to each candidate, depending on where they are in the program. Three classes of supervisors are available:

• Mentors–for candidates on internship.
• Cooperating teachers–for candidates doing clinical teaching experience.
• Site supervisors–for candidates doing their practicum.

Mentors must meet the qualification requirements set by the TEA, which include:

1. Three years of experience as a teacher.
2. Have completed mentor training.
3. Certified in the category in which the applicant seeks certification.

Field supervisors collaborate with the candidate, their mentor or cooperating teacher, and their campus supervisor throughout the internship or clinical teaching experience.

Once the candidate completes educator training and FBE and passes the relevant tests, exams, and background checks, they can receive certification.

Final Thoughts

Applicants interested in becoming certified educators in Texas can leverage digital tools to obtain their certification in a simplified, convenient way. Educator preparation programs use modern technology to make it easy for candidates in and out of state to pursue certification. With most EPPs, all steps involved in the training, from admission to exam sitting, can be done online. The only exception is the field-based experience, which must happen in person.