Alternative Teacher Certification Program Application Checklist

University of Texas at El Paso College of Education 915-747-7605 Alternative Teacher Certification Program Application Checklist Thank you for your interest in the UTEP Alternative Teacher Certification Program. This checklist is provided to assist you in the completion of your application packet. If further assistance is needed, please call our office. Please read all instructions carefully before submitting your application packet. The following documents are required by the Texas State Board of Educator Certification and must be submitted in order to be considered by the Alternative Teacher Certification Program. Application packets must include this checklist and the following documents: 1. Application. Signed and completed. 2. Transcripts. You must provide all official college transcripts showing degrees awarded and date conferred. Please request transcripts in advance. Computer downloaded or faxed transcripts are unacceptable. (Do not send transcripts to the ATCP office.) 3. TASP/THEA Scores. Writing 220, Essay-5, Math-230, Reading-250. GRE scores may be substituted: Verbal-400, Quantitative-400. GMAT Verbal-28, Quantitative-35. 4. Three Letters of Recommendation. One from an employer, an educator, and a personal reference. 5. On-Campus Evaluation Fee. $25 for the initial evaluation of the two certification areas. $25 for each additional evaluation thereafter. Check or money order only, payable to UTEP. No cash or credit cards accepted. Applications lacking any of the required documents are considered incomplete and will not be accepted. Please make copies of all original documents for your own records. The ATCP office will not provide copies of any documents submitted. Once you submit your application, all official documents become the property of UTEP and cannot be returned to you. DO NOT MAIL ANY DOCUMENTS TO UTEP OR THE ATCP OFFICE. ALL DOCUMENTS MUST BE SUBMITTED AS ONE COMPLETE PACKET. Applicant Name (print) Date Signature Received by: ATCP Revised 01-07Page 1 of 16

University of Texas at El Paso College of Education 915-747-7605 Alternative Teacher Certification Program Application Last Name First (MI) Social Security Number Home Address City State, Zip - Home Phone Work Phone Ext. Other Phone E-mail Current Employment State of Texas requirements for entry into any of the certification areas include: Bachelors degree or higher from an accredited institution of higher education. Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above on a four-point scale; or a 2.75 in the last sixty hrs. Required semester hours for the desired certification area, with a GPA of 2.50 in that content area. Passing TASP/THEA Scores. Writing 220, Essay-5, Math-230, Reading-250. GRE scores may be substituted: Verbal-400, Quantitative-400. GMAT Verbal-28, Quantitative-35. State approved exemptions apply for Math and Writing only. ESL is offered as a supplemental certification, not a certification area. If you are interested in receiving a supplemental certification, during your completion of the program, please contact our office at 915-747-7605. Check one: Pursuing Certification in Texas Pursuing Certification in New Mexico Application Agreement 1. The application is not complete unless all the blanks are filled in or checked, and the application is signed. 2. Copies of all required documents as listed on the Checklist of Required Documents must be submitted with the application. Once you submit your application, all official documents become the property of UTEP and cannot be returned to you. Signature of Applicant Date (My signature certifies that I have read the agreement terms listed above.) ATCP Revised 01-07Page 2 of 16

Please check Teaching Grade and Area that you are applying for: Teaching Grade and Area Early Childhood to Grade 4 Generalist Early Childhood to Grade 4 Bilingual Education Generalist Previous Coursework Needed (Undergraduate / Masters) 24 semester hour in a combination of English, Math, Science, and Social Studies with a minimum of 3 semester hours in each area 24 semester hour in a combination of English, Math, Science, and Social Studies with a minimum of 3 semester hours in each area (4-8) Generalist 36 semester hours in a combination of English/LA, Social Studies, Math, and Science, minimum of 3 semester hours in each area. (4-8) Bilingual Education Generalist (EC-12) Special Education (4-8) English/ Language Arts and Reading Composite (4-8) Social Studies Composite 36 semester hours in a combination of English/LA, Social Studies, Math, and Science, minimum of 3 semester hours in each area. 24 semester hours in a combination of English, Math, Science, and Social Studies with a minimum of 3 semester hours in each area. 24 semester hours in English/Language Arts and Reading, with a minimum of 6 hours in English Literature, with 12 hours upper division 24 semester hours, minimum of 12 hours in History and 12 hours from a combination of Political Science or Geography or Economics, with a minimum of 3 hours in each area, with 12 hours upper division 24 semester hours of Math and/or Statistics, with 12 hours upper division (4-8) Mathematics Composite (4-8) Science Composite 24 semester hours 12 semester hours in Biology or Geology or Physics or Chemistry and 12 semester hours from a combination of the other three subject areas, with a minimum of 3 hours in each area, with 12 hours upper division (8-12) Single Subject Area Circle One (8-12) English/ Language Arts and Reading Composite 24 semester hours in the selected field with 12 hours upper division. Mathematics, Life Sciences, Journalism, Speech, German, History, and French. 36 semester hours in English/LA and Reading, minimum of 6 hours in English Literature, with at least 18 hours upper division. (8-12) Physical Sciences 36 semester hours in a combination of Chemistry and Physics, with at least 18 hours upper division. ATCP Revised 01-07Page 3 of 16

(8-12) Science Composite 48 semester hours: 24 semester hours in one subject area with 12 upper division and 24 in a combination of the following areas: Biology, Chemistry, Geology, and Physical Science/Physics with at least 3 semester hours in each area. (8-12) Social Studies Composite 48 semester hours: 24 semester hours in one subject area with 12 upper division and 24 in a combination of the following areas: History, Political Science, Geography, and Economics with at least 3 semester hours in each area. (6-12) Spanish 24 semester hours of Spanish, with 12 hours upper division (6-12) Business Education 48 semester hours in Business courses (24 at the upper division) to include: Accounting, Statistics, Business, Business English, Business Law, Marketing, Management, Economics, Finance, Computer Information Systems (EC-12) Physical Education 36 semester hours 36 semester hours in Physical Education or Kinesiology, with 18 semester hours of upper division (EC-12) Theater Arts 24 semester hours: Acting (6 hrs), Dance Pedagogy (3 hrs), Contemporary Dance (3 hrs.), Creative Drama (3 hrs.), Lighting Design (3 hrs.), with at least 18 hours upper division. (6-12) Dance 24 semester hours: Techniques (6 hrs.), Dance Pedagogy (3 hrs.), Contemporary Dance (3 hrs.), Composition / Choreography (3 hrs.), Performance (3 hrs.), Theory (3 hrs.), Production Stagecraft (3 hrs.), with at least 18 hours upper division. (EC-12) Music (EC-12) Art (EC-12) Health 24 semester hours: Music Theory (6 hrs.), Music History & Cultural (6 hrs.), Music Performance (6 hrs.), Music Instruction (6 hrs.), with at least 18 hours upper division. 24 semester hours: Basic Design (6 hrs.), Methods Materials / Techniques (6 hrs.), Art Culture Heritage (3 hrs.), Studio Art Instruction (3 hrs.), with at least 18 hours upper division. 24 semester hours: Community Health (9 hrs.), Health Instruction (3 hrs.), First Aid (3hrs.), Family/Human Sexuality (3 hrs.), Substance Abuse (3 hrs.), Wellness (3 hrs.), with at least 12 hours upper division. ATCP Revised 01-07Page 4 of 16

Educational Information Degree(s) College/University Date Conferred (mm/dd/yy) Previous Work Experience (last five years): Employer Job Description Period of Employment From To From To From To From To Are you ex-military? No Yes If so, what was your rank? Are you a returned Peace Corps Volunteer? No Yes If so, in what country did you serve? Tell us about your previous experience with children/adolescents or teaching: Tell us about your hobbies: In 50 words or less, please describe why you would like to become a teacher. Please attach three letters of recommendation to your application, one from each of the following groups: a former employer, an educator, and a character reference. ATCP Revised 01-07Page 5 of 16

University of Texas at El Paso College of Education 915-747-7605 Alternative Teacher Certification Program TASP/THEA Exemption Standards The UTEP El Paso area Alternative Teacher Certification Program (ATCP) will recognize a grade of B or higher in appropriate courses to satisfy the TASP/THEA requirements. The courses listed below will be accepted in exchange for the TASP/ THEA requirement in the subject area if earned with a grade of B or better. MATHEMATICS MATH 1320 /3120 or 1319 (UTEP) MATH 1314/1324 (EPCC) MATH 131 (Park College) OR MATH 208 or 209 (University of Phoenix) OR College Level Algebra or above ENGL 1311 (Expository English) OR WRITING ENGL 1312 (Research and Critical Writing) OR ENGL 1313 (Writing about Literature) OR ENGL 3359 (Technical Writing) OR ENGL 3361 (Introduction to Creative Writing) GRE Scores may also be substituted for the TASP/THEA. The following scores must be acquired: 400 Quantitative and 400 Verbal GMAT Scores may be substituted for the TASP/THEA. The following scores must be acquired: Verbal 28, Quantitative 35. ATCP Revised 01-07Page 6 of 16

University of Texas at El Paso College of Education 915-747-7605 Quick THEA Test Information W HAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN QUICK THEA, THEA, AND CAT THEA? The Quick THEA, THEA, and CAT THEA are all the same test offered in different formats and offered on different dates. Quick THEA The Quick THEA is offered at UTEP on a monthly basis. The cost for the Quick THEA is $50.00. Scores from the Quick THEA are mailed approximately two weeks after the test date. THEA The statewide THEA is offered five days each year. Registration is required and can be completed by mailing a THEA registration form available in the THEA Bulletins or online http://www.thea.nesinc.com. THEA Bulletins are available in high school counselors offices and several UTEP offices. The cost for the THEA test is $29.00. (Additional late fees of $20- $30 may apply if you do not register by the regular registration deadline). Scores for the THEA are mailed approximately two weeks after the test date. Contact the National Evaluation Systems, Inc. (NES ) for information about any test fees or services at (512) 927-5101. CAT THEA The Computer-Administered Test (CAT) THEA is typically offered weekly at El Paso Community College. Once you have completed the test, or at the end of five hours, you will have the opportunity to score your test or cancel your score for any or all sections. If you choose to score your test, the scores for the reading and math sections of the test will appear on the computer monitor and an unofficial report for these sections will be printed. You will be able to take this unofficial score report with you. You will not receive an on-site score report for the writing section; however, your writing score will be included with the official score report that will be mailed one week following the receipt of your writing sample at NES. You can contact the EPCC Valle Verde campus at 831-2223. W HAT CAN I EXPECT DURING THE QUICK THEA? You will be required to complete a registration form at the beginning of the test session. Once the test has begun, you will have five hours to complete the test section(s) that you need. The Student Assessment & Testing Office does not determine or advise which sections of the test you should take. H OW CAN I STUDY FOR THE QUICK THEA? A practice test is available at http://www.thea.nesinc.com Study guides can be purchased at the UTEP Bookstore. Study guides are also available at local bookstores. ATCP Revised 01-07Page 7 of 16

University of Texas at El Paso College of Education 915-747-7605 GENERAL INFORMATION Alternative Teacher Certification Program Frequently Asked Questions What is the Alternative Teacher Certification Program? The University of Texas at El Paso/El Paso Area Alternative Teacher Certification Program provides a unique opportunity to become a fully certified teacher in one calendar year. It is a training program designed to certify individuals who hold Bachelor s degrees in disciplines other than in education. If selected, participants will work as paid teachers in the classroom and begin two or three semesters of college course work in addition to completing 45 hours of observation the area they are seeking certification. Participants will work in the classroom as a teacher of record, receiving the same salary and benefits as an entry-level teacher. In addition, they will be supervised and supported by university personnel and be assigned a mentor teacher. During the twelve month training period, each participant will complete specified credit hours of course work. Most courses are graduate level courses and will count toward a master s degree. Each participant must also pass the TExES exams in his/her particular field before applying for their Texas Teaching certificate. Participants employed by the Gadsden School District will need to pass the New Mexico Teacher Assessment exam(s). Upon satisfactory completion of the program and state exams, both U.T. El Paso and the school districts will recommend the individual to the State Board of Educators Certification for a Texas Teaching Certificate or to the New Mexico Department of Education for a New Mexico License. What do I need in order to apply to the Alternative Teacher Certification Program? In order to apply to the Alternative Teacher Certification Program, you must first meet the following requirements: Hold a Bachelor s degree or higher from an accredited institution of higher education Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above on a four point scale; or a 2.75 in the last 60 hrs ATCP Revised 01-07Page 8 of 16

Have passing TASP/THEA Scores: Writing 220, Essay 5, Math 230, Reading 250, or GRE scores of: 400 verbal and 400 Quantitative as a substitution. GMAT Scores: Verbal 28, Quantitative 35. What if my degree is from an institution outside of the United States? If your degree is from a foreign institution, you must check with the Alternative Teacher Certification Program for State Approved Foreign Credential Agencies. You will be required to submit your transcripts to one of the listed agencies first and then submit the translation/equivalency of your transcripts with your application. In addition, International Students must check with the UTEP Graduate School Admissions Office to see if they must also take the Test Of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). If required, the applicant must meet the minimum score of 550 (Paper- Based -Testing). What if I don t have a 2.50 or 2.75 GPA? Can I still apply? You may still apply to the program; however you will receive a letter stating how many additional credit hours you would need to take in order to raise your GPA to the required 2.50. The applicant will not be allowed to begin the program until the GPA requirement is met. What if I don t have the required TASP/THEA Test Scores? You may submit your application with the receipt of registration. However, you must take the TASP/THEA and submit your scores as soon as possible to complete the process of evaluation. You will be advised to contact the UTEP Testing Center immediately. All tests must be retaken until the required scores are met. Can I be exempt from taking the TASP/THEA? Yes, but only from the Writing and Mathematics sections of the exam. There are no exemptions from the Reading section. The only exemptions are to have taken and received a grade of B or better in the following courses: For Mathematics: MATH 1314/1324 (EPCC) MATH 1320/3120/1319 (UTEP) OR MATH 131 (Park College) OR MATH 208 or 209 (University of Phoenix) OR College Level Algebra or Above For Writing: ENGL 1311 (Expository English) OR ENGL 1312 (Research and Critical Writing) OR ENGL 1313 (Writing about Literature) OR ENGL 3359 (Technical Writing) OR ENGL 3361 (Introduction to Creative Writing) ATCP Revised 01-07Page 9 of 16

What if I have a Master s degree or graduated before the TASP/THEA was administered? Will I still be required to take the TASP/THEA? Yes. The state of Texas requires TASP/THEA scores for all applicants that wish to enter ATCP, regardless of any degrees they might hold beyond a Bachelor s degree. Where do I take the TASP/THEA? The statewide Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA) test is offered at various locations in Texas. The quick THEA and the CAT THEA may also be offered. Registration is required and can be completed by mailing a THEA registration form available online. Contact a university or community college in your area for testing and fee information. You can find more information about the THEA at their website http://www.thea.nesinc.com/index.asp You can take the THEA at the UTEP Student Assessment and Testing Center, located in the Education Building, Room 210. You may also visit their website for information at htpp://testing.utep.edu or call 915-747-5009. THEA study guides are available at the UTEP Bookstore and online. Tutoring sessions are also offered at the UTEP Tutoring & Learning Center, located in the UTEP Library, Room 300, 915-747-5366. You can practice the test online at http://www.tasp.nesinc.com/practice.htm What is the cost of the program? Participants must pay for tuition and books for college course work. On campus alterns must also pay a Program Training Fee of $2,800.00, and online students $3,000.00 which will be deducted from their salaries over the course of the year by the employing school district, charter or private school. Out of state tuition fees are applicable if coming from another state (Online students will not have out of state tuition fees). Approximate Cost (Please refer to current catalogs or visit the UTEP website to view current cost and fees as the are subject to change without notice.) $25.00 Application/Evaluation Fee for the first two teaching areas, $25 for each area thereafter. $29.00 / $50.00 THEA Exam / Quick THEA Exam $15.00 Graduate School Admission Fee $2,800.00 / $3,000.00 Training Fee Billed through payroll deduction throughout the contract year for on campus students. / Online students $82.00 For each TExES or TOPT Exam $77.00 Texas Teacher Certificate Fee $3600.00** Tuition and Fees for 18 hours of coursework (On Campus Program) and 18 hours of coursework (Online Program). These fees vary per semester. ATCP Revised 01-07Page 10 of 16

Please see current UTEP registration booklets. $600.00** Other University Fees may include but not limited to: textbooks, parking decals, materials, etc. Additional fees that may apply: $25.00 Reactivation fee after one year of applying to ATCP $25.00 Reevaluation fee for each additional teaching area *Exemptions include Ex-Military personnel who establish Texas residency and those who reside in another state but in a county that borders Texas. **Reflects approximate value When do I pay the Program Training Fee? The Program Training Fee will be deducted from your paycheck, for 10 months, once you begin your teaching assignment. When do I have to pay for my classes? You will be expected to pay your tuition in accordance to the University regulations. Contact the University Business Office for information regarding deadlines and fees. When must I complete the 45 hours of observation? You will be required to complete a total of 45 hours in an accredited school classroom setting representative of the area in which the candidate is seeking certification. Check with the ATCP office for the Observation Log forms. Credit will be awarded for individuals who have worked as substitutes, teaching assistants, or actual teachers. Please check with the ATCP office for more details. APPLICATION PROCESS How do I apply to the Alternative Teacher Certification Program? Pick up an application packet from the ATCP Office in Room 801 of the Education Bldg., or download it from our website. Fill out the application completely, along with all required documents as stated on the application checklist, sign and date it. ATCP Revised 01-07Page 11 of 16

What do I need to submit with my application? You will be required to submit the following documents with your application in person. Please keep copies for your own records. Online students may send their packets through certified mail: Official transcripts with degree posted and date degree was awarded. Translation/equivalency of transcripts if necessary. Copy of official TASP Reading, Math, Writing and Essay scores. 3 letters of recommendation Evaluation Fee (check or money order only, payable to UTEP) Note: We will not accept any faxed or mailed documents; you must bring documents in with your application. Transcripts and TASP/THEA Scores should not be mailed to the ATCP Office. The only exception to this is for the online program. How long does it take to find out if I meet the initial requirements? You will receive a letter stating your status within 1 to 2 weeks after submitting your application packet to the ATCP Office. Application packets must be submitted in person; mailed applications will not be accepted. What happens after I apply? You will receive a letter stating your status within 1 to 2 weeks after submitting your application packet to the ATCP Office. Your letter will be mailed to the address provided on your application and will state either that you meet the initial requirements and can begin the program as soon as you receive a contract with a local school district, or it may state that you do not meet the initial requirements, in which case it will include what deficiencies must be completed in order to begin the program. Applicants will use the letter to acquire a contract for a teaching position with one of the local school districts, charter or private schools. In addition, the applicant must immediately apply for admission to the UTEP Graduate School, in order to be enrolled for the ATCP courses. AFTER YOU APPLY What do I do once I get a contract? As soon as you get a contract with one of the local school districts you must provide a copy of your contract to the ATCP Office, letting them know what grade and subject you will be teaching, and the district and campus you will be teaching at. ATCP Revised 01-07Page 12 of 16

When do I start taking classes? You may start taking classes the next semester after you received your admittance letter to the program. For On- campus program, you may take up to 9 credit hours (3 courses) before you get a teaching contract and for On-line program you may take up to 12 credit hours before you get a teaching contract. How do I know which classes to take? The Alternative Teacher Certification Program s Coordinators will advise you before each semester on which classes you need to take. The classes you take will depend on the area and grade level you are teaching. You will not be able to register for classes if : You do not meet the initial course requirements, TASP/THEA Score or GPA requirements. You are not classified as a graduate student. You have any financial or academic holds on your record. What do I need to get into Graduate School? You may pick up an application at the ATCP Office, the Graduate School Office located in Room 223 of the New Academic Services Building on the UTEP Campus (915-747-5491) or on the web at www.utep.edu/graduate. The application fee is $15.00 and you will also need to submit official transcripts with your application. What if I don t get a contract before registration begins? If you do not have a contract before registration begins, you may still be able to start the program on a probationary status. For On- campus program, you may take up to 9 credit hours (3 courses) before you get a teaching contract and for On-line program you may take up to 12 credit hours before you get a teaching contract. For more information regarding this situation please speak to an ATCP staff member. ATCP Revised 01-07Page 13 of 16

University of Texas at El Paso College of Education 915-747-7605 Alternative Teacher Certification Program Steps to get my ATCP Teacher Certification 1. First, I completed my application and turned it in to the UTEP ATCP office. 2. When I received my letter of acceptance to the program, I applied to the UTEP Graduate School and I started looking for a teaching position in the surrounding school districts. 3. While I was waiting for a job offer, I registered for UTEP coursework; completed 45 pre-service observation hours; and was able to take the TExES Content test. 4. I then concentrated on my job search because in order to continue in the program, I had to have a teaching job. There are 15 school districts in the El Paso area, and several accredited private and charter schools. I then applied at several school districts and some of the private schools. 5. Eventually, I was offered a position with one of the school districts and began to work as a teacher of record while I was attending the UTEP graduate classes that are part of the program. To get my state certification, I had to complete two full semesters as a teacher of record while I completed the required graduate coursework. 6. During the time that I was teaching, I completed four Multiple Observation/Conference Record (MOC) forms. My principal assigned me a mentor teacher who observed me teach and allowed me to observe her teach during half a day, twice each semester. Based on these observations, I turned in the four MOCs. 7. During the second semester, I took and passed the TExES Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR) test. Some of my friends, who are Bilingual, Spanish and French teachers took and passed the TOPT during the same time period. 8. After I met the program requirements, I applied for my standard teacher certification online and continued with my graduate studies so that I could obtain my Masters degree. The program requirements included: completing the coursework, completing two successful teaching semesters as teacher of record, and passing all of the required State Tests. 9. I now have my teacher certification, I have a great teaching job, and I ll soon be getting my Master s degree. Easy, right? Come on! You can do it, too! ATCP Revised 01-07Page 14 of 16

University of Texas at El Paso College of Education 915-747-7605 Alternative Teacher Certification Program Online Program Basic Information Interested in taking your ATCP courses online? The University of Texas El Paso is now offering the Alternative Teacher Certification Program online. This program allows you to receive your certification completely online while working for any school in Texas. The application fee is $250.00 with a program fee of $3,000.00. It is one year program in which you will take 18 hours of coursework in the field in which you are seeking certification. If you would like more information about the online program, please call Sylvia Luna at 747-8923 or send an e-mail to saluna@utep.edu. ATCP Revised 01-07Page 15 of 16

University of Texas at El Paso College of Education 915-747-7605 Alternative Teacher Certification Program Foreign Credentials Information CERTIFIED TRANSLATORS Dr. Richard Ford Tel: (915) 549-3628 rrford@utep.edu rrford@gmail.com Martha Campos Hogan Tel: (915) 256-0590 mhogan@elp.rr.com Esperanza Gallegos Tel: (915) 588-2014 intespy@prodigy.net.mx Rafaela Grafos Tel: (915) 740-9575 calamity@elp.rr.com Ana Trachter Tel: (915) 539-6682 atrachte@elp.rr.com EVALUATION & INTERPRETATION OF FOREIGN TRANSCRITPS Anyone applying for the UTEP/El Pas Area Alternative Certification Program who has attended and graduated from a college or university in another country must provide verification of degree equivalency to a United States Bachelor s degree through a credentialing agency. In the event the transcripts are not in English, they must be translated. The following information is necessary: Verification of the equivalency to a U.S. Bachelor s degree with the cumulative grade point average indicated. Translation of all course titles. Grades attained for each individual course. Listed below are credentialing services from which you may choose. It is recommended that you call for information before sending your transcripts to any of the agencies. FOREIGN CREDENTIALS SERVICES OF AMERICA 1910 Justin Lane Austin, TX 78757-2411 Tel: (512) 459-8428 / Fax: (512) 459-4565 www.fcsa.biz INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC P.O. Box 66940 Los Angeles, CA 90024 Tel: (310) 258-9451 / Fax: (310) 342-7086 www.ierf.org WORLD EDCUATION SERVICES, INC P.O. Box 745, Old Chelsea Station New York, NY 10011 Tel: (212) 966-6311 / Fax: (212) 739-6100 www.wes.org ATCP Revised 01-07Page 16 of 16