Recommendation for Certification
During the semester in which certification requirements are met, an official Texas Education Agency application for certification must be completed. It is the responsibility of the student to obtain, complete and return this form to the School of Education. After completion of all degree requirements, including student teaching, the student must take the State Board for Educator Certification exit tests (TExESs) required for entry into the teaching profession. The Certification Officer of the School of Education approves all applications for TExESs leading to initial certification.
The University of St. Thomas Certification Officer recommends certification only after all certification requirements have been met, including:
- Completion of a bachelor's degree;
- Completion of one or more of the following approved programs:
a. Elementary;
b. Middle school (grades 4-8);
c. Secondary (grades 8-12);
d. All-level.
- A satisfactory level of performance on all sections of the State Board for Educator Certification exit test(s) (TExES); (Students will be required to take TExES practice tests prior to being given permission to take the TExESs. Students who do not pass the practice tests will be counseled regarding enrollment in TExES reviews and/or retaking the practice tests);
- Students seeking certification in French, Spanish or Bilingual Education must pass the Texas Oral Proficiency Test (TOPT) as mandated by the Texas Education Agency.
Specialties are available in generic special education, bilingual education, English as a second language and gifted and talented education.
In accordance with Article 6252-12c, Texas Civil Statutes, the Commissioner of Education may refuse to issue a teaching certificate for persons convicted of a felony or misdemeanor crimes that directly relate to the duties and responsibilities of the teaching profession. Applicants for Texas Certificates will be screened for a record of felony or misdemeanor convictions through the Texas Department of Public Safety. Potential applicants may wish to contact the Certification Officer regarding concerns about this Texas requirement.
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