Recommendation for Certification
State Board of Educator Certification (SBEC)
To enter into the teaching profession, students must take the related Texas Examinations for Educator Standards (TExES) required by the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC). Students seeking certification in French, Spanish, or Bilingual Education must also take the Bilingual Target Language Proficiency Test (BTLPT) and/or the Bilingual Target Language Test as required by SBEC. The Certification Officer of the School of Education approves all applications for TExES and TOPT leading to initial certification.
The University of St. Thomas Certification Officer recommends certification only after a student has met all certification requirements, including a) completion of a bachelor’s degree; b) completion of Early Childhood through grade 6 (EC–grade 6), Grades 4 through 8, Grades 8– through 12 Early Childhood through grade 12 programs; and c) passing scores on all required TExES and the Bilingual Target Language Proficiency Test (BTLPT) tests and/or the Bilingual Target Language Test.
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.
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 TExES 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:
Early Childhood through Grade 6
- Bilingual Generalist
- Generalist
- Generic Special Education
- English as a Second Language Generalist
Grades 4 through 8
- English Language Arts and Reading
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Studies
Grades 8 through 12
- Composite Science
- English Language Arts and Reading
- French
- History
- Latin
- Life Science
- Mathematics
- Physical Science
- Social Studies
- Spanish
- Speech Communications
Early Childhood through Grade 12
- Art
- Music
- Theatre Arts
- 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 Bilingual Target Language Proficiency Test (BTLPT) 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.
For more information contact the Certification Officer for School of Education at 713-525-3540. |
