Teacher Certification Program (QUEST)

The University of Houston’s teacher education program, QUEST (Quality Urban Education for Students and Teachers), prepares undergraduate students to be certified as teachers in a variety of fields. 

The university and the College of Education offer bachelor's degree programs that meet the State Board for Educator Certification and the Higher Education Coordinating Board requirements for the standard teaching certificate. Individuals are required to have a Texas teaching certificate to teach in Texas public schools.

Postbaccalaureate students may seek teacher certification as a nondegree objective student or as a graduate student.  See the Education section of the Graduate and Professional Studies Catalog for further information or visit the Certification page: http://www.coe.uh.edu/current-students/certifications/index.php.

Note: Rules and regulations are set forth by the state of Texas and are subject to change at any time. The College of Education reserves the right to make changes to accommodate the State Board for Educator Certification, the Coordinating Board, and university decisions.

Teacher Education Degree Plan Sequence

QUEST 1 coursework and experiences are specifically designed to give candidates experience interacting with children in public schools. Through interactions with children, teachers, faculty, and peers, candidates confirm their decision to become a teacher and prepare for the prospect of a career in education.

QUEST 2 is content-focused, allowing candidates to learn the most current methodology for teaching all content areas for which they will be certified. Field experiences are required of all candidates but vary by program.

QUEST 3, typically known as student teaching, is performance-focused, immersing candidates in the real work of teachers in school settings. Candidates are supported in the schools by quality Site-Based Teacher Educators and trained university supervisors; on campus through regular Student Teaching professional development, and online from faculty and peers.

Admission to QUEST

Students apply for QUEST at multiple points in the program. Applications involve

• coursework completion;
• 2.50 GPA overall;
• 2.50 in academic fields/specializations;
• passing scores on the Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA). (College of Education passing scores on THEA are higher than the minimum passing scores required by the University of Houston.);
• speech proficiency; and
• computer Proficiency.

For more information regarding deadlines and requirements, go to www.coe.uh.edu/about/quest/ or contact an advisor in room 256 of Farish Hall.

Applications are available online at www.coe.uh.edu/about/quest/.

Transfer Courses

Transfer of pre-professional and specialization courses requires approval by petition to the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies, Certification, and Accreditation. The 18-24 semester hours of professional development courses must be completed in residence.

Certification

Students must apply for their teaching certificate online at www.sbec.state.tx.us/SBECOnline/default.asp when they have completed all course work for their degree and have taken and passed the Texas Examination of Educator Standards (TExESs) required for certification.

Note: All potential teacher certification candidates will be subject to a formal FBI fingerprint check before being issued a Texas teaching certificate.

Time Limitation

Courses completed at the University of Houston and/or transfer credits may not apply toward a degree or teacher certification if more than five years have elapsed upon application for certification. Current standards will be enforced.