Graduate Catalog Colleges College of Education Degrees Offered Certification ProgramsCertification Programs: College of Education
The College of Education offers initial teacher certification programs for students who have bachelor's degrees in all undergraduate fields of specialization. See the list of elementary, secondary, and all-level initial certificates in the Undergraduate Studies catalog.
Students who have completed a bachelor's degree and who desire initial certification should apply for a deficiency plan. Selected courses that are required for initial certification may, with the approval of a graduate advisor, be applied toward a master's degree program. Consult the Teacher Education and Certification Office, 112 Farish Hall, (713) 743-5000, for information and assistance in selecting the appropriate deficiency plan program. Students requiring a deficiency plan may obtain an application from the Teacher Education and Certification Office.
The initial certification requirements are similar to those listed in the Undergraduate Studies catalog. In lieu of the student teaching requirement, students may qualify for an internship program or substitute two years of full-time teaching experience in a school accredited by the State Board for Educator Certification, at the level(s) for which they seek certification, and six semester hours of approved education courses.
Students entering teacher preparation programs after May 1, 1984, are required by state of Texas regulations to have passed the Texas Academic Skills Program prior to being admitted to teacher education. All required sections of this test must be passed before being admitted to the program. Admission criteria are listed in the Undergraduate Studies catalog and are prerequisite to taking the required professional development courses. For specific information about this test, students should call University Testing Services, (713) 743-5444. Graduates of teacher education programs after May 1, 1986, are required by state of Texas regulations to take the Examination for the Certification of Educators in Texas upon completion of the program.
Students who plan to pursue a teaching certification program should consult the Teacher Education and Certification Office, 112 Farish Hall, for information about admission requirements and course requirements. Full admission to the Teacher Education program is a prerequisite to enrollment in the beginning certification courses.
All teacher certification transactions, including professional certificates and endorsements, are made through the College of Education. Inquiries should be directed to the Teacher Education and Certification Office, or the appropriate department, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204- 5871.
Professional certificates are available in the following:
Students who currently have the Texas Provisional Teaching Certificate may be able to obtain a Professional Teaching Certificate simultaneously with the master's degree. The master's degree advisor can design a degree plan that will incorporate certification requirements. The program includes 12 hours of academic specialization, six hours of professional development, six hours in a resource area, and six hours of approved electives. Three years of acceptable teaching experience is a prerequisite for this certificate.
Professional Reading Specialist (24 semester hours)
This program leads to the Reading Specialist Professional Certificate and prepares teachers to fill roles in regular or special classrooms, clinics, or administrative positions. Graduates will be certified to teach reading at the elementary or secondary level. Requirements include 12 semester hours in reading; and three semester hours each in multicultural education, language arts education, literature education, and linguistics education. Approved electives are required to complete the requirements for the M.Ed. degree in curriculum and instruction with a major in reading and language arts. For further information, consult the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, 256 Farish Hall, 743-4950.
For further information, consult the Department of Educational Leadership and Cultural Studies, 401 Farish Hall, (713) 743-5030.
This program prepares graduate students who have teacher's certificates and teaching experience for employment as assistant principals, principals, directors, coordinators, assistant superintendents, or other positions requiring leadership preparation. Students may concurrently pursue both this program and the master's in educational administration and supervision. If a student already holds the M.Ed., he or she may pursue the program as a Non-degree Objective (NDO) graduate student.
Required courses include the following: 9 hours of core courses in administration; 24 hours of major course work in areas such as interpersonal communication, instructional supervision, finance school leadership, education law, and policy. In addition, a 3 hour internship in an educational setting is required. Two years of acceptable teaching experience is a prerequisite for this certificate.
For further information, consult the Department of Educational Leadership and Cultural Studies, 401 Farish Hall, (713) 743-5030.
This program requiring 15 semester hours beyond the 45-hour Principal Certificate prepares students to serve in the highest leadership positions in elementary-secondary school systems, special education, career education, and vocational-technical education. Students may concurrently pursue both this program and the Doctor of Education degree in educational administration. If the student has already completed the Master of Education degree, he or she may pursue the certification program as a Nondegree Objective (NDO) graduate student.
The program prepares graduate students who have teacher's certificates, teaching experience, and the professional Principal Certificate for employment as a general superintendent of a Texas school district. The 15 semester hours of work beyond the Principal Certificate must include ELCS 8310 Superintendency and 4 other ELCS courses at 7000 and 8000 level.- SAER 8370 Program Evaluation may be substituted for 3 hours. These courses are designed to develop competencies in school district administration not previously attained or included in the Principal Certificate program; and three semester hours of an internship for superintendency and central office administration.
For further information, consult the Department of Educational Leadership and Cultural Studies, 401 Farish Hall, (713) 743-5030.
Catalog Publish Date: January 14, 2013
This Page Last Updated: January 24, 2013