Requirements for Approval

teacher in texasThe ACT Houston Alternative Certification Program is a private program offered in HOUSTON, DALLAS, and AUSTIN for those who have already earned a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university. 
If you are now in college, have been approved for graduation by your university advisor, and will graduate at the end of this semester, you can apply to any of ACT Houston’s locations NOW – even before you graduate. That will allow you to begin the initial steps to start your teaching career immediately after receiving your degree.

The ACT Houston program attracts applicants from many different backgrounds and professions, all with the same of goal of becoming a certified teacher. The average age of ACT Houston participants is 35-37. However, as long as you hold a Bachelor’s Degree you are neither too old, nor too young to jump start your teaching career. And, no matter what your major or area of specialization was during your university years, you can qualify for admission to the ACT Houston program.

Pre-requisite Requirements

ACT Houston will schedule an appointment for you to meet with us personally to determine your eligibility for receiving a Letter of Approval. First, however, we need to make sure that you have the necessary pre-requisites:

  • Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university Your transcript will show the date that your degree was conferred. Bring all of your OFFICIAL transcripts if you transferred to one or more colleges or universities.
  • 2.5 cumulative grade point average OR a 2.5 gpa for your final 60 hours of coursework

Many people earned their best grades in their final years! However, if you have concerns about your grades, you can still schedule a time to meet with ACT Houston staff members for their calculation and determination of your gpa.

Determining your Eligibiity to Participate in the ACT Houston Program
Your appointment with ACT Houston will include:

  • Interview with an ACT staff member
    We will visit with you about your desire to teach and help you plan your best options, while providing information about teacher certification, and, of course, answering all your questions
  • ACT Houston Application
    You can download the application form by clicking on the “download here” link at the bottom of this page and complete it prior to your appointment.
  • Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Skills Test
    No need to be anxious about this test. It requires no preparation or studying. You will not be asked to solve math problems or recall dates in history. Instead, using information in statements that are provided, you will select the most appropriate decision. This test takes about 30 minutes to complete. There is no pass or fail. You will have two opportunities to meet our minimum score. As soon as you finish the test, ACT Houston will score it while you are there, so that you will know your eligibility for enrolling in the program.
  • Review your university transcript to determine your certification options
    Your university coursework will provide your options for the grade levels and subject areas where you can begin teaching. For example, if you majored in English, then you should have sufficient coursework in English to be approved for 4th -8th grade and/or 8th -12th grade English. With a major in Sociology, you may have options for Early Childhood-6th grade and/or 4th-8th grade Generalist, as well as Early Childhood-12th Special Education. Let us know what you would like to teach and we will look for that option, plus others that may provide the opportunity to begin teaching as soon as possible.

Let’s put it all together!
Requirements for approval to begin the state requirements for teacher certification begin with . . .
Your appointment at the ACT office:
      + Completed application (download here)  Be sure to check our "Application" link for a discount coupon!
      + Transcript with degree, appropriate coursework, & gpa
      + Minimum score on Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Skills test
         Eligibility to be approved for participation in the ACT Houston program

You are on your way to becoming a certified teacher!

How to Become A Teacher in Texas

Five Easy Steps that begin with a phone call!

Step 1: Appointment to determine your eligibility

Step 2: TExES Content Exam for your certification area

Step 3: Preparation Program Institute & Field-based Experience

Step 4: Choose your route to teach! Internship OR Clinical Teaching Practicum

Step 5: Receive your STANDARD TEACHER CERTIFICATE!

Begin your teaching career NOW!