Frequently Asked Questions About Teacher Certification

A: Yes, ACT Dallas/Austin is a private Alternative Certification Program (ACP), dedicated to providing quality preparation for teacher certification based upon the standards and Code of Ethics for our profession. It was founded on March 3, 2003 and operates on a clock-hour system. We serve both geographic areas of the state.

IMPORTANT NOTE:  Other programs may use ACT in their name.  There is only one ACT program -- ACT Houston-at Dallas, better known as ACT Dallas with a satellite ACT Austin location.
A program called ACT Houston is no longer open.  It is now closed.

A: An Alternative Certification Program is an Educational Preparation Program (EPP) that provides an alternate route to earning a Standard Certificate. Alternative Certification began in Texas in 1986.. Today there are about 150 alternative certification programs in Texas. Most states have followed Texas' lead and now offer alternative certification.

A: No, no, no! There are a wide variety of programs: university-based, school district sponsored, distance learning, online, etc. We encourage you to visit the Texas Education Agency website at www.tea.texas.gov  and view the accredited programs in Dallas and Austin. Then select the one that best fits your schedule and needs. The ACT Dallas/Austin program is unique because we focus on building a relationship with you, providing you with the highest quality preparation, and personally working with you during your preparation for entering the classroom and throughout your teaching internship or practicum.

Note: Other programs may be named ACT, but they are not part of and have no association with ACT Dallas and ACT Austin.

A:  As a small, private preparation program, ACT does not qualify for FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), like universities do.  We will individually customize your payments for our program, with no interest charges.
Also, if you are a military veteran, thank you for serving our country!  ACT is pleased to be an approved VA Training Center where you can use your Montgomery GI Bill or Post 9/11 Benefits.  See full information on the Resources section “VA Benefits”.

A:  First & foremost, thank you for serving our country.  We will evaluate your DD214, military transcript, and Eligibility Letter to determine what may relate to the certificate you are seeking.  Then we will make decisions on a case-by-case basis.

And if you were not in the military, but have experience in teaching or training, we will review your documentation and make decisions based on the certificate you are seeking.

A: ACT Dallas accepts applicants who have graduated from an accredited university with a 2.5 GPA and having passed basic skills tests for college.  After reviewing your application & transcript(s), we will look for 12 hours of credit (15 in secondary science or math) for the subject are you wish to teach.  Once approved for admission, you will be ready to develop pedagogical skills (the art & science of teaching).

That begins with the Preparation Program Institute of research-based instruction that is designed to help you develop skills and learn strategies that are essential for making a smooth transition into teaching.  Coursework and/or training are sustained, rigorous, intensive, interactive, candidate-focused, and performance-based. You will be amazed at how much you can learn in these accelerated, face-to-face classes, rather than studying alone online!

Institute sessions are taught by master, certified teachers. Class sizes are small. Instruction time is dedicated to helping you learn exactly what you need to know and be able to do in order to be effective with students.

The Institute Fee includes all books and materials, as well as test resources, the TEA technology fee, and workshops provided by the program.
The ACT Dallas office and classrooms are near Love Field. Austin’s campus is in central Austin.
NOTE:  For the safety, health, and well-being of our candidates during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Preparation Program Institute is now conducted via Zoom Conferencing.

A: These skills can be found in the 19 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 149 Commissioner's Rules Concerning Educator Standards, Subchapter AA Teacher Standards 149.1001

Std. 1 Instructional Planning & Delivery

Teachers demonstrate their understanding of instructional planning and delivery by providing standards-based, data-driven, differentiated instruction that engages students, makes appropriate use of technology, and makes learning relevant for today's learners.

Std. 2 Knowledge of Students and Student Learning

Teachers work to ensure high levels of learning, social-emotional development, and achievement outcomes for all students, taking into consideration each student's educational and developmental backgrounds and focusing on each student's needs.

Std. 3 Content Knowledge and Expertise

Teachers exhibit a comprehensive understanding of their content, discipline, and related pedagogy as demonstrated through the quality of the design and execution of lesson plans and their ability to match objectives and activities to relevant state standards.

Std. 4 Learning Environment

Teachers interact with students in respectful ways at all times, maintaining a physically and emotionally safe, supportive learning environment that is characterized by efficient and effective routines, clear expectations for student behavior, and organization that maximizes student learning.

Std. 5 Data-Driven Practice

Teachers use formal and informal methods to assess student growth aligned to instructional goals and course objectives and regularly review and analyze multiple sources of data to measure student progress and adjust instructional strategies and content delivery as needed.

Std. 6 Professional Practices & Responsibilities

Teachers consistently hold themselves to a high standards for individual development, pursue leadership opportunities, collaborate with other educational professionals, communicate regularly with stakeholders, maintain professional relationships, comply with all campus and school district policies, and conduct themselves ethically and
with integrity.

In addition, teachers are expected to be knowledgeable and skilled at utilizing technology for instruction and for analyzing student academic progress.

A: You can actually be admitted on a contingency basis during your final semester at the university, pending receipt of an official transcript showing degree conferred.  You must be currently enrolled in your final semester, have been approved for graduation by your university advisor, and expect to complete the courses and other requirements for obtaining your Bachelor's Degree at the end of the semester.  Plus you must have been deemed eligible for our program and ready to start the Preparation Program Institute.

Send us your completed online Application along with your transcripts, showing coursework that you have completed thus far, plus coursework in which you are enrolled during your final semester.  We will look for 12 hours of credit in your desired certification area (15 for math & science) and a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.

A:  If you obtained your Bachelor’s Degree outside the USA and are eligible to be employed here, you may be eligible to enroll, based upon completion of the following items:
1.  Have your university transcript evaluated according to American university standards on a 4.0 GPA system.
The Texas Education Agency has compiled a list of evaluation services at:  https://tea.texas.gov/texas-educators/certification/out-of-state-certification/foreign-credential-evaluation-services

2.  Demonstrate proof of English language proficiency by passing the TOEFL-IBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
https://tea.texas.gov/texas-educators/certification/out-of-state-certification/english-language-proficiency

Submit both of these items and your completed online Application Form for review.  We will contact you with enrollment information and options.

Additional information is available at: https://tea.texas.gov/texas-educators/certification/out-of-state-certification/certification-based-on-credentials-from-another-country

A:  ACT Houston-at Dallas/Austin can accept a small number of applications with GPA below 2.5.  You may be eligible to be admitted to the program, based upon completion of the following
items:

• Provide a letter explaining in detail the “extraordinary circumstance” that caused your university grades to suffer.
• Pass the PACT test for your desired certification area.
  Register for PACT tests at www.tx.nesinc.com using your TEA #. If you do not have a TEA number see instructions at:
  https://tea.texas.gov/texas-educators/certification/educator-certification-online-systemfirst

• Complete one or both of the following designated resources with a score of 85% or higher for each section:
  240 Tutoring www.240tutoring.com
  Certify Teacher www.certifyteacher.com

In addition, ACT Houston-at Dallas securely maintains Representative Tests for most certification areas in the ACT Dallas office and may require you to also complete this with a score of 85% or higher for each section.

A: Just contact us and submit your completed Application Form and university transcripts.  We will review your transcripts, looking for 12 hours of credit in your desired or preferred certification area (15 hrs for math or science), then visit with you and help you decide what grade levels/content area you are eligible to teach .  Once approved for enrollment, you can begin the requirements to become certified.

Important requirements are:

1. Participation in our Preparation Program Institute to equip you with skills, strategies, and knowledge for making a successful transition into the teaching profession.

2. Completion of 30 hours of Field-Based Experience. This is your opportunity to observe teachers in their classrooms.

3.  Passing the appropriate TExES Content Test(s) for your approved certification area.  Yes!  Some certification areas require passing more than one test.

4.  Receive your Statement of Eligibility and begin seeking a teaching position or request to be placed for Clinical Teaching.

A: Classroom management refers to all the things that a teacher does to organize students, space, time, and materials, so that instruction in content and student learning can take place. According to Harry Wong, renown educator, author, and proponent of classroom management, "The most important factor governing student learning is Classroom Management."

This has also been stated strongly by Robert J. Marzano (EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP, Sept. 2003, V. 61, pp 6-13), who says "Today, we know more about teaching than we ever have before. Research has shown us that teachers’ actions in their classrooms have twice the impact on student achievement as do school policies regarding curriculum, assessment, staff collegiality, and community involvement." We also know that one of the classroom teacher’s most important jobs is managing the classroom effectively.

Of all the variables, classroom management has the largest effect on student achievement. This makes intuitive sense--students cannot learn in a chaotic, poorly managed classroom. It is very important that there is a balance between teacher actions that provide clear consequences for unacceptable behavior and teacher actions that recognize and reward acceptable behavior. For example, beginning the school year with a positive emphasis on management; arranging the room in a way conducive to effective management; and identifying and implementing rules and operating procedures.

Research has shown that the quality of teacher-student relationships is the keystone for all other aspects of classroom management. Further, research has shown that "teachers who had high-quality relationships with their students had fewer discipline problems and rule violations than those who did not have high-quality relationships."

Since you aspire to become a teacher, you certainly want your students to learn and be successful. So during the Preparation Program Institute and throughout the program, much time and emphasis will be placed on learning research-based strategies to develop strong classroom management skills that you will implement from Day 1 in the classroom.

A: The state curriculum standards are the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). These specify what students at each grade level and content area are expected to know and be able to do. Student assessment of these curriculum standards is through the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) program performance standards.

Teachers are also attuned to the Technology Applications Standards for Teachers found at: https://tea.texas.gov/sites/default/files/techapp.pdf
Effective teachers use technology to analyze student data and to improve student performance, engagement, and retention.

Effective teachers are knowledgeable about the ELPS (English Language Proficiency Standards) in working with students who are English Language Learners.

And, of course there are the Commissioner's Teacher Standards.

A: No. The Preparation Program Institute is a pre-service preparation experience prior to your teaching internship or clinical teaching practicum. In the Institute you will learn how to teach.  We will introduce you to research-based instructional strategies and equip you with the skills that you will need for successfully stepping into your own classroom.
Following the Institute, you will watch teachers in action as you complete 30 hours of Field-based Experience.
Then you will be ready to take the required TExES Content Tests for your certification area and receive your Statement of Eligibility to seek a teaching position.

Upon starting your search to be hired, keep in mind that the law of supply and demand shows that there is a shortage of teachers in certain certification areas (secondary math & science, bilingual, Languages Other Than English, Special Education).  With so many schools and districts in our area, there will be more opportunities for getting hired in these areas.  On the other hand, there is typically a lot of competition for securing an elementary teaching position.

A: In our profession, teachers must accept an awesome array of responsibilities that are outlined in the Educator Standards.

Pedagogy & Professional Responsibilities Standard I

The teacher designs instruction appropriate for all students that reflects an understanding of relevant content and is based on continuous and
appropriate assessment.

Pedagogy & Professional Responsibilities Standard II

The teacher creates a classroom environment of respect and rapport that fosters a positive climate for learning, equity, and excellence.

Pedagogy & Professional Responsibilities Standard III

The teacher promotes student learning by providing responsive instruction that makes use of effective communication techniques, instructional strategies that actively engage students in the learning process and timely, high-quality feedback.

Pedagogy & Professional Responsibilities Standard IV

The teacher fulfills professional roles and responsibilities and adheres to legal and ethical requirements of the profession.

Technology Applications Standard I

All teachers use technology-related terms, concepts, data input strategies and ethical practices to make informed decisions about current technologies and their applications.

Technology Applications Standard II

All teachers identify task requirements, apply search strategies and use current technology to efficiently acquire, analyze and evaluate a variety of
electronic information.

Technology Applications Standard III

All teachers use task-appropriate tools to synthesize knowledge, create and modify solutions and evaluate results in a way that supports the work of individuals and groups in problem-solving situations.

Technology Applications Standard IV

All teachers communicate information in different formats and for diverse audiences.

Technology Applications Standard V

All teachers know how to plan, organize, deliver and evaluate instruction for all students that incorporates the effective use of current technology for teaching and integrating the Technology Applications Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills )TEKS) into the curriculum.

A: Teachers are currently evaluated by their campus administrator using the T-TESS (Teacher Evaluation and Support System) that focuses on providing continuous, timely, and formative feedback to educators so they can improve their practice.  Beginning teachers on initial certificates will also be evaluated by their ACT Field Supervisors on a T-TESS type evaluation system a minimum of 3-5 times during the first year in the classroom.

A: Our program does not place you in a school, unless you are a Clinical Teacher. For those seeking full-time teaching positions, we provide guidance in determining a certification area for you that offers the best opportunity for being hired. The program does not limit where you can apply to teach. We work with all public school districts, charter schools, and accredited private schools in the Dallas/Ft. Worth and Austin areas and beyond.

We encourage you to apply to all schools and school districts in which you are interested. However, just as in all other professions, securing your first position can be quite challenging. Plus the supply and demand change with the state's economy. The TEA website has info on supply. The market for elementary teachers is very competitive. Other certification areas such as bilingual education, special education, secondary science & math, and LOTE (Languages Other than English) are considered to be high need areas for teachers.  With the current health risks of COVID-19, school districts may still be seeking teachers, even though the 2021-22 school year has already begun.  Be sure to check the websites of the districts/schools where you want to teach on a regular and frequent basis.

A: The ACT Dallas/Austin program understands the challenge of being hired as a beginning teacher. Although there may be a shortage of teachers in certain content areas, it is still very competitive to secure a position. In anticipation of this, our program was approved in 2010 to offer another route for teacher certification: Clinical Teaching. Clinical Teaching is the same as Student Teaching. Those interested in clinical teaching must complete the same pre-service requirements, plus additional field-based experience, in order to be selected for Clinical Teaching.

Once selected, we secure a placement for you in the classroom of a Cooperating Teacher for a 14-week practicum at no pay. During your clinical teaching practicum, you will transition from observer into the role of teacher under the guidance of the campus Cooperating Teacher, while our program provides ongoing full support, including a Field Supervisor. All of this is done to ensure that you can be recommended for a Standard Certificate at the end of the 14-week Practicum. The fee for Clinical Teaching is similar to the Internship Fee, but must be paid prior to the start of the practicum.

A: The ACT accelerated approach basically requires the following:

• • Step 1 – Contact us and provide your completed Application Form.  We will review it and evaluate your university transcript(s) to determine the subject area and grade level you wish to teach.
    Important reminders:  You must have 12 hours of credit (15 for secondary math & science) for your desired content area.  GPA is important!  2.5 for your cumulative GPA (or last 60 hours) is required--plus content GPA.
  • Step 2 - Once eligible, you can enroll and complete the Preparation Program Institute & 30 Hours of Field-based Experience, plus pass the TExES Content Test(s) for your subject and grade level.

Reminder: EC-6 & 4-8 Core Subjects, 4-8 ELA, & 4-8 ELA/SS also require passing the STR (Science of Teaching Reading TExES #293). Some districts also require passing the ESL (English as a Second Language TExES #154).

• Step 3 – Begin Teaching!  Your choice
  Two-semester Teaching Internship (full-salaried)
  OR
  14-week Clinical Teaching Practicum (no pay)

Click to see the "Steps to Certification" sheet:
Steps to Certification 1-2021

A: Absolutely no difference! All beginning teachers must have an initial certificate for their first year of teaching, no matter how they are earning their certification. Interns all have either an Intern or Probationary Certificate for their two-semester internship. Clinical Teachers are not required to have an initial certificate, since they are not employed by the school district. At the end of the 2-semester internship or 14-week clinical teaching practicum, beginning teachers should be eligible for a Standard Certificate. That is our goal at ACT Dallas/Austin—to help you reach your goal of becoming a certified teacher!

NOTE: First year teachers will have either an Intern Certificate (if they have passed the TExES Content Test) OR a Probationary Certificate (if they have passed both the TExES Content & PPR Tests).

A: Since the program's inception in 2003, we have received the rating of ACCREDITED by the Texas Education Agency each and every year.  However, our last rating was Accredited-warned, due to scoring 84%, rather than 85% on one section of testing.  We are striving to improve all test-takers' performance, since receiving this rating!

A: We love to hear and receive your kind words and compliments about our program! This means the world to us, for we are dedicated, passionate, career educators, striving to do our utmost to provide you with the highest quality preparation for our profession. However, if you should have a complaint, in accordance with TAC Chapter §228.70 Complaints and Investigations (b) (4), here is the process for addressing it.

Step 1 No matter what the nature of the complaint (program, testing, TEA, etc.), Step 1 is to contact the Program Director Dr. Bobette Dunn.

Telephone: When contacted by phone, the Program Director will hear your complaint and, if needed, provide instructions for submitting the complaint in writing.

Email: When contacted by email, the Program Director will reply to notify you that she will call you to hear the complaint and, if needed, provide instructions for submitting the complaint in writing.

REMINDER: Start with Step 1. We are here to serve you and help you reach your goal of becoming a certified teacher!

For further info:  www.tea.texas.gov