Undergraduate Programs

Teacher Education Certification Preparation Programs

UT Dallas offers rigorous university-based teacher certification curricula and enjoys an outstanding reputation for producing excellent teachers.

At UT Dallas, coursework and field experiences leading to teacher certification may be accomplished through either the Teacher Development Center (TDC) program in the School of Interdisciplinary Studies (972-883-2730) or through UTeach Dallas program in the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics (NS&M) (972-883-2496). In coordination with a student's academic major in other UT Dallas academic programs, students develop the content expertise required in a teaching field such as Literary Studies, History, Mathematics, Science, etc. Both programs utilize the total resources of the University rather than relying on a school of education. Students interested in pursuing teacher certification through UT Dallas should review program requirements for the TDC and UTeach Dallas. Although each program provides the same curricular content as required by the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), the programs are uniquely independent, not interchangeable, and differ in course design and some requirements. Both SBEC and THECB have approved the content and procedures for both programs' curricula.

UT Dallas undergraduate and graduate students may earn their teaching certificates concurrently with their degree studies. Additionally, graduate students may choose to pursue teacher certification without formal degree studies as a non-degree seeking graduate student in the School of Interdisciplinary Studies or in the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.

After developing a degree plan with their academic major advisor, undergraduate students may apply to the TDC for admission to the teacher certification program. A certification plan will be developed with the student and the TDC advisor. Students enrolling in UTeach Dallas should meet with the UTeach Dallas advisor who also serves as an NS&M academic advisor. Post baccalaureate students seeking their teacher certification may be advised in the TDC or UTeach Dallas.

Certification Subject Areas

There are two possible tracks to teacher certification at UTD. The TDC offers and supports preparation for teacher certification in numerous teaching fields and grade levels. UTeach Dallas offers preparation and support in secondary mathematics and science certifications only.

Secondary (Grades 7-12) Certification

Undergraduate students in either certification track must have an academic major and a minimum of 24 semester credit hours of appropriate coursework in their chosen teaching field as well as a reading course (for TDC) in secondary content, and 18 semester credit hours of professional education including clinical teaching. Students may be enrolled in the School of Interdisciplinary Studies, the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, or in the school of their academic degree major. All teacher candidates must pass state required TExES examinations in Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities as well as the content exam for their chosen teaching field prior to clinical teaching. Certification for secondary education is offered in the following content areas/teaching fields:

• 7-12 English Language Arts and Reading (ELAR)¹
• 7-12 History¹
• 7-12 Social Studies¹
• 8-12 Computer Science¹
• 7-12 Mathematics²
• 7-12 Chemistry²
• 7-12 Life Sciences²
• 6-12 Physical Sciences²
• 7-12 Science²

Secondary (Grades 4-8) Certification

Undergraduate students in either certification track must have an academic major and a minimum of 24 semester credit hours of appropriate coursework in their chosen teaching field as well as 18 semester credit hours of professional education including clinical teaching. Additionally, students must complete state-required reading content for either certification track (TDC or UTeach Dallas). Students who wish to seek teacher certification in grades 4-8 may choose "4-8 Generalist" or select a specialized teaching field. Students may be enrolled in the School of Interdisciplinary Studies, the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, or in the school of their academic degree major. All teacher candidates must pass state required TExES examinations in Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities as well as the content exam for their chosen teaching field prior to clinical teaching. Teacher certification for grades 4-8 is offered in the following content areas/teaching fields:

• 4-8 Science²
• 4-8 Mathematics²
• 4-8 Social Studies¹
• 4-8 English Language Arts and Reading (ELAR)¹
• 4-8 Generalist¹ - because this certificate qualifies a candidate to teach multiple content areas, additional academic coursework is required to prepare candidates for the rigorous broad-based TExES "Generalist 4-8" examination.

Early Childhood - Grade 6 Generalist Certification

The "Generalist EC-6" teacher certificate may only be earned through the TDC certification track. It is the only certification available to students interested in these grade levels. The TExES content examination for this certification tests for broad-based content mastery. Therefore, students are counseled to work with academic advisors in the School of Interdisciplinary Studies or the School of Brain and Behavioral Sciences if they seek "Generalist EC-6" certification. Because most school districts now seek or require EC-6 teachers to have ESL or bilingual supplemental certification, the TDC highly recommends students seeking this certification to prepare for and take the ESL Supplemental TExES examination when certified by TEA.

All Teaching Fields

All undergraduate students in either certification track must meet the 42-semester credit hour core curriculum for The University of Texas at Dallas.

All students seeking fulfillment of certification requirements through the TDC certification track are required to pass 18 semester credit hours of appropriate professional education courses, including six semester credit hours of full-day clinical teaching. The state of Texas requires specific reading content for each certification level. Candidates must also demonstrate technology literacy, online education literacy and effective public speaking.

All candidates seeking fulfillment of certification requirements through the UTeach Dallas certification track are required to pass 18 semester credit hours of clinical teaching. Candidates must also complete Perspectives in Math and Science or an approved equivalent as well as demonstrate technology literacy, online educational literacy and effective public speaking.

Admission

Upon admission to the University, undergraduate students should meet with an academic advisor in their major field to develop their degree plan indicating to the academic advisor they plan to seek teacher certification. NS&M and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) undergraduate students seeking teacher certification preparation through UTeach Dallas should meet with the UTeach Dallas academic advisor to prepare their degree plan. Both the TDC and UTeach Dallas require all students to have a 2.750 GPA as well as specified scores on the THEA, SAT, ACT or GRE as part of the admission criteria.

Post-Baccalaureate Students

Students with a baccalaureate degree may seek teacher certification. Post-baccalaureate students should consult with a TDC or UTeach Dallas advisor to develop a certification plan after their admission to the University through the Office of Admission and Enrollment. Prior to admission to a post-baccalaureate certification program, students must meet the program standards for the THEA, SAT, ACT or GRE.

Post-baccalaureate students must meet the 24 semester credit hour requirements for their chosen content area and required professional education coursework. A certification plan based on an analysis of the candidate's transcript will be developed. If additional content coursework is necessary, the candidate may take the required courses in their content area at the graduate or undergraduate level. Candidates must demonstrate technology literacy, online education literacy and effective public speaking. TDC students must complete a total of 12 semester credit hours of English language, composition, and/or literature. All candidates must fulfill requirements for clinical teaching or supervised internship.

Post-Baccalaureate Students with Degrees from Another Country

Students with a baccalaureate and/or graduate degree from another country must have that degree(s) evaluated by a foreign credential evaluator service. Neither UT Dallas nor the TDC nor UTeach Dallas accredit or formally approve credential evaluation services. Students may go to tea.texas.gov/Texas_Educators/Certification/Out-of-State_Certification/Foreign_Credential_Evaluation_Services to find a list of reviewed foreign credential evaluator providers who completed an application affirming they follow the standards of recognized national organizations of foreign credential evaluators.

Guidelines for Admission to The University of Texas at Dallas Teacher Certification Programs

Guidelines are in compliance with Chapter 227 of the Texas Administrative Code and the HEA Title II accountability requirements.

Students seeking Texas teaching credentials at UT Dallas must meet the following requirements:

• Provisional Admission - entitles a prospective student who has applied for admission to UT Dallas to be advised for a certification plan and/or to take the initial courses related to certification.
• GPA of 2.750 over-all or on last 60 semester credit hours of coursework.
• Undergraduate students must have 60 semester credit hours of undergraduate coursework. This should include 12 semester credit hours at UT Dallas with no grade below a "C."
• Post-Baccalaureate students must have an undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited university. If a student holds a degree from an accredited college or university, and has never enrolled in an Educator Preparation Program (EPP), the student may qualify to register for a Pre-Admission Content Test (PACT). Detailed PACT information is available at the ETS website at www.ets.org. Taking PACT does not ensure admittance into an Educator Preparation Program. Programs may have additional admission requirements. Post-Baccalaureate students are required to pass THEA with the following minimum scores prior to admission to the University for non-degree seeking teacher certification.
• 260 in Reading
• 240 in Math
• 240 in Writing
• THEA scores can be no more than 10 years old

Exemption from THEA: Students are exempt from THEA if they meet the qualifying standards for GRE, ACT, or SAT:

• GRE: A minimum Verbal score of 450 and a minimum Quantitative score of 450 for a combined Verbal/Quantitative minimum score of 900 and a writing score of 3 or higher. Revised 2012 GRE Scoring: Minimum Verbal score of 135 and a minimum Quantitative score of 135 for a combined Verbal/Quantitative minimum score of 270 and a writing score of 3 or higher. (GRE scores can be no more than five years old.)
• ACT: A composite score of 26 with English and Mathematics sub scores of at least 22. (ACT scores can be no more than five years old.)
• SAT: A total minimum score of 1650 with 550 minimum scores in each of the mathematics, critical reading, and writing sections of the test. (SAT scores can be no more than five years old.)

Appropriate documentation is required to qualify for the exemptions from THEA. The Official THEA Test Study Guide may be purchased in the UT Dallas Bookstore. THEA registration information is available in the Teacher Development Center, Hoblitzelle Hall (HH2.9), or in the Office of Student Success and Assessment located in McDermott Library, Room 1.302.

Undergraduate students enrolling in the TDC program should meet with a faculty advisor in their academic major to develop a degree plan no later than the end of the second regular semester following the semester in which the student earned 45 or more semester credit hours, per the Texas Education Code, Section 51.9685, indicating to the advisor their interest in pursuing teacher certification. Students can then make an appointment for certification plan advising with the TDC whenever they are ready to take upper-division courses.

Undergraduate students enrolling in UTeach Dallas or all students (including freshmen) interested in exploring or pursuing secondary mathematics or science teaching as a career are encouraged to enroll in UTeach Dallas certification coursework as early as their first semester at UT Dallas due to early field and teaching experiences as well as compacting degree plans with certification preparation. Students should make an appointment for certification plan advising with the UTeach Dallas advisor, who also serves as the academic advisor for all NS&M majors enrolled in UTeach Dallas.

Post-Baccalaureate students interested in teacher certification at UT Dallas are advised in the TDC or UTeach Dallas.

Official Admission

Teacher Development Center Program:

• Meet all requirements for "Provisional Admission."
• Complete an application for admission to the Teacher Development Program.
• Complete The American Public School (ED 3314) and Educational Psychology (PSY 3339) or Educational Psychology for Teachers (ED 3339).

Teacher certification applicants must have exhibited professional maturity, acceptable class attendance, and agree to adhere to the Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators to be officially admitted to teacher certification.

Students must adhere to the Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators of the Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 247, Rule 247.2, and to the Fitness to Teach policy (to be provided at the first advising appointment in the TDC).

UTeach Dallas Program:

• Meet all requirements for "Provisional Admission."
• Complete an application for admission to the UTeach Dallas Program.
• Complete UTeach STEP 1 (NATS 1141), UTeach STEP 2 (NATS 1143), and Knowing and Learning in Mathematics and Science (NATS 3341); be at least currently enrolled in Classroom Interactions (NATS 3343); and have a 2.750 or higher GPA in University coursework.
• Receive approval of the preliminary portfolio.

Students must adhere to the Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators of the Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 247, Rule 247.2, and to the Fitness to Teach policy (to be provided at the first advising appointment in the TDC).

Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES)

All candidates for initial teacher certification must pass two TExES certification examinations:

1. Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities, EC-12.
2. Content specialization test for the appropriate grade level.

Students must be officially admitted to either teacher certification track (TDC or UTeach Dallas) to take the TExES certification examinations. For information on TExES registration and eligibility, please review the TDC website at www.utdallas.edu/teach or contact the TDC or review the UTeach Dallas website at www.utdallas.edu/uteach or contact UTeach Dallas.

TExES examination preparation manuals and Tests-at-a-Glance may be downloaded from the ETS website, www.ets.org. Students should access this information before or during the first semester of enrollment in the TDC or the UTeach Dallas teacher certification tracks. Students are encouraged to prepare early for the content area/teaching field TExES examination as well as take the PPR TExES exam.

• TDC students are prepared to take the PPR exam during or upon completion of Classroom Management (ED 3342 or ED 4361).
• UTeach Dallas students are prepared to take the PPR exam at the beginning of Project-Based Instruction (NATS 4341).
• Practice exams for all TExES examinations are available through the TDC at no charge.
• TExES preparation workshops are available twice each fall and spring semester at no charge to students.

Requirements for Clinical Teaching

Applications for clinical teaching will be accepted at one of several information sessions held early in each long semester (before October 15 in the fall and before March 15 in the spring). For further information, contact the TDC or UTeach Dallas. All candidates in either teacher certification track will be reviewed by the appropriate program professionals to analyze eligibility for clinical teaching.

Teacher Development Center Program:

All candidates must have exhibited professional maturity, acceptable class attendance, and meet the following requirements:

• Adhere to the Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators.
• Adhere to Fitness to Teach Policy.
• Be officially admitted to the TDC program. Transfer students must have completed a minimum of 9 semester credit hours of professional development coursework at UT Dallas in order to register for the clinical teaching capstone course.
• Pass both required TExES exams.
• Complete all required professional development courses with a 2.750 or higher GPA.
• Complete all required course work in the content area/teaching field with a 2.750 or higher GPA.
• Have no grade lower than a "B" in Classroom Management (e.g., ED 3342 or ED 4361), Curriculum and Instruction (i.e. ED 3370, ED 3371, ED 3380, or ED 3382) or Methods (e.g. ED 4343, ED 4344, or ED 4345) courses.
• Have no grade lower than "C" in other required certification courses.
• Request a clinical teaching assignment where no family member works or attends.
• Clear district criminal background check.
• Register for clinical teaching (6 semester credit hours). A clinical teaching fee is included in the total registration charges.
• Pay tuition expenses before beginning official clinical teaching assignment.

Supervised Post-Baccalaureate Internships are available only to certification candidates who have a degree from an accredited college or university, a signed full-time teacher contract as faculty of record from an accredited school or district, a 3.000 or higher GPA in required courses, and who meet all other requirements for clinical teaching.

UTeach Dallas Program:

All candidates must have exhibited professional maturity, acceptable class attendance, and meet the following requirements:

• Adhere to the Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators as listed in Appendix III in the student teacher handbook.
• Meet all requirements for official admission to the UTeach Dallas program.
• Pass both required TExES exams.
• Complete all required coursework in teaching field with a 2.750 or higher GPA.
• Have no grade lower than a "B" in UTeach STEP 1 (NATS 1141) and UTeach STEP 2 (NATS 1143) for certification through UTeach Dallas as well as a 3.000 or higher GPA in UTeach Dallas coursework.
• Have no grade lower than "C" in other required certification courses.
• Request a clinical teaching assignment where no family member works or attends.
• Clear district criminal background check.
• Register for clinical teaching (6 semester credit hours). A clinical teaching fee will be included in the total registration charges.
• Enroll concurrently in the NATS 4141 UTeach Apprentice Teaching Seminar course (1 semester credit hour).
• Pay tuition expenses before beginning official clinical teaching assignment.

UT Dallas Requirements for Teacher Certification

Teacher Development Center:

• A 2.750 or higher GPA in all professional education coursework.
• A 2.750 or higher GPA in content area/teaching filed coursework.
• Earn a grade of "A" or "B" in:
• Classroom Management (ED 3342 or ED 4361);
• Curriculum and Instruction (ED 3370, ED 3371, ED 3380, or ED 3382);
• Methods courses (ED 4343, ED 4344, or ED 4345).
• Earn no grade lower than "C" in all other required certification courses.
• Successfully complete professional education coursework taken at UT Dallas.
• Successfully complete Educational Technology (ED 4372).
• Provide appropriate documentation of effective public speaking.
• Complete 12 semester credit hours of English language, composition, and/or literature with no grade lower than a "C."
• Successfully complete 40 clock hours of early field experience.
• Successfully complete a semester clinical teaching experience with a grade of "A" or "B" in clinical teaching.

UTeach Dallas:

• A 2.7500 or higher GPA in content area/teaching field.
• Earn a grade of "A" or "B" in UTeach STEP 1 (NATS 1141) and UTeach STEP 2 (NATS 1143) and overall GPA of 3.000 or higher in UTeach Dallas courses with no grade lower than a "C" in Knowing and Learning in Mathematics and Science (NATS 3341), Classroom Interactions (NATS 3343), or Project-Based Instruction (NATS 4341).
• Earn no grade lower than "C" in other required certification courses.
• Successfully complete professional education coursework taken at UT Dallas.
• Provide appropriate documentation of educational technology competency.
• Provide appropriate documentation of effective public speaking.
• Successfully complete 40 clock hours of early field experience.
• Successfully complete a semester clinical teaching experience with a grade of "A" or "B" in clinical teaching.

Application for Certification

Students who successfully fulfill all requirements for Texas teacher certification (GPA, coursework, Basics Skills exam, and TExES examinations, etc.) may apply for certification on the Texas Education Agency (TEA) website at www.tea.state.tx.us. The Certification Officer will access student online applications and, upon verification of all certification requirements, will make recommendations for certification online. Students will immediately receive an email from the certifying agency verifying recommendation. When TEA posts the certificate online, the teacher candidate can print a copy of the certificate on paper suitable for framing if they wish. The online certificate is the official credential.

Contact Information

UT Dallas Teacher Development Center

School of Interdisciplinary Studies
Hoblitzelle Hall 2.900
Telephone: 972-883-2730
Fax: 972-883-4330
www.utdallas.edu/teach

UTeach Dallas

Department of Science/Mathematics Education
School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Founders North 3.218
Telephone: 972-883-6485
Fax: 972-883-6797
www.utdallas.edu/uteach

1. Available only through the Teacher Development Center (TDC).

2. Available through the TDC or UTeach Dallas teacher certification tracks.