Program Coordinator: Dr. Mychelle Smith, Dal 1, Room 321, Phone: 972-338-1373, Email: Mychelle.Smith@untdallas.edu
The Graduate Initial Teacher Certification Program includes 6 graduate courses and either a one semester, unpaid student teaching placement or a full year (two semesters), paid internship as teacher-of-record. This program is 24 credits total.
Initial Teacher Graduate Certification Program Requirements
This certification program prepares baccalaureate graduates from related fields of study with the knowledge and skills to effectively teach in PK-12 urban and rural settings. Students can earn certification with a Masters in Curriculum in Instruction (36 credits) or as a standalone program (24 credits). The graduate teacher certification program allows for initial certification choices among a variety of elementary, middle school and secondary concentrations: EC-6 Core Subjects, 4-8 Core subjects, 4-8 Math, 4-8 Science, 4-8 Social Studies, 4-8 Reading/Language Arts, 7-12 English, or EC-12 Spanish. 7-12 math and 7-12 biology are available with district cohorts. All credits of the master’s degree and certification program are completed at the graduate level. The following requirements are applicable to all students pursuing a teaching certificate:
Admission to the Graduate Teacher Education Program:
- Possess a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution
- Have a 2.80 overall, undergraduate GPA
- Pass the Pre-Admission Content Test (PACT) if minimum content credits not met with undergraduate degree
- Have a degree plan on file
- Submit two letters of recommendation
- Submit Admission Essays
- Acknowledge Educator Code of Ethics
Eligibility for Teacher Certification and Endorsements:
In order to receive recommendation for teacher certification through UNT Dallas, students must:
- Successfully complete the 24-credit certification program including Clinical Teaching (student teaching or internship).
- Pass all appropriate state certification exams which include PACT for admission, content (TExES), and PPR (Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities). Approval for testing is required from the Certification Officer for TExES and PPR.
- Submit certification application and fee to the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and submit the request for certification approval form to the Certification Officer.
- Submit fingerprinting for Federal background check through TEA.
Core, 18 hours
All courses are 3 credit hours unless otherwise noted.
Fieldwork, 6 hours