What will it cost me to apply?
Application fee (non refundable) $75.00
Once I am accepted in the program, what will it cost me?
Pre-assignment training fee $850
Program cost of $3,750.00*
University of St. Thomas Coursework $500 per course plus books
(3-5 courses depending on area of certification)
One time registration fee $35
*fees deducted from first year paycheck on a bi-weekly basis for Houston ISD employees.
Other associated fees listed here.
When will it be safe to quit my current job?
We have conveniently scheduled all pre-service trainings in the evenings so that you may continue with your current job before your teaching career begins. The exceptions are the one-week Integrated Field Experience (in May or June) and the one-week Curriculum Institute (in July).
Does the District offer any grants or scholarships?
Once accepted into the program, the ACP department has several grant opportunities available to select interns. Each grant is unique and has different qualifying criteria, and those interns meeting the qualifying criteria are contacted directly. Visit our
grant web page for more information.
What if I am not currently living in Houston?
After you have been accepted into the program, you will need to be in Houston for the training. You are required to attend the training sessions and college classes.
Once I have completed the pre-assignment training, what kind of support will I receive in my school?
You can count on a great deal of assistance. In addition to the evening classes, you will get support from your principal, your assigned mentor teacher, the director of the Alternative Certification Program, a manager of the Alternative Certification Program, your assigned Alternative Certification Supervisor, the HISD support staff, and other personnel connected with the Alternative Certification Program.
Do I have to take the THEA? If so, when?
Applicants with a 3.0 grade point average on their bachelor’s degree transcript are not required to complete the THEA. Other applicants must pass the THEA prior to acceptance into the program. Applicants must all sections and have a 250 or higher passing score in Reading.
For upcoming dates see THEA test brochure.
What is the Quick THEA?
The THEA Quick Test is an official THEA Test. The THEA Quick Test is a version of THEA where individual institutions schedule their own administration dates. Additionally, results are usually available within two weeks. The THEA Quick Test is the same length as the regular THEA. Examinees should contact individual institutions to determine dates and fees for the THEA Quick Test.
How do I get selected for a school assignment?
You must meet the NCLB requirements for your assignment. You must build your resume online and apply to the campus by visiting our
JOBS website. At that time you may contact schools and begin interviewing. You will be invited to job fairs or referred out as a priority by the District recruiters.
Will I have any classroom teaching experience prior to entering my own class?
Integrated Field Experiences (mini student teaching) will take place from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for one week. If you are presently working during the day you will need to take time off in order to attend this training.
What is the training schedule?
The training schedule will be distributed at the orientation session.
Will I have health benefits?
You will receive your first check approximately three weeks after you begin teaching. You will be allowed to choose the health plan that best suits your needs. HISD payroll dates will be every other Wednesday.
What certification exams are required in Texas?
All educator preparation candidates are required to pass the required Texas Certification exam, Texas Examinations of Educators Standards (TExES). The ACP training office will determine the dates depending on ACP candidates’ training performance and test readiness.
When will I be fully certified by the Texas State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC)?
Certification is awarded upon completion of the ACP program, including a one-year paid internship as a teacher.
Will this certificate be issued by the State of Texas and be valid statewide?
Yes, the certificate will be a Standard Texas teaching certificate.
What is the CERTIFICATION test pass rate of individuals seeking certification through Alternative Certification Programs?
It is really impressive. Currently, 99% of all Houston ISD Alternative Certification Program, first time test takers, pass the exams in their first year. You can review additional data by visiting the State Board for Educator Certification website at
www.state.sbec.tx.us.
What do I do if I do not have work authorization for employment in the United States?
If you are accepted into the Alternative Certification Program and selected by the principal for assignment, HISD will become your sponsor for work authorization. The applicant is responsible for all payments to an immigration attorney and any other costs incurred through the process. The District will only sponsor eligible foreign candidates in the following subject areas: bilingual, math, science, special education, and secondary Spanish.
What should I do if my degree is from a university outside the United States?
Take and pass the TOEFLiBT to verify English language proficiency.
Transcripts from an institution outside of the United States must be evaluated by a credential evaluation service.
Evaluations must include the educational degree equivalencies, overall grade-point average, and course-by-course analysis. If the official certified evaluation will be sent to the ACP intake office directly from the credential evaluation service, include a cover letter stating this with your application. Evaluations are the responsibility and the expense of the individual applicant.
