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The University of Texas at Tyler
Tyler   •   Longview   •   Palestine
A centerpiece for learning,
culture and natural beauty
UT Tyler School of Education

College of Education and Psychology

Certifications

In the State of Texas, certification is carried out by a certifying entity in conjunction with the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC).  The certifying entity, e.g., The University of Texas at Tyler, recommends an individual for a certificate, and TEA processes the candidate and grants the certificate.  Specific information about Texas teaching certificates is available at the TEA website.

The University of Texas at Tyler offers three types of certificates:  initial teaching certificates, advanced professional certificates and probationary certificates.

Initial Certification

Standard initial certificates are available at the following levels:

  • Grades EC-6
  • Grades 4-8
  • Grades 8-12
  • Grades EC-12

To be eligible for certification, the candidates must: 

  1. Complete the minimum of a bachelor's degree with no grade less than a "C" and a GPA of at least 2.5.
  2. Complete an educator preparation program through an approved entity.
  3. Submit digital fingerprints for a State and National criminal history background check.
  4. Complete the appropriate State exams for certification.
  5. Complete either the UT Tyler student teaching application or the intern application for certification.
  6. Complete the online application for certification.

Advanced/Professional Certifications

Professional certificates require a minimum of two years of teaching experience and a Texas teaching certificate.  Degree information can be found at the Graduate Programs site.  Professional certificates offered at The University of Texas at Tyler are:

  • Educational Diagnostician
  • Principal
  • Superintendent
  • Reading Specialist (Grades EC-12)
  • Master Reading Teacher
  • School Counselor

To be eligible for certification, the candidates must:

  1. Complete the minimum of a master's degree with no grade less than a "C" and a GPA of at least 3.0.
  2. Complete an educator preparation program through an approved entity.
  3. Complete the appropriate State exams for certification.
  4. Complete the online application for certification.
  5. Complete the UT Tyler application for certification.
  6. Submit a service record verifying a minimum of two years teaching experience.  (A Master Reading Teacher requires three years teaching experience.)

Probationary Certification

One-year probationary certificates are available for eligible candidates prior to completion of program.  To qualify, you must meet the following criteria:

Must have a position for which the candidate is preparing.Must have advisor approval.

One-year extensions are available for candidates who have not completed programs.  No more than two extensions are allowed by the Texas Education Agency.

Supplements

Supplements are specialized fields of study that attach to an individual's classroom teaching certificate at the level of that certificate.  Supplement information can be found at the Supplements site.  Supplements offered at The University of Texas at Tyler are:

  • Bilingual Education
  • English as a Second Language
  • Special Education

What are the fees for certification?

Standard Certificates $77
Fingerprinting $47
Renewal Fees $20
Individual test fees (TExES) $120
Probationary Certificates $52

Certification Resources

Contact Information

Virginia Fender, M.Ed.
Director of Educator Certification and Program Accountability
Office:  BEP 247C
Phone:  903.566.7053
Fax:  903.566.7036
Email:  gfender@uttyler.edu

Cynthia Harris, B.S.
Administrative Assistant III
Educator Certification and Program Accountability
Office:  BEP 247H
Phone:  903.566.7053
Fax:  903.566.7036
Email:  charris@uttyler.edu

 

 

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