7 Questions to Answer BEFORE Enrolling in an Alt. Cert. Program in Texas
Questions to Ask Yourself
Choosing the best alternative certification program depends on what you need.
Here are some questions you MUST ask yourself before enrolling in a certification program:
- Do I want an online program, an in-person program, or a mixture of both?
- Do I want to do Clinical Teaching (student teaching) or a teaching Internship (where you are hired)?
- Do I want to pursue a master’s degree after being certified?
- Do I want help with the TExES?
- Which program do I feel most comfortable with?
- What is the cost of all the programs I’ve looked at?
- Is the program I like in good standing with the TEA?
These questions need to be answered before deciding on a certification program.
Do You Want an Online Program, In-Person, or Hybrid Program?
It all comes down to your learning style.
Some people like the in-person classroom and need that to really succeed.
If you’re looking for in-person training we recommend checking out the ACT: Houston, Dallas, and Austin. They have locations in each area and provide in-person alternative certification training.
Some people like the flexibility of online classes.
If you’re interested in 100% online certification, iteachTEXAS or Web Centric Alternative Certification Program are great options to look into.
And some people like a mixture of both online and in-person training.
If you’re looking for a hybrid program and are in the San Antonio/Austin area we recommend ACT San Antonio.
Do I want to do Clinical Teaching (student teaching) or a teaching Internship (where you are hired)?
Clinical teaching is like a student teaching.
Clinical teaching is one semester long and is unpaid. After the semester, and upon completing your certification program, you will be a certified teacher.
An internship is, basically, being a hired teacher. After a full year of teaching (two semesters), and upon completing your certification program, you will be a certified teacher.
An internship is a full-salaried position.
Some new teachers don’t feel comfortable going into a classroom without experience, so they prefer clinical teaching prior to being hired. If you want a clinical teaching option, make sure the program you choose allows for clinical teachings.
Do you want to pursue a master’s degree after being certified?
Are you wanting to pursue a Master’s in Education?
If so, we highly recommend the iteachTEXAS program. Upon completing the iteachTEXAS program, you will have 12 hours towards a Master’s Degree at Grand Canyon University.
And since teachers with master’s degrees typically get paid more, this is a HUGE bonus for iteachTEXAS students.
Do I want help with the TExES?
Not all programs provide the same help for the TExES exam.
For example, Webcentric provides a 240Tutoring TExES study guide to all their students.
While some programs offer help in preparing for the TExES, not all programs offer the same help.
Which program do I feel most comfortable with?
This is a very important question.
Which program do you feel most comfortable with?
When you call the program, do they answer?
Can the program answer your questions?
What are the online reviews of the program?
Perhaps most importantly:
Is the program in good standing with the TEA?
You need to investigate the programs you’re interested in and don’t be afraid to go with your gut.
To check if an alternative certification program is approved and in good standing with the state of Texas, use one of the links below:
What is the cost of all the programs I’ve looked at?
What is the difference in cost between the certification programs?
Not all programs charge the same price- so make sure you understand the total cost and how it’s paid.
A lot of programs only require you pay once you are hired as a teacher- this can be a big benefit and allow you to switch careers without a financial burden.
Research each program you’re interested in and make sure you have answers to the 7 questions above.