Educational and Professional Certification Program

UTSA is approved by the State Board for Educator Certification to recommend students for teaching certificates in various baccalaureate degree areas. Students seeking a standard teaching certificate or seeking certification endorsements should apply for admission to the certification program through the College of Education and Human Development (COEHD) Advising and Certification Center. Applicants may be either degree-seeking or special students.

Undergraduates seeking elementary teacher certification must complete the Interdisciplinary Studies degree as outlined in the UTSA Undergraduate Catalog. Individuals seeking secondary certification should complete the bachelor's degree requirements in their academic specialization while coordinating with the COEHD Advising and Certification Center to fulfill certification requirements.

Prerequisites

Students must be in good standing with UTSA

Students seeking admission to the Undergraduate Teacher Certification Program (Program) who have ever been referred to UTSA's Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards (SCCS) may have those referrals and the outcomes of those referrals considered by the Associate Dean for Teacher Education (Associate Dean) in determining whether to grant admission to the Program. Admission is at the discretion of the Associate Dean.

Students requesting admission to the Program who have cases pending with the SCCS will not be admitted until the SCCS case has been fully adjudicated.

Clear criminal history

The teacher preparation program at UTSA requires fieldwork in public schools. This requires that a student be able to pass a criminal background check conducted by the school districts. It is the responsibility of the student to determine if their criminal history background will present a problem before applying for admission to the teacher preparation program.

Note that students with a problematic criminal history will encounter difficulty in completing any fieldwork requirements and therefore, may not be able to complete the program. Questions about criminal history background checks can be referred to the Office of Professional Preparation and Partnerships.

Undergraduate Initial Certification

Early Childhood - 6th Grade Certification:

Grades 4 - 8 Certification:

Secondary Certification (7th - 12th Grade):

All level Certification (Early Childhood - 12th Grade):

Professional Certification

Principal

Department of Educational Leadership Studies (ELPS) Mission Statement 

The Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies prepares educators to become transformational leaders who work effectively in diverse and challenging contexts. The facets of this transformational leadership include equity, excellence, social justice, democracy, risk-taking, and responsiveness to community needs. Faculty in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies are strongly committed to developing collaborative and responsive relationships with area schools and communities. 

Supply and Demand in the Educator Workforce 

In pursuing certification, educator candidates should be aware that the market for educators in Texas is subject to the laws of supply and demand. The TEA provides data on the educator market at https://tea.texas.gov/reports-and-data/educator-data/educator-reports-and-data. 

Performance Over Time of the EPP  

UTSA Educator Preparation Program Performance 

Accreditation Status 

  • 2016-17 – Accredited
  • 2017-18 – Accredited
  • 2018-19 – Accredited
  • 2019-20 – Not Rated: Declared State of Emergency
  • 2020-21 – Commended: Innovative Educator Preparation, Not Rated: Declared State of Emergency 
  • 2021-22 – Commended: Innovative Educator Preparation, Accredited
  • 2022-23 – Accredited - Probation

Further information about the EPP performance over time can be found on the Consumer Information page of the TEA website: https://tea.texas.gov/texas-educators/preparation-and-continuing-education/consumer-information-about-educator-preparation-programs/educator-preparation-compliance-reports 

Requirements for Program Completion 

Coursework/Field Hours/Practicum 

Successful completion of all coursework, field hours and practicum are a condition for meeting the Principal Certification certification requirements.   

The candidate must complete all required courses in the Principal program.  During the practicum course(s), candidates are required to complete field logs and trainings. These must be turned in to the Field Supervisor for review. Once all items are met, along with passing the state exam, then the candidate will be approved for recommendation.

Calendar- Important Activities and Deadlines §228.31 (a) 

The calendar of program activities must include a deadline for accepting candidates into a program cycle to ensure adequate time for admission, coursework, training, and field-based experience requirements. 

Know Your Deadlines:

Program Activities 

Deadlines 

Contact your advisor 

During first semester of enrollment 

Attend orientation meeting (Principal Preparation Program, Practicum, Certification Exams) 

First semester of enrollment or earlier 

Apply to Principal Preparation Program  

During first semester of enrollment and before first certification course 

Application deadline for Principal Preparation Program – Summer  

March 15 

Application deadline for Principal Preparation Program – Spring 

October 15 

Practicum approval  

Before registration to practicum 

Register for practicum  

Last two to three semesters of program, after admittance to preparation program, meeting practicum eligibility 

File for graduation 

Early in last semester of enrollment 

 Participate in PASL Workshop Session 1 

1st semester of practicum 

 Request test approval for PASL 

1st semester of practicum after participating in PASL Workshop Session 1 and completing a PASL timeline 

 Register and submit PASL  

 (Fall or Spring) 

After participating in PASL Workshop Session 1 and approved for PASL  

 Participate in PAIL Workshop Session 1 

1st semester of practicum 

 Participate in PASL Workshop Session 2 

2nd semester of practicum  

 Take Principal as Instructional Leader 

 (268) Practice Exam 

Before PAIL Workshop Session 2 

 Participate in PAIL Constructed Response 

 Workshop Session 2 

2nd semester of practicum  

 Request test approval for PAIL 

After participating in PAIL Workshop Session 2 and passing Principal Practice Test (80% or higher)  

Take Principal as Instructional Leader (268) Exam 

After receiving approval to take PAIL and after attending two ELPS PAIL workshops 

Attend graduation (M.Ed. students) 

Early December for fall commencement 

Early May for spring commencement 

 

Reading Specialist


Requirements for Program Completion 

Coursework/Field Hours/Internship

Successful completion of all coursework, field hours and internship are a condition for meeting the reading specialist certification requirements.   

The candidate must complete all required courses in the Reading Specialist program.  During the internship course, candidates are required to complete field logs, trainings, and reflections. These must be turned in to the Field Supervisor for review. Once all items are met, along with passing the state exam, then the candidate will be approved for recommendation. 

Supply and Demand in the Educator Workforce 

In pursuing certification, educator candidates should be aware that the market for educators in Texas is subject to the laws of supply and demand. The TEA provides data on the educator market at https://tea.texas.gov/reports-and-data/educator-data/educator-reports-and-data. 

Performance Over Time of the EPP  

UTSA Educator Preparation Program Performance 

Accreditation Status 

  • 2016-17 – Accredited 
  • 2017-18 – Accredited 
  • 2018-19 – Accredited 
  • 2019-20 – Not Rated: Declared State of Emergency 
  • 2020-21 – Commended: Innovative Educator Preparation, Not Rated: Declared State of Emergency  
  • 2021-22 – Commended: Innovative Educator Preparation, Accredited 
  • 2022-23 – Accredited - Probation 

Further information about the EPP performance over time can be found on the Consumer Information page of the TEA website: https://tea.texas.gov/texas-educators/preparation-and-continuing-education/consumer-information-about-educator-preparation-programs/educator-preparation-compliance-reports  

Calendar 

As you chart your course toward certification, keep these dates in mind. 

Event 

Date 

TExES Practice Testing 

July 27, 2024 
September 14, 2024 
October 9, 2024 
November 9, 2024 
December 14, 2024 

Fall Semester Begins 

August 26, 2024 

Admission to Reading Specialist Program 

Rolling admissions- review and processing every Monday 

Fall Semester Ends 

December 13, 2024 

Grad Fest 

Check https://alumni.utsa.edu/gradfest each term as dates vary per semester (March/October) 

Spring Semester Begins 

January 21, 2025 

Spring Semester Ends 

May 16, 2025 

More information is available in the Master of Arts (M.A.) in Literacy Education Handbook. 

 

School Counselor

Requirements for Program Completion 

Coursework/Field Hours/Internship  

Successful completion of all coursework, field hours and internship are a condition for meeting the school counselor certification requirements.   

The candidate must complete all required courses in the School Counselor program.  During the internship courses, candidates are required to complete field logs and trainings. These must be turned in to the Field Supervisor for review. Once all items are met, along with passing the state exam, then the candidate will be approved for recommendation. 

Supply and Demand in the Educator Workforce 

In pursuing certification, educator candidates should be aware that the market for educators in Texas is subject to the laws of supply and demand. The TEA provides data on the educator market at https://tea.texas.gov/reports-and-data/educator-data/educator-reports-and-data. 

Performance Over Time of the EPP  

UTSA Educator Preparation Program Performance 

Accreditation Status 

  • 2016-17 – Accredited 
  • 2017-18 – Accredited 
  • 2018-19 – Accredited 
  • 2019-20 – Not Rated: Declared State of Emergency 
  • 2020-21 – Commended: Innovative Educator Preparation, Not Rated: Declared State of Emergency  
  • 2021-22 – Commended: Innovative Educator Preparation, Accredited 
  • 2022-23 – Accredited - Probation 

Further information about the EPP performance over time can be found on the Consumer Information page of the TEA website: https://tea.texas.gov/texas-educators/preparation-and-continuing-education/consumer-information-about-educator-preparation-programs/educator-preparation-compliance-reports  

Calendar 

As you chart your course towards certification, keep these dates in mind. 

Event 

Date 

Fall 2024 Admission Certification Deadline 

May 1, 2024 

TExES Practice Testing 

July 27, 2024 
September 14, 2024 
October 9, 2024 
Novemeber 9, 2024 
December 14, 2024 

Fall Semester Begins 

August 26, 2024 

First Day to accrue field log hours (internship) 

August 26, 2024 

Spring 2025 Admission Certification Deadline 

December 1, 2024 

Last Day to accrue field log hours (internship) 

December 6, 2024 

Fall Semester Ends 

December 13, 2024 

Grad Fest 

Check https://alumni.utsa.edu/gradfest each term as dates vary per semester (March/October) 

Spring Semester Begins 

January 21, 2025 

First Day to accrue field log hours (internship) 

January 21, 2025 

Last Day to accrue field log hours (internship) 

May 9, 2025 

Spring Semester Ends 

May 16, 2025 

 School Counseling Program also maintains a separate handbook. 

 

Superintendent

Department of Educational Leadership Studies (ELPS) Mission Statement 

The Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies prepares educators to become transformational leaders who work effectively in diverse and challenging contexts. The facets of this transformational leadership include equity, excellence, social justice, democracy, risk-taking, and responsiveness to community needs. Faculty in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies are strongly committed to developing collaborative and responsive relationships with area schools and communities. 

Supply and Demand in the Educator Workforce 

In pursuing certification, educator candidates should be aware that the market for educators in Texas is subject to the laws of supply and demand. The TEA provides data on the educator market at https://tea.texas.gov/reports-and-data/educator-data/educator-reports-and-data. 

Performance Over Time of the EPP  

UTSA Educator Preparation Program Performance 

Accreditation Status 

  • 2016-17 – Accredited
  • 2017-18 – Accredited
  • 2018-19 – Accredited
  • 2019-20 – Not Rated: Declared State of Emergency
  • 2020-21 – Commended: Innovative Educator Preparation, Not Rated: Declared State of Emergency 
  • 2021-22 – Commended: Innovative Educator Preparation, Accredited
  • 2022-23 – Accredited - Probation

Further information about the EPP performance over time can be found on the Consumer Information page of the TEA website: https://tea.texas.gov/texas-educators/preparation-and-continuing-education/consumer-information-about-educator-preparation-programs/educator-preparation-compliance-reports 

Requirements for Program Completion 

Coursework/Field Hours/Practicum 

Successful completion of all coursework, field hours and practicum are a condition for meeting the Superintendent certification requirements.   

The candidate must complete all required courses in the Superintendent program.  During the practicum course(s), candidates are required to complete field logs and trainings. These must be turned in to the Field Supervisor for review. Once all items are met, along with passing the state exam, then the candidate will be approved for recommendation.

Calendar 

As you chart your course towards certification, keep these dates in mind. 

Event 

Date 

Deadline to apply for Fall Superintendent Program 

July 15 every year 

Fall Semester Begins 

August 31, 2024 

Fall Practicum Initial Contact  

August 31, 2024 

Fall-Preliminary Self-Assessment Form 

September 7, 2024 

Practicum Observation 1 Window  

September 2-November 22, 2024 

TExES Practice Test Superintendent (195) Part 1 

September 28, 2024 

TExES Practice Test Superintendent (195) Part 2 

November 16, 2024 

Practicum Observation 2 Window 

November 23, 2024-March 3, 2025 

Practicum Field-based Activity Log Due 

November 30, 2024 

Fall Semester Ends 

December 14, 2024 

Spring Semester Begins 

January 21, 2025 

TASA Midwinter Conference    

January 26-29, 2025 

Practicum Observation 3 Window 

March 4-May 5, 2025 

Requirements for Admission to the Undergraduate Initial Certification:

  1. Be Core Complete.
  2. Meet minimum cumulative GPA requirements of 2.75 or higher.
  3. Complete 12-15 hours of content coursework. Math and Science certification will require 15 hours.
  4. Display English Language Proficiency (Earn a "C+" or better one of the following courses (WRC 1013, WRC 1023, COM 1043, COM 1053, COM 2123, COM 2113. AP or CLEP will not be accepted.
  5. TSI MET or Passing Scores on SAT or ACT*
    1. SAT: Composite score of 1070 or higher
    2. ACT: Composite score of 23 or higher
      * Exam scores cannot be mixed and matched
  6. Read and sign the Code of Ethics
  7. Read and Sign the Criminal History Policy .
  8. Pass the Teacher Candidate Admission Quiz with a 72 or higher
  9. Complete the Teacher Certification Screening Interview ( https://utsa.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0eyfyqPukjTvZUF)
  10. Have a clear criminal background and clear Student Conduct Services record
  11. EC-6 BBL and 4-8 BBL will be required to have taken the ALPS test.

Admission Requirements for Professional Certification:

Reading Specialist Certification Program 

Admission Requirements to the Reading Specialist Certification Program  

  1. Be Admitted to UTSA.
  2. Maintain your UTSA email address.
  3. Hold a Bachelor's degree from an accredited university.
  4. Meet minimum GPA requirements of 3.0 or better in the cumulative GPA or 3.0 in the last 60 hours
  5. Provide copy of the Department Recommendation Form.  (please contact your Student Development Specialist for more information).
  6. Provide evidence of a valid teaching certificate.
  7. Provide evidence of a service record showing at least 2 years of teaching experience.
  8. Display English Language Proficiency*

*Teacher Candidates who did not receive a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in the United States will be required to take the TOEFL IBT in order to demonstrate proficiency. The required score for TOEFL IBT is Speaking-24, Listening-22, Reading-22, Writing-21. 

  1. Read and Sign the Criminal History Policy.
  2. Read and Sign the Code of Ethics. 
  3. Complete the Reading Specialist Screener (please contact your Student Development Specialist on how to complete the screener.)
  4. Submit an application to the Certification Officer via email at teacheradvising@utsa.edu.
School Counselor Certification Program

Admission Requirements to the School Counselor Certification Program  

  1. Be Admitted to UTSA.
  2. Maintain your UTSA email address.
  3. Hold a Bachelor's degree from an accredited university.
  4. Meet minimum GPA requirements of 3.0 or better in the cumulative GPA or 3.0 in the last 60 hours
  5. Provide copy of the Department Recommendation Form.  (please contact your Student Development Specialist for more information).
  6. Display English Language Proficiency*
  7. *Teacher Candidates who did not receive a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in the United States will be required to take the TOEFL IBT in order to demonstrate proficiency. The required score for TOEFL IBT is Speaking-24, Listening-22, Reading-22, Writing-21.
  8. Read and Sign the Criminal History Policy.
  9. Read and Sign the Code of Ethics. 
  10. Complete the School Counselor screener (please contact your Student Development Specialist on how to complete the screener.)
  11. Submit an application to the Certification Officer via email at teacheradvising@utsa.edu.
Principal Certification Program

Admission Requirements to the Principal Certification Program  

  1. Be Admitted to UTSA.
  2. Maintain your UTSA email address.
  3. Hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited university.
  4. Meet minimum GPA requirements of 3.0 or better in the cumulative GPA or 3.0 in the last 60 hours.
  5. Provide copy of the Department Recommendation Form.  (please contact your Student Development Specialist for more information).
  6. Provide evidence of a valid teaching certificate.
  7. Provide a service record showing at least 2 years of teaching experience
  8. Display English Language Proficiency*
    • *Teacher Candidates who did not receive a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in the United States will be required to take the TOEFL IBT in order to demonstrate proficiency. The required score for TOEFL IBT is Speaking-24, Listening-22, Reading-22, Writing-21.
  9. Read and Sign the Criminal History Policy.
  10. Read and Sign the Code of Ethics. 
  11. Complete the 2 required Principal Certification Screeners (please contact your Student Development Specialist on how to complete the screeners.)
  12. Submit an application to the Certification Officer via email at teacheradvising@utsa.edu.
Superintendent Certification Program

Admission Requirements to the Superintendent Certification Program  

  1. Be Admitted to UTSA.
  2. Maintain your UTSA email address.
  3. Hold a Master's degree from an accredited university.
  4. Meet minimum GPA requirements of 3.0 or better in the cumulative GPA or 3.0 in the last 60 hours
  5. Provide copy of the Department Recommendation Form.  (please contact your Student Development Specialist for more information).
  6. Provide evidence of a valid Principal certificate.
  7. Display English Language Proficiency*
    1. *Teacher Candidates who did not receive a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in the United States will be required to take the TOEFL IBT in order to demonstrate proficiency. The required score for TOEFL IBT is Speaking-24, Listening-22, Reading-22, Writing-21.
  8. Read and Sign the Criminal History Policy.
  9. Read and Sign the Code of Ethics. 
  10. Complete the 2 required Superintendent Certification Screeners (please contact your Student Development Specialist on how to complete the screeners.)
  11. Submit an application to the Certification Officer via email at teacheradvising@utsa.edu.

Accelerated Certification Program

UTSA is approved by the Texas Education Agency to offer teacher candidates various routes to teacher certification. The Accelerated Certification Program (ACP) is a track that allows students who have earned a Bachelor's degree or higher to obtain Texas teacher certification at the elementary and secondary level. The accelerated certification program is considered by TEA as an alternative route.

A $35 TEA fee will be charged to the teacher candidate's account. This fee is absorbed by the Texas Education Agency and is not used by the University of Texas at San Antonio. It is a one-time, non-refundable fee that will be charged at the time of admission.

Certifications offered through ACP:

  • 7-12 English Language Arts
  • 7-12 Life Science
  • 6-12 Physical Science
  • 7-12 Science
  • 7-12 Social Studies
  • 7-12 History
  • 7-12 Speech
  • 7-12 Math
  • EC-12 Health
  • EC-12 Physical Education
  • EC-12 Special Education
  • EC-12 Art
  • EC-12 Spanish
  • EC-12 German
  • EC-12 French
  • EC-12 Music

Graduate Initial Certification:

Requirements for Admission to the ACP:

  1. Attend a Teacher Certification Information Meeting.
  2. Be Admitted to UTSA.
  3. Maintain your preferred email address.
  4. Hold a Bachelor's degree from an accredited university.
  5. Meet minimum GPA requirements of 2.75 or better in the cumulative GPA or 2.75 in the last 60 hours.
  6. Pass the PACT test in the designated content area. Please see the below plans for further information.
  7. Complete 12-15 hours of content coursework. Math and Science certification will require 15 hours.
  8. Display English Language Proficiency*
    *Teacher Candidates who did not receive a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in the United States will be required to take the TOEFL IBT in order to demonstrate proficiency. The required score for TOEFL IBT is Speaking-24, Listening-22, Reading-22, Writing-21.
  9. Read and sign the Code of Ethics.
  10. Read and Sign the Criminal History Policy.
  11. Pass the Teacher Candidate Admission Quiz with a 72 or higher.
  12. Complete the Teacher Certification Screening Interview (https://utsa.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0eyfyqPukjTvZUF)
  13. Submit an application to the UTSA Accelerated Certification Program. This is obtained at the Teacher Certification Information Meeting.

Requirements for Admission to the Graduate lnitial Certification:

  1. Full and Clear Admission into the master's program.
  2. Be Admitted to UTSA.
  3. Maintain your UTSA email address.
  4. Hold a Bachelor's degree from an accredited university.
  5. Meet minimum GPA requirements of 3.00 or better in the cumulative GPA or 3.00 in the last 60 hours.
  6. Pass the PACT test in the designated content area. Please see your certification specialist for more information.
  7. Complete 12-15 hours of content coursework. Math and Science certification will require 15 hours.
  8. Display English Language Proficiency* *Teacher Candidates who did not receive a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in the United States will be required to take the TOEFL IBT in order to demonstrate proficiency. The required score for TOEFL IBT is Speaking-24, Listening-22, Reading-22, and Writing-21.
  9. Read and sign the Code of Ethics.
  10. Read and Sign the Criminal History Policy.
  11. Pass the Teacher Candidate Admission Quiz with a 72 or higher.
  12. Complete the Teacher Certification Screening Interview.
  13. Submit an application to the UTSA Master's with Teacher Certification Program.
ACP Meetings
Request ACP Information

  • B.A. in IDS - Special Education Concentration
  • Undergraduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis (coming soon)

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