Texas A&M University-Commerce
Alternative Certification Application
* Date: / / *Social Security Number: - -
*First Name  
*Last Name  Maiden Name
A&M Commerce: CWID  TEA ID#  
*Address:     *City 
*State                   *Zip   
*Home Phone - - Cell Phone - -
*Email          Texas Resident (resided 1 Yr / more)
*Date of Birth - - Gender 
*Ethnicity   *Race1
  *Race2
 
Certification Area
Are you aware that the TExES content exams must be taken prior to admission using the PACT registration route/option?  ( PACT Link)

Note: Passing scores on the content area TExES test is required prior to making application and admissions to the Alternative Certification program.
*Level :
*Content Area :
 
*Status prior to teaching :
Highest Degree Institution
Date Degree Awarded  - - State Degree Awarded
*What is your degree major?
 
*Have you ever been convicted of a felony or offense involving moral turpitude (including, but not limited to theft, rape, murder, indecency with a minor, drug possession, etc…)? Have you ever received probation or deferred adjudication?    If YES, please fully explain on a separate sheet. ("Yes" may not result in denial of admission.)
*Have you ever been enrolled in a teacher certification program or been approved to take a test from another program?
If Yes, give dates   Program Name
Reason(s) for discontinuation
 
General Informational Question
 
*1. How did you learn about the program ?
*2. Do you have prior teaching experience in public school setting ? If yes, please elaborate.
*3. What is your previous experience working with children? (paid or volunteer).
*4. Are you interested in an unpaid 16-week clinical/student teaching placement rather than a 1-year paid internship  if you are unable to secure a paid internship?
 
Program Acknowlegements
As the applicant, I hereby certify that:
• The information within this application is true and correct, as well as all supporting/attached documentation;
• This application and supporting/attached documentation are provided of my own free will;
• I authorize investigation for verification of all information related to my application;
• I authorize exchange or disclosure of all information within the admission and retention process among Texas A&M University-Commerce, other certification entities, local education agencies/school districts, charter schools, private schools, the State Board for Educator Certification, The Texas Education Agency, and/or other entities relating to teaching or working with children and/or participating or cooperating in teacher certification programs.

NOTE: Texas A&M University-Commerce expressly discloses the following:
1. .As a provider of teacher education programs,Texas A&M University-Commerce must ensure its students demonstrate adherence to the Code of Ethics and Standard Practices of  Texas Educators,which requires  observance of federal state of law.An arrest,indictment,conviction and/or deferred ajudication may result in a student being dismissed from the program. 
2.   While Texas A&M-Commerce does not perform criminal history background checks, Texas public schools are permitted by state law to conduct criminal history background checks on a person intended for hire or a person who has requested a volunteer position. As a participant in an internship in a Texas public school, you may be subject to a criminal history background check. The Texas State Board  for Educator Certification requests information regarding any previous arrest, indictment, conviction, and/or deferred adjudication. When applying for state certification, you will be subject to a criminal history background check by the State Board for Educator Certification. An applicant with a criminal history may be denied certification.
As the applicant, I understand that:
• False or misleading information in this application or supporting/attached documentation may result in rejection of my application or dismissal from the program should I be admitted;
• This application is NOT an employment contract;
• This application does NOT constitute acceptance into Texas A&M University-Commerce  Alternative Certification Program;
• Meeting eligibility requirements does not guarantee an interview or acceptance into Texas A&M University-Commerce  Alternative Certification Program;
• Acceptance by Texas A&M University-Commerce’s Alternative Certification Program does NOT constitute employment, nor does such acceptance entitle me to employment;
• I am responsible for gaining employment in the area in which I am accepted to pursue certification, but employment does not guarantee acceptance into internship;
• Texas A&M University-Commerce will not admit applicants who have not been successful in completing another certification program, or out-of-state and out-of-country certified teachers;
•Acceptance into Texas A&M University-Commerce Alternative Certification Program may be based solely on professional judgment;
•I must continually comply with all program requirements and attend all courses/training or be subject to dismissal from Texas A&M University-Commerce Alternative Certification Program and all other teacher certification programs at Texas A&M University-Commerce.
 
The following  is for admission and retention into our Alternative Certification  Program.
I agree to:
• Pass TX PACT test prior to applying to the program.
• Graduated with a Bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally-accredited institute.
• An overall GPA of 2.75 or higher
•  Apply to the Graduate School first,then the Alternative Certification Program.
•  If Pursuing a Master's Degree,successfully complete a minimum of two (2) non-certification Master's courses prior to beginning Alternative Certification courses
• Receive no grade lower than a “B” in all alternate certification classes
• Enroll in required course work during the required semester as outlined on certification plan.
•  30-hours of observation in your specific content area and grade level in an academic setting prior to your teaching assignment.
 

Statement of Affirmation Texas Administrative code §247.2

The Texas educator shall comply with standard practices and ethical conduct toward students, professional colleagues, school officials, parents, and members of the community and shall safeguard academic freedom. The Texas educator, in maintaining the dignity of the profession, shall respect and obey the law, demonstrate personal integrity, and exemplify honesty and good moral character. The Texas educator, in exemplifying ethical relations with colleagues, shall extend just and equitable treatment to all members of the profession. The Texas educator, in accepting a position of public trust, shall measure success by the progress of each student toward realization of his or her potential as an effective citizen. The Texas educator, in fulfilling responsibilities in the community, shall cooperate with parents and others to improve the public schools of the community. This chapter shall apply to educators and candidates for certification.

I hereby affirm that I have read and thoroughly understand the Texas Educators' Code of Ethics TAC 247.2, and shall abide by all enforceable standards of this rule.

Printed Name:____________________________ Signature:____________________________ Date:____________________
 
Application Checklist

Please print and sign the completed application and mail,e-mail,fax or deliver the application and required documents to the address below.

All applicants must submit these items.

  1. Printed and signed application
  2. Passing TX P (240 or above)
  3. Resume
  4. Statement of Qualifications (only relevant to career & Technical Education)SOQ Link

NOTE:Incomplete applications will be placed in a "hold" file until all required items are submitted;after 30days, incomplete applications will be discarded

Physical Location

Texas A&M University-Commerce
Frank Young Education
North Building
Room 202

 FAX and E-mail


903-886-5156
Tracey.Stedman@tamuc.edu

 Mailing Address

Texas A&M University-Commerce
Attn:Tracey Stedman/Teacher Certification
P.O.Box 3011
Commerce,TX 75429