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A great first step for every student is to take ARSC 201. This course gives every student the chance to evaluate their skills within the context of being an educator and ultimately make the decision whether or not to enter the aggieTEACH-Arts & Sciences program.
No, there is no obligation to begin a career as an educator after graduation for students who complete the aggieTEACH-Arts & Sciences program UNLESS you accept a scholarship or grant that states a teaching obligation is required.
Students who have 30 or more college credit hours but less than 80 college credit hours and who are seeking degrees within the College of Arts & Sciences that are related to current Texas Teacher Certifications are eligible to join the aggieTEACH-Arts & Sciences program. Schedule an advising appointment with the aggieTEACH-Arts & Sciences Office to determine the compatibility of your major with one of our certifications.
Yes, the minimum GPR for aggieTEACH-Arts & Sciences is a 2.75 overall GPR and 2.5 GPR in your content area. Students who fall below the 2.75 overall GPR minimum requirement are given one-semester to raise their GPR to the 2.75 minimum requirement. Students who do not have at least a 2.5 GPR in their teaching field plan cannot take their state certification exams.
No, you do not have to join aggieTEACH-Arts & Sciences as a freshman; however, the aggieTEACH program is designed for students to earn their bachelor’s degree and teacher certification in four years with no additional semesters. If you are a late decider for teacher certification, there may be additional semesters required that will extend your undergraduate graduation date.
Then the aggieTEACH-Arts & Sciences program is perfect for you! You will graduate with a B.A. or B.S. in your field (depending on your major) AND a teacher certification. Upon graduation, you can choose to pursue a teaching position or pursue other options related to your degree. Obtaining your teaching certificate will widen your career options and as long as you maintain a valid certificate (e.g., renew every five years), you can keep teaching as a career option.
A standard Texas Teacher Certification is valid for five years. To renew your certificate you must show proof of 150 clock hours of Continuing Professional Education (CPE). Then, you must choose to either teach or pursue another profession with your degree. Ultimately, obtaining your teaching certification as an undergraduate will give you more job opportunities after graduation.
You should make an appointment with an the aggieTEACH-Arts & Science Office to talk about your individual situation.
Yes, you can take INST 222 and INST 210 before you are admitted to aggieTEACH. However, you can’t take TEFB 322, TEFB 324, or the Senior Methods Course specific to the desired certification until you’ve been admitted.
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