West Texas A&M University - Home
Post Bacc FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What may cause me from not being accepted or removed from the Post-Bacc program?

Students may be removed for the following reasons:

  • Unprofessionalism to any WTAMU staff, faculty, or personnel departments (discretion of program director)
  • Unprofessionalism in classroom observations, concerns by school personnel
  • Falsification of personal/academic information
  • Felonies/Misdeameanors charges that TEA/SBEC flag

What if I do not have an overall or content area GPA of 2.5?

We will work with you on correcting your GPA deficiencies during advising sessions.  You will not be eligible to begin the TEP professional development coursework until the 2.5 overall GPA has been reached.  The quickest way to bring up your GPA is to repeat classes in which you did poorly.  Remember, we cannot count any class in your content area with a grade lower than a “C.”

Do I have to take the THEA or ACCUPLACER reading section of the test even if I was exempt for college admission? If so, how may I register for the THEA or Accuplacer test?

The test is not required for admission to WTAMU, however, the mandatory reading score of 260 on THEA or  a 98 on the ACCUPLACER is required for full admission into the teacher education program at WTAMU.  Contact Educational Services at 806-651-2341 to schedule a time to take your test.    The Accuplacer may be taken at a junior college.

When am I admitted to the program?

This may occur after the candidate has completed and submitted his/her mandatory reading score on the Accuplacer/THEA score, 30 hours of classroom observation, obatin the mandatory gpa, and has passed his/her TExES content test under the PACT system.   Students who do not obtain full admission will not be allowed to compelte all TEP coursework such as EDPD 6331, EDSE 6333, or EDEL 6334, 6335. 

What do I do once I have received my deficiency plan? Who is my adviser and how do I make an appointment to register?

First, if you have not applied to WTAMU for university admission, please do so asap.  Post-Bacc students will complete the Graduate application, but must choose the options - Graduate, Non-Degree and a major of Certification (PB).    WTAMU admission application requies a $25 application fee.  

Next, the Assistant Director for the Alternative Certification Programs serves as the Graduate Advisor for the Grad, CERT PB student.  Students may receive advising and registration assistance by the  Asst. Director.  Once you have received your deficiency plan and admisison to WTAMU, students must call the OAC to schedule an appointment, 806-651-2599.   The student must complete an official WT advising agreement form with the OAC to get greenlighted and regsiter.  Note:  All TEP coursework will require the OAC to register the student  to verify full acceptance.

Do I have to student teach for my field experience?

There are two options for completing the student teaching component for post-bacc students. The post-bacc candidate may complete a semester of 6 credit hours of traditional student teaching (arranged through the Office for Teacher Preparation and Advising, Old Main, Room 424). Or the post-bacc candidate may complete a one-year internship (two semesters of 3 credit hours of internship) as teacher-of-record in an approved and accredited public or private school in the subject and grade level certification being sought.  (applicant is responsible for finding internship) Note:  The teaching practicum experience component must be completed or certification will not be granted.

I am participating in the Post-Bacc program, am I considered "highly qualified" (HQ) under the US Department of Education's No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act?

Verification of teachers as "highly qualified" is a function of the school district; however, according to the Texas Education Agency, a degreed individual who holds a probationary certificate, has demonstrated content mastery, and is participating in an acceptable alternative (including post-baccalaureate) certification program may be considered HQ as outlined below:Elementary - Pass the Generalist EC-4 or Bilingual Generalist EC-4 TExES exam.Middle School- Pass the appropriate 4-8 subject area or dual-subject TExES exam.Secondary and all-level core content areas - Pass the appropriate 6-12 ExCET, 8-12 TExES, or EC-12 subject area exam, or have an academic major or graduate degree or coursework equivalent to an undergraduate academic major (24 hours, 12 of which are upper division hours) in the subject taught.Special Education EC-12 - special education applicants should refer to the hiring district for specific guidance in this area.

 How do Post-Bacc students find jobs?

Begin applying with school districts early, but usually not before March.

  • The WTAMU Office of Career Services holds an Educator Expo (job fair) each Spring, which is an excellent opportunity to meet principals, superintendents, and personnel directors from the area.
  • Open a personnel file with WTAMU Career Services, 806/651-2345, and access the website for resume writing and interviewing assistance: www.wtcareer.wtamu.edu.  
  • Substitute teaching, if possible, is an excellent method of “getting known” in the school(s).
  • Region 16 (Amarillo) and Region 17 (Lubbock) Educational Service Centers have listings of teaching positions on their websites.
  • Students who pass their content exam may complete the OAC web candidate form to be placed on the OAC's web candidate list of eligible candidates.   Principals and Superintedents check this list from time to time looking for eligible candidates for their school district.  

Who supervises the Post-Bacc intern while in residence at the school district?The intern will be under the direct, ongoing and shared supervision of the building principal (or administrative alternative), Post-Bacc personnel, a WTAMU supervisor, and a mentor teacher. This cadre of individuals will provide instructional and professional support and assistance to the intern.

What is the cost of the Post-Bac program?

Program Application/Admission Phase

  • $50.00 non-refundable fee for preparation of the deficiency plan (2-3 weeks required for preparation)
  • $10 ACCUPLACER exam fee or  $29 THEA exam fees (subject to change by state)
  • $25.00 non-refundable fee for WTAMU application for university admission

Coursework Registration/Training Phase

  • $15 for each appropriate practice exam(s)
  • $120.00* per ExCET/TExES test as required by your deficiency plan.
  • Coursework, textbooks, and tuition -  (tuition and  fees will vary by courseload - estimation not provided)
    • Coursework will be at the graduate level in most instances.
    • Out-of-state tuition rates are considerly higher.  Residency status must be determined by the Registrar’s Office.  Tuition and fees are established by the Texas legislature and are subject to change.  Tuition and fees will be paid in accordance with WTAMU policies before the beginning of each semester.