Teacher Preparation with Bachelor's Degree

• Apply to the University using the Texas Common Application. 
• Submit all official transcripts to: 
  • Office of Admissions
  • WT Box 60907
  • Canyon, TX 79016
• Visit the Office of Admissions pages for additional information.

Once accepted to the University, you will need to meet with your academic adviser.

• Students with fewer than 30 hours of credit will have an academic adviser from Advising Services. 
• Transfer students, or those with more than 30 hours of credit, will have an academic adviser in the Office of Teacher Preparation within the Department of Education.

Using the grade level and content area that you choose, your adviser will help you to plan your schedule for the upcoming semester, as well as future semesters.

Note: Some courses require pre-requisites and others may be offered only in certain semesters each year, so it is imperative that you meet with your academic adviser each semester. 

File your official degree plan, with the help of your academic adviser.

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) requires each university to have an Educator Preparation Program (EPP). "The TEA ensures that the state's EPPs are high-quality institutions that recruit and prepare qualified educators to meet the needs of all learners in today's and tomorrow's Texas classrooms." (tea.texas.gov) 

Once you have completed your core curriculum and other course work, you will be eligible to apply for admission to the Educator Preparation Program (EPP).

1. Create a TEAL Account (for TEA purposes)
   • Go to https://tea.texas.gov
   • Select ECOS for Educators
   • Follow the directions to create a TEAL account
2. Complete the EPP Online Application
   • Include two (2) original passport photos
     • (do not submit a copy of your passport; submit two current passport photos, which are available for a nominal cost at Walgreen’s, Wal-Mart, or the U.S. Post Office)
   • Be sure to complete the applicant interview and screening questions on the application
   • Incomplete applications will not be accepted
     

Note: applicants may request a preliminary TEA background check for an opinion of charge prior to starting a program.

• Teacher certification is regulated by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and it is important that you complete all requirements within your educator preparation program to be in compliance and eligible for certification upon completion.  The department has a degree checklists to guide you as you choose the content area and certification level.

Requirements for Approval to Test (State Certification Exams)

1. Admission to Educator Preparation Program (EPP), and
2. Departmental approval
3. WTAMU Testing Policies
4. TExES Remediation Log
5. TExES Resources

Requirements for Principals 268 Exam

1. Checklist
2. Testing Policy 

Requirements for Enrollment in Student Teaching

1. Retention in the Educator Preparation Program.
2. Documentation of a minimum of 40 clock hours of field experience.
3. A passing score on the TExES PPR certification exam.
4. A passing score on the TExES content exam.

• coming soon

Certification Requirements for Bachelor (or Higher) Degreed Candidates

Certificate Information and Requirements

• coming soon

A criminal background check including fingerprinting will be performed by the Texas Education Agency before a candidate will be allowed to certify or gain employment on a non-teacher certificate. TAC 227.1(b)(1)(2).

• Items on a candidate’s criminal history report may render the candidate ineligible for certification.
• Candidates may request a preliminary TEA background check for an evaluation of their criminal history. Please note that applicants may request a preliminary TEA background check for an opinion of charge prior to starting a program: https://tea.texas.gov/texas-educators/investigations/preliminary-criminal-history-evaluation-faqs
• All applicants with any prior or current criminal charges are encouraged to discuss their specific background with the Director of Educator Preparation Programs before enrolling in any academic program that includes a certification route.

English Language Proficiency Requirement: An applicant for certification in Texas must be able to communicate, listen, read, write, and comprehend the English language sufficiently to use it easily and readily in daily communication and teaching. English language proficiency shall be evidenced by one of the following: Consult WTAMU’s university policy on language proficiency: https://www.wtamu.edu/student-support/international-student-services/Applicants/international-undergraduate-test-scores.html

• Completion of a high school diploma, undergraduate, or graduate degree at an accredited institution of higher education in the United States; or
• Verification of minimum scaled scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT) of 24 for speaking, 22 for listening, 22 for reading, and 21 for writing; (TOEFL scores must not be older than 2 years from the date of application) or
• A high school diploma, undergraduate, or graduate degree was earned at an institution of higher education in a country outside of the United States listed in TAC 230.11