MOUNTAIN VIEW COLLEGE ALTERNATIVE TEACHER CERTIFICATION PROGRAM NOTE: PLEASE ALLOW 3 WEEKS FOR PROCESSING BEFORE INQUIRING ABOUT THE STATUS OF YOUR APPLICATION.
Dear Prospective Alternative Certification Student: Thank you for your interest in the Mountain View College Alternative Certification program! We are happy that you are considering this program in your pursuit of a career as a certified teacher. The Texas State Board of Educator Certification has given Mountain View College a very unique charge as we help meet the needs of the teacher shortage and give Texas school children what they deserve -- highly qualified teachers. Our classes are flexible, affordable, and taught by professional educators in the Dallas area. Enclosed is key information about our program that you should find helpful. The Alternative Teacher Certification Program is located on the Mountain View campus in Room W-250. Program staff members are available to assist you and answer any questions via telephone at 214-860-8562. Thanks again for your interest. We look forward to working with you in the near future. Sincerely, The Alternative Teacher Certification Team
Application Guide General Information The Alternative Teacher Certification Program at Mountain View College meets in an intensive and rigorous academic environment for several months in order to expedite the teacher certification process. Our program consists of several hours of training in Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities and select content areas. Program participants are eligible to take the TExES after completion of the required program training. Once the candidate has taken the TExES and demonstrated content mastery in his/her selected area, s/he is eligible to establish employment as Teachers-of-Record at an elementary, middle or high school. Certification levels offered through our program include: Areas of Certification EC-6 Generalist EC-6 Bilingual Generalist EC-6 ESL Generalist 4-8 Generalist 4-8 Bilingual Generalist 4-8 ESL Generalist 4-8 Mathematics 4-8 Science 4-8 English & Language Arts 4-8 English Language Arts & Reading/Social Studies 4-8 Social Studies 7-12 Science 7-12 English & Language Arts 7-12 History 7-12 Social Studies EC-12 Special Education EC-12 Technology App. EC-12 Marketing EC-12 Physical Education EC-12 Health LOTE EC-12 Spanish LOTE EC-12 Chinese (Mandarin) 7-12 Mathematics
Admission Requirements Alternative Certification participants must meet the following requirements: Have an earned bachelor s degree from an accredited college or university and have the ability to provide the official college transcripts from each school attended. Note: Students who have attended the Dallas County Community College District for any credit coursework do not need to obtain transcripts for those courses. Have an overall G.P.A of a 2.5 or higher. Grades of D or lower will not be accepted. Must pass a criminal background check. Submit the required THEA scores with enclosed application. Tests Required for Program Admission For admittance to the alternative certification program, students are required to submit passing THEA test scores. Students who have graduated within the state of Texas may be exempt from taking the THEA, transcripts must be provided in order to determine the TSI exemption. Students who are out of state/out of country are required to take the THEA test. Visit www.thea.nesinc.com to register and for testing site locations for the THEA test (or) to receive your score report if the test has already been taken. Out of Country students are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet Based Test (TOEFL-iBT). You must take all four portions (Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing) for your score to be calculated. Only a passing score on the Speaking portion is required at this time. The acceptable passing score on the Speaking portion is 26. In addition to the THEA and TOEFL examinations, candidates must provide an original detailed report or course by course evaluation for the professional licensing of all college-level credits prepared by a foreign credential evaluation service recognized by TEA. Visit www.ets.org/toefl to register for the TOEFL and Testing site locations. *Acceptable test scores for the THEA are as follows: THEA Scores Reading: 240 Writing: 220 Math: 230
The Interview Process: Applicants who successfully submit all portions of the application packet and who qualify will be called and selected for an interview. The interview will consist of two parts- an in person interview portion and a hand written essay. Please allow at least two hours for the entire interview process. Transcript Evaluation Process Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions will be evaluated. Students who are applying for admission to our program should have the hours earned in the following college-level courses to be considered highly-qualified under the federal law No Child Left Behind: Certification Area EC-6 Generalist EC-6 Bilingual Generalist EC-6 ESL Generalist Specific Hours Required on official transcripts A combination of 24 semester hours with a minimum of 3 hrs in each of the subjects A combination of 24 semester hours with a minimum of 3 hrs in each of the subjects A combination of 24 semester hours with a minimum of 3 hrs in each of the subjects Core Classes Social Science, Math, Natural Science, and English Social Science, Math, Natural Science, and English 12 of the required 24 hrs MUST be in English for ESL certification. 4-8 Generalist 36 hours total; 9 hrs. in each core subject preferred Social Science, Math, Natural Science, and English 4-8 Bilingual Generalist 36 hours total; 9 hrs. in each core subject preferred 4-8 ESL Generalist 39 hours total; 9 hrs. in each core subject preferred Social Science, Math, Natural Science, and English Social Science, Math, Natural Science plus 12 hrs. in English 4-8 Science 18 semester hours in the subject to be taught (6 of the18 hours will need to be at the junior and senior level). 4-8 Math 18 semester hours in the subject to be taught (6 of the18 hours will need to be at the junior and senior level). 4-8 Social Studies 18 semester hours in the subject to be taught (6 of the18 hours will need to be at the junior and senior level). 4-8 English & Language Arts 18 semester hours in the subject to be taught (6 of the18 hours will need to be at the junior and senior level). 7-12 English & Language Arts A total of 24 semester hours in English (12 of the 24 hrs have to be at the junior or senior level). 7-12 Social Studies A total of 24 semester hours in Social Studies (12 of the 24 hrs have to be at the junior or senior level). 7-12 Math A total of 24 semester hours in Math
(12 of the 24 hrs have to be at the junior or senior level). 7-12 Science A total of 48 semester hours of Science are required (24 of the 48 hrs have to be at the junior or senior level). EC-12 Health A total of 24 semester hours of Health are required (12 of the 24 hrs have to be at the junior or senior level). EC-12 Physical Education A total of 24 semester hours of Physical Education are required (12 of the 24 hrs have to be at the junior or senior level). EC-12 Special Education 24 hrs. Total; 6 hrs. in each subject preferred EC-12 Technology Applications EC-12 Marketing Heavy emphasis on work experience & knowledge of software; college coursework in computers & technology will be a plus (Evaluations will be processed at the Director s Discretion) Heavy emphasis on work experience & knowledge of software; college coursework in computers & technology will be a plus (Evaluations will be processed at the Director s Discretion) Social Science, Math, Natural Science, English ****Occasionally, applicants to the Mountain View College Alternative Teacher Certification program have questions about which courses fit into the subject area categories. The chart below indicates what courses fit into the broader subject categories: Social Science Math Natural Science English History Math Biology English Comp. Government Statistics (only under Math Dept) Chemistry Literature Political Science College Algebra Physics Geometry College Math Trigonometry Calculus Business Math (only under Math Dept Geology Astronomy Genetics Botany Physical Science Oceanography Meteorology
Tuition & Fees **All Program Fees are Non-Refundable** Haberman In-office Interview (Credit Card Only) $20.00 Total Tuition Costs for ATC Program is $3500.00 Phase I $625.00 (Professionalism, COMP, Media, ELPS, Social Foundations, SPED) Phase II $625.00 (Reading in the Content, Cultural Awareness, and Lesson Planning/Cycle) Phase III $625.00 (Content Specific Methods and Test Prep) Phase IV $625.00 (PPR Training, Discipline Management, and Teach Piece) Phase V Practicum* $1000.00 (Paid in two increments of $500, one in Fall and other in Spring) *Additional Practicum Year - $1000 Financial Aid The Alternative Teacher Certification Program does not qualify for financial aid assistance. This program is approved by the Texas Workforce Commission and qualifying financial aid is available through the Workforce Investment Act (WIA). Books EACH STUDENT WILL RECEIVE A LIST OF REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS FOR THE PROGRAM AT ORIENTATION. TEXTBOOK FEES ARE SEPARATE FROM THE PRICE OF TUITION. BOOKS MAY BE PURCHASED AT THE MOUNTAIN VIEW COLLEGE BOOKSTORE, LOCATED IN S-BUILDING IN ROOM S1078.
Class Registration Classes in the Alternative Certification Program are offered through the Continuing Education Division of Mountain View College. Students may register for classes in the Continuing Education office in S2042 registration windows or over the phone at 214-860-8835. **All students that are accepted into the program must attend a mandatory orientation before they can register for classes. A schedule of classes will be available to students during orientation. Generally, ALL classes in the program are offered on Friday nights 5:30pm - 8:30pm and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m. with an exception in the Summer hours so if your attending a Spring session for example the classes are scheduled (January July) the classes scheduled for June & July will change to 2 evening sessions per week at 5:30 p.m. 8:30 p.m. those two evenings will be determined at Orientation session. Class Attendance The Texas State Board of Educator Certification requires that students enrolled in an alternative teacher certification program attend a minimum of 300 clock hours of class training associated with that program. Program instructors are required to take attendance at each class meeting. Parents: no children are allowed in classes or talk/text on cell phones during classes. Severe Weather/ School Closings In the event of severe weather conditions, all students should listen to local radio or television stations announcing the official closing of Mountain View College facilities. You can also call the college information line at 214-860-8680/ 214-860- 8888 or access the MVC website at www.mountainviewcollege.edu. Teacher Certification Tests During the program, students will take the exams that are mandated for teacher certification in the State of Texas. The TExES Content and Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities exams are given at various testing sites on several dates and times throughout the academic year. The Alternative Certification Program will approve eligible students to take the test after they have been accepted and registered for the courses associated with the program. This approval will be necessary to register for any person taking the test. The chart below demonstrates the testing requirements for each certification level. Certification Level EC-6 Generalist Tests Required TExES EC-6 Content
EC-6 Bilingual Generalist EC-6 ESL Generalist TExES EC-6 Bilingual Content or TExES EC-6 Content & EC-6 Bilingual Supplement Bilingual Target Language Proficiency Test (BTLPT) TExES EC-6 Content TExES ESL Supplement 4-8 Generalist TExES 4-8 Content 4-8 Bilingual Generalist TExES 4-8 Bilingual Content or TExES 4-8 Content & 4-8 Bilingual Supplement Bilingual Target Language Proficiency Test (BTLPT) 4-8 ESL Generalist TExES 4-8 ESL Content 4-8 Science TExES 4-8 Science 4-8 Math TExES 4-8 Math 4-8 English & Language Arts TExES 4-8 English & Language Arts 4-8 English & Language Arts/Social Studies TExES 4-8 English & Language Arts/Social Studies 4-8 Social Studies TExES 4-8 Social Studies 7-12 Math Certification TEXES Mathematics 7-12 7-12 Science Certification TExES Science 7-12 7-12 English & Language Arts TExES English & Language Arts 7-12 7-12 History TExES 7-12 History 7-12 Social Studies TExES 7-12 Social Studies EC-12 Physical Education TExES Physical Education EC-12
EC-12 Health EC-12 Special Education Certification EC-12 Technology Applications EC-12 Marketing Applications TExES EC-12 Health TExES Special Education EC-12 TExES Technology Applications EC-12 TExES Marketing Applications EC-12 Candidates are required to earn passing scores on all tests. Candidates should contact the AC program case worker to discuss retesting requirements and options. JOB PLACEMENT The Alternative Teacher Certification Program staff does not place AC participants in a teaching job position at school districts, charter or private schools. However, we do help in notifying our AC participants of job fairs or other helpful resources for job opportunities. The Internship Year Once a student is eligible, he or she will work as a teacher of record in the area for which he or she will become certified. All interns will be evaluated by the program at least four times per semester throughout the academic year. The Mountain View College Alternative Teacher Certification Program will, through SBEC, recommend eligible candidates for Probationary or Standard Teacher Certificates. These certificates will allow any program participant to teach anywhere in the state of Texas. Probationary certificates will be issued after a student passes the appropriate Content Area portion of the TExES test, and receives a position as a teacher of record at a (TEA) Texas Education Agency approved school. The student must provide written documentation of the job offer in order to receive the probationary certificate. Standard certificates will be issued after the student completes the program requirements, passes all necessary teachers certification exams and completes a full academic school year as a teacher of record, providing they have been observed by a MVC representative at least four times per semester throughout the academic year.
Application Checklist Please review this checklist to ensure that you have included all required documents prior to submitting your application. All components of the application must be received in order for candidates to be considered for admission. Official college transcripts are the only component of the application that may be submitted separately. Completed and sign application Official college transcripts from each accredited college and/or university verifying earned B.A./ B.S. degree If any transcript originates from an institution outside of the United States, these transcripts must be evaluated by a credentials evaluation service. The evaluation must include both an overall grade point average and a course-by-course analysis. This official evaluation must accompany your application. Official Transcripts may be hand delivered in a sealed envelope or sent by U.S. mail to: Mountain View College Alternative Teacher Certification Program 4849 W. Illinois Avenue Dallas, Texas 75211 214-860-8562 THEA Scores (refer to admission requirements) TOEFL scores (refer to admission requirements) Criminal Background Check Form
Application Today s Date: Social Security # Last Name First Name Middle Name Home Phone Number Business Phone Number Mobile Phone Number Email Address Other Names Which May Appear on Academic Records Date of Birth: Gender: Home Address Street/P.O. Box Apt# City State Zip Emergency Phone Are you fluent in English? Yes No Please list any other languages in which you are fluent. Are you currently certified to teach in the State of Texas? Yes No If yes, what area(s)? Are you currently certified to teach in another state? Yes No If yes, what area(s) and state RESIDENCY INFORMATION Are you a U.S. citizen? Yes No If not a citizen, are you a permanent resident? Yes No If you are a permanent resident, provide your Alien Registration Number: If you are not a permanent resident, Immigration Status: Entry Date Expiration Date CERTIFICATION AREA Have you ever been granted any type of teaching permit in the State of Texas? Yes No If yes, please provide the name of school district. Please check ONLY ONE appropriate box for the certification area you wish to apply. *EC-6 Generalist (*accepting limited applicants for EC-6 Gen.) EC-6 Bilingual Generalist EC-6 ESL Generalist 4-8 Generalist 4-8 Bilingual Generalist 4-8 ESL Generalist 4-8 Social Studies 4-8 Science 4-8 Math 4-8 Science 4-8 Math 4-8 English & Language Arts 4-8 English & Language Arts/Social Studies 7-12 English & Language Arts 7-12 Math 7-12 History 7-12 Social Studies 7-12 Science EC-12 Special Education EC-12 Health EC-12 Technology Applications EC-12 Physical Education EC-12 Marketing LOTE EC-12 Spanish LOTE EC-12 Chinese (Mandarin) Have you taken the THEA exam? Yes No EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND If yes, attach official score report (or) an official transcript with scores. All College(s)/University(s) Attended From To Degree Earned Major Minor
B. Classroom experience Have you had public/private school classroom experience in the past five years? Yes If yes, please complete the following. (Job title: Full-time teacher, substitute teacher, classroom aide, volunteer, speaker/presenter, PTA. If you need more room, please use the reverse side of this page. School name & location Subject Area/Job Title Grade Level From No To C. Criminal Background & Fingerprint Check Employment with a school in the State of Texas is contingent upon a satisfactory clearance of an investigation of a record for felony or misdemeanor conviction in compliance with TEC 22.083. By signing this Addendum to Application, I hereby state that I have not been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony that may prohibit me from earning a Texas teaching certificate. I further understand that the State Board of Educator Certification and any employing school district will run a complete criminal background and fingerprint check upon my application for a probationary and/or standard teaching certificate. A copy of this statement may be accepted with the same authority as the original. Full Name: Last First Middle Social Security #: - - Drivers License #: Date of Birth: Ethnicity: African American Asian/Pacific Islander Hispanic Gender: Male Female Native American Caucasian Other I understand the information I am providing about age, gender, and ethnicity will not be used to determine eligibility, but will be used solely for the purpose of obtaining criminal history record information. Signature Date