Why Texas Teaching Fellows?
Streamlined Certification Process
“I chose TTF because I could train to become a teacher through TTF’s rigorous training institute, and then apply what I learned immediately in my own classroom that Fall. It wouldn’t take years for me to become a teacher.”
-Austin Texas Teaching Fellow
Overview
Texas Teaching Fellows is a fast-track alternative certification program. Our program is specifically designed to transform outstanding professionals and recent graduates with no previous background in education into effective teachers within one year. Our innovative training allows us to provide streamlined preparation while maintaining our reputation for integrity, quality, and rigor.
By expediting the certification process, TTF is able to provide rigorous, relevant training that will prepare new teachers to have an immediate impact on student achievement in high-need schools. To be recommended for Texas certification, Fellows must successfully complete summer training, successfully complete the Teaching for Results seminars given throughout the first year of teaching, and demonstrate student achievement in their classroom during the first year of teaching.
Year at a glance
Fellows complete a six-step process to achieve standard Texas certification within one year:
1. Apply to TTF - AUSTIN, DALLAS, or FORT WORTH (October 27, 2010 – March 28 2011) –The application process includes the completion of the online application and the submission of the required application questions and professional resume. Once an applicant completes their application they will be notified if they have been invited to interview with TTF within two weeks of their application submission. Some subject areas fill very quickly, and applications received for filled subject areas will not be reviewed.
2.Enroll in TTF (December 2010 – May 2011) - Once an applicant is accepted into the program, they secure their place in TTF by paying a non-refundable enrollment fee of $199 and completing the required enrollment steps. This is the only fee required by TTF until a Fellow secures a teaching position.
3. Pass the required Texas Examination of Educator Standards (TExES) (January - June 2011) - All teacher candidates seeking certification in the state of Texas are required to demonstrate content mastery in the subject area in which they plan to teach and become certified. TTF provides support – such as online test prep webinars, self-guided study sessions, TExES practice exams, and study materials— to Fellows to aid them in passing these exams. We provide more information about these exams and the registration process on the TExES page. All Fellows must pass the TExES prior to the start of summer Institute.
4. Apply for a Probationary Teaching Certificate and complete an Independent Study Guide (March - May 2011) – Fellows teach on a probationary certificate during their first year in the classroom. This is essentially so they can earn a full-time salary while meeting state certification laws. Fellows must also complete some independent tasks on their own prior to the stat of summer training Institute.
5. Complete the Partner District(s) application(s) for your region (March – May 2011) – All Fellows must complete the district application(s) prior to beginning summer training Institute. This process does involve securing reference letters, so Fellows must plan accordingly.
6. Attend a six week summer training Institute (June - July 2011) - TTF’s summer training Institute ensures that Fellows enter the classroom feeling prepared to succeed through participation in a practice teaching component and curriculum sessions led by veteran teachers. Last year, 95% of Texas Teaching Fellows felt that the Institute prepared them as well as possible to enter the classroom.
7. Secure a teaching position (March -September 2011) - A Fellow can begin his/her search for a full-time teaching position once the TExES has been taken. For this reason, we encourage all candidates to apply as soon as possible: Fellows cannot accept a teaching position until they have a passing score on the TExES.
8. Complete certification requirements while teaching in assigned content area (August 2011 – June 2012) - In order to be recommended for a Standard Certificate Fellows must:
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Demonstrate a positive impact on student achievement
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Successfully complete the Teaching for Results seminars
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Finish a full year of teaching in the same position
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Fulfill all tuition and testing requirements
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Remain in good standing with the program and their school district
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Receive a positive recommendation from their principal
Fellows will be recommended for their Standard Certificates when they have met all of the requirements above.
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