WHY CHOOSE ACT HOUSTON?

We’re here to prepare you!

  • Everyone at ACT Houston is an educator with a school district background and years of experience.
  • Our curriculum is NCLB (No Child Left Behind) approved - Our curriculum is aligned with the state educator standards.
  • Our training program (Institute) is specific to your certification area.
  • Our classes are taught by master teachers in small group settings based on your certification area.

We’re here to support you!

  • A hallmark of our program is on-going support. Throughout your first year in the classroom, you will develop a close working relationship with your Field Advisor who has many years of experience in the field of education
  • Our program also values school-based mentors and their expertise. We train our mentors and pay them a stipend to work with and support our interns on a daily basis. These mentors also have the opportunity to earn CPE credits for their efforts.
  • ACT offers preparation sessions for all TExES exams at no additional charge. Typically, school districts look for a passing content test score before offering a candidate a teaching contract.

Minimum Requirements for Acceptance

ACT Houston is a rigorous, accelerated, state-approved alternative program for individuals with the following pre-requisites:

  • Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution
  • Degree must be verifiable through an official transcript showing date the degree was conferred (unofficial transcripts may be used for the appointment with ACT Houston
  • Minimum cumulative grade point average (gpa) of a 2.5 on a 4 point system or 2.5 in the last 60 hours of coursework completed

Step 1 – Appointment for Program Overview and Acceptance

  • Completed Program Application (can be downloaded here or completed at the time of the appointment).  Be sure to use our downloadable coupon on the "Application" link.
  • Critical Thinking Skills Admission Test – a minimum score set by ACT Houston with 1 retake allowed to meet this minimum score (per year)
  • Competence in speaking and writing English
  • Transcript evaluation (see certifications)

Step 2 – Institute Preparation Program (offered Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer)

COMPONENTS:

  • Foundations for Effective Teaching
  • Classroom and Behavior Management
  • Curriculum Planning and Research-based Instructional Strategies, including technology
  • Human Development Preparation
  • Process of Becoming a Reader
  • Equity for the Exceptional Learner
  • Equity for the English Language Learner
  • Assessment and State Accountability
  • Ethics in the Workplace
  • Teachers as Leaders

Step 3 – The Two-Semester Teaching Internship

The two-semester teaching internship begins when an ACT Houston candidate signs a contract as a full-time teacher of record and receives a salary paid by the employing school district. The Internship Fee is payroll-deducted by the school during the two-semester internship.

How to Become A Teacher in Texas

Five Easy Steps that begin with a phone call!

Step 1: Appointment to determine your eligibility

Step 2: TExES Content Exam for your certification area

Step 3: Preparation Program Institute & Field-based Experience

Step 4: Choose your route to teach! Internship OR Clinical Teaching Practicum

Step 5: Receive your STANDARD TEACHER CERTIFICATE!

Begin your teaching career NOW!