FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to complete the program?
Students should complete this program in one and a half to two years. The coursework should be completed in two semesters and the internship in one year. Factors that may extend program length are the candidate’s ability to pass the TExES content-specific exam, the candidate’s ability to acquire a teaching position for the internship and the content area in which the candidate is seeking certification.
When will I be ready for certification with the State Board for Educator Certification?
You will be ready for certification when you have:
- successfully completed the coursework requirements for your certification area,
- passed TExES exam for your certification area,
- successfully completed the coursework for PPR,
- passed the TExES exam for PPR,
- completed the Technology Integration course and
- completed the one-year internship or 12-week clinical teaching assignment in certification area.
May I submit my application without all of the necessary documents?
Yes. A file will be initiated when you submit your $40 application fee and the application form. When all required documents have been received, you will receive a pre-certification plan if you have met all the requirements or receive a denial or pending letter if all requirements have not been met.
My final transcript shows the classes I took at a previous college. Do I still have to obtain a transcript from the first college?
Yes. You are required to submit an official transcript from all colleges attended. An official transcript is one that contains the college seal and has been unopened by the student.
Can I have my transcripts mailed directly to ACE?
Yes. Send all transcripts to Lamar State College-Orange, Attention: ACE Program, 410 Front St., Orange, TX 77630.
Can I get certified in more than one teaching field?
You may apply and meet the entrance requirements for more than one, but you must choose one area prior to the beginning of training, and you must serve your teaching internship in that one area. After you complete the program and become a certified teacher, you may add a certification area to your certificate by taking the state exam in the other area. (No additional training required)
Can I take exams in other areas and become a certified teacher?
Once you have successfully completed the program and received a Standard Teaching Certificate, you are eligible to take exams in other areas without going through additional training.
What if I don’t pass one of the state exams?
You must pass the required state exams for your certification area before you can be recommended for certification. You may take the exam multiple times.
Is financial assistance available?
The ACE office is continually seeking grant money to assist students with tuition and books as well as support program development. The amount of financial aid available to students will vary, depending on the grant that has been awarded to the ACE Program. Traditional financial aid, such as Stafford loans and Pell grants, is not available because the ACE Program is a continuing education program and does not grant college credit.
How do I complete the program and become a certified teacher?
You must successfully complete all training requirements for your certification area, and your school administrator and mentor must recommend you for certification to the ACE director. If these two conditions have been met, the ACE director will recommend you to the SBEC for a Standard Teaching Certificate.
Why do I have to take a proficiency exam?
The Texas Administrative Code §230.5a states that anyone seeking admittance to an approved teacher preparation program must be assessed for college-level skills in reading, oral and written communication and mathematics. The ACE Program will accept scores, such as a TASP, THEA, ASSET, eCompass or GRE.
For more information contact the ACE Program staff at (409) 882-3043. You may also e-mail your questions to Judy.Williams@lsco.edu.
