Educator Preparation Program

Program Description

The Educator Preparation Program is for individuals with a bachelor’s degree who want to pursue a teaching career. This Alternative Teacher Certification program is designed with the working student in mind. The program offers courses in 8-week formats and ends with a paid internship.

To complete program requirements, you must:

1. Complete 50 field-based experience
2. Complete all courses in the program
3. Pass all TExES exams:
   1. Content area
   2. Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities
   3. Supplemental areas
4. Complete a full school year internship as teacher of record in an accredited school

Learn in the Classroom & in the Field

You will complete 384 hours of classroom instruction and 50 field-based experience hours.

Field-based experience is a part of your required coursework. These experiences are an introduction to educational activities in an authentic school setting. You will observe and interact with students, teachers, and other staff members across different grade levels.

Paid Internship: Learn in the Field

The internship is a paid opportunity based on eligibility. You must hold an intern certificate to begin your internship.

During the internship, you will complete one full school year as a classroom teacher in a public school. You must complete the internship before recommendation for a standard teaching certificate.

Credentials in Detail

A recommendation for a teaching certificate is issued after a successful internship. You are required to hold an intern or probationary certificate during your internship.

To apply for an intern or probationary teaching certificate, you must:

• Complete 50 field-based experience hours
• Complete all course requirements
• Pass the TExES content area exam
• Pass the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities exam (for probationary certificate only)

Licensing Notice: Texas House Bill 1508

This program prepares you for an occupational license. However, you may not be eligible for licensing if you have a prior criminal history. For more details, see Texas House Bill 1508 Licensing Requirements.

Tarrant County College Educator Preparation Program is approved by the Texas State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC). Consumer information concerning performance of Educator Preparation Programs can be found at: Consumer Information Regarding Educator Preparation Programs.

Eligibility Requirements & Admissions Information 

To be considered for the program, you must complete all the following requirements:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with:  
  • a minimum of 2.75 GPA in the last 60 hours  
  • 24 hours in the appropriate content area  
• Show English language skill by meeting the Texas Education Agency’s English Language Proficiency requirements
• Apply for the Educator Preparation Program 
• Submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended 
• Complete a background check 
• Interview with Educator Preparation Program personnel

Course List

• EDTC 1070: The Science of Teaching Reading

• EDTC 1071: Integrative Instructional Methods

• EDTC 1072: Instructional Methods for Teaching Math and Science

• EDTC 1073: Instructional Methods for Teaching English, Language Arts, Reading & Social Studies

• EDTC 1074: Instructional Methods for Teaching Fine Arts, Health & Physical Education

• EDTC 1075: Foundations of Educational Technology

• EDTC 1076: Teaching Exceptional Learners

• EDTC 1077: Teaching English as Second Language

Cost & Fees

Costs and fees vary. Costs are available in Hello!TCC's Continuing Education Course Descriptions.

How to Apply

• New TCC students only: Complete a CE enrollment form. If you have not previously attended TCC, contact a career advisor for the form and more information.
  • Once you are accepted as a student at TCC, you will get a TCC Student ID number. You need a TCC Student ID number for your application to the Educator Preparation Program.
  • Admission to the Educator Preparation Program is a separate process and is not automatically guaranteed by admission to TCC.
• Read the application instructions
• Alternative Teacher Certification Program Information PacketListen
• Complete the online application
• Note: the Alternative Teacher Certification Program Application will open September 1, 2025.

Educator Preparation Program Complaint Process

Student Rights Statement

Students are encouraged to discuss concerns and complaints with college personnel and should expect a timely and appropriate response. When possible, you should first address your concerns through informal conferences with those directly involved. Formal due process is available when informal resolution cannot be achieved. TCC's process for resolving student complaints is described in the Student Handbook.

If an issue cannot be resolved internally, a complaint can be filed with the Texas Education Agency.

Complaints/Grievance Procedures

1. Candidates with a grievance will complete the Student Complaint Form and appeal directly in a face-to-face meeting with the Educator Preparation Program Director. If the candidate is not satisfied with the outcome of the appeal to the Educator Preparation Program Director, then
2. The candidate will appeal directly to the Divisional Dean (Human and Public Services) within 10 business days. The appeal to the Divisional Dean must be in writing and a copy must be provided to the Division office. If the candidate is not satisfied with the outcome of the appeal to the Divisional Dean, then 3. The candidate will appeal to the next level by completing the Student Appeal Form and submitting to the Vice President of Academic Affairs within 10 business days. If the complainant is not satisfied with the outcome of the appeal to the Vice President of Academic Affairs, then
3. The candidate will appeal to the Campus President within 10 business days. The campus president may:
   1. Affirm the initial action.
   2. Refer the case back to the initial hearing agent for further hearing in part or whole.
   3. Request further findings and recommendation.
   4. Reduce the discipline imposed upon the candidate involved.

The campus president's decision is final and ends the appeal process.

If a resolution cannot be found, the complainant may file a complaint with the Texas Education Agency. Not all complaints fall under the authority of TEA. TEA has jurisdiction to investigate allegations of noncompliance regarding specific laws and rules, generally related to state and federal requirements. Complaints may address educator preparation program requirements listed in Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §§ 227, 228, 229, ethics (TAC 247), fingerprinting (TAC §§227, 232) and certification (TAC §§230, 231, 232, 239, 241, 242). TEA staff and the SBEC do not have jurisdiction over complaints related to contractual arrangements with an EPP, commercial issues, obtaining a higher grade or credit for training, or seeking reinstatement to an EPP. Additional information regarding the complaint process with TEA can be found here: TEA Complaints Against EPPs