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Teacher Education
The Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT) is a state-approved transfer degree that provides the first two years of coursework required for students pursuing Texas teacher certification. This program prepares future educators with foundational knowledge in teaching, learning, and child development and is designed for seamless transfer into a four-year bachelor’s degree leading to initial teacher certification.
- Career Path
- Liberal Arts & Humanities
Programs
Alternative Teacher Certification, CE Certificate
The Alternative Teacher Certification Program (ATCP) at Houston City College (HCC) is a state-approved program that prepares individuals for Texas certification in elementary and secondary education. It is designed for those without formal teacher training or with degrees in other fields, such as biology or art.
Earn a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
Students without a bachelor's degree: Meet with an academic advisor to discuss the Teacher Education, AAT. This transferrable program includes the required foundational courses for a bachelor’s degree.
Complete an approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP) like the HCC-ATCP!
Complete 50 observation hours during the pre-service observation course.
Complete a year-long internship as the teacher of record.
Apply for state certification after EPP recommendation.
Obtain the Texas Classroom Teacher Standard Certificate from the Texas Education Agency (TEA).
Certified educators: Previously certified teachers are not required to complete an Educator Preparation Program (EPP) to renew, teach in another state, or earn an additional certification. Review the Texas Education Agency's (TEA) Educator Testing webpage for exam registration and preparation.
Spring Deadline - November 15
Summer Deadline - April 15
Fall Deadline - July 15
Please email atcp@hccs.edu or call 713.718.8149 for more information.
Houston City College's Alternative Teacher Certification Program (ATCP) is accredited by the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) and the Texas Education Agency (TEA).
SBEC: Responsible for public-school educators' preparation, certification, and professional conduct standards.
TEA: Oversees primary and secondary public education in Texas and provides staff support to SBEC.
Education Preparation Program (EPP) Accreditation: For ratings, pass rates, and performance reports, visit the Consumer Information page.
Teacher Supply and Demand: Access the TEA report on teacher demand in Texas.
Performance Reports: View HCC’s Performance Over Time Reports by navigating to the “Accountability System for Educator Preparation Annual Reports” section with the latest reporting years. Recent status reports are also available.
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