Education – Alternative Certification Program

Mission

The Southwestern Adventist University Education Department is committed to inspiring knowledge, faith, and service through Christ-centered education. Our mission is to prepare effective educators who are equipped for teaching in faith-based and/or public schools. The Alternative Certification Program is designed to prepare individuals for teacher certification in the State of Texas.

Faculty/Staff

Cheryl The, Chair; Heather Archer Wilson, Tevita Tameifuna

Staff: Michelle Calagos, Administrative Assistant

Adjunct: Donna Berkner, Michael England, Marcel Sargeant 

Alternative Certification Program for Texas Teacher Certification 

The Alternative Certification Program (ACP) is an option for individuals seeking a Texas teaching credential, and who did not complete an Educator Preparation Program in their undergraduate studies.  Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree and meet the requirements outlined below.  A Pre-Admission Content Test (PACT) may be required prior to admission.

Pre-Admission Content Exam 

The Law requires applicants to take and pass a PACT for admission into an EPP in the following cases:

  1. If the applicant has a GPA below 2.5 or
  2. If the applicant has not completed at least 12 semester credit hours in the subject area of the certificate the applicant is seeking (15 hours if seeking certification in math or science above 7th grade).   

See the Texas Education Agency website for detailed information. (https://tea.texas.gov/texas-educators/certification/educator-testing/pre-admission-content-test) 

Certification is available in the following areas:

     Elementary Education, Early Childhood - 6th grade

     Secondary Certification, 7th grade - 12th grade

  • English Language Arts and Reading
  • Mathematics
  • Social Studies
  • Life Science

     All Level Certification - Kindergarten - 12th grade

  • Music
  • Physical Education

CERT 244 : Physical Education

The course provides the pre-service teacher with an extensive repertoire of teaching techniques in all level (EC – 12) physical education program. Emphasis is placed on health-related fitness, skill development, special events, and game development.

credits

3

CERT 253 : Music in the Schools

A course designed to prepare pre-service teachers to direct the music activities of children in all levels (EC – 12). The contents include fundamentals, appreciation, singing and rhythm activities.

credits

3

CERT 312 : Educational Psychology

A study of psychology as it relates to the learning processes and teaching methods. Principles and theories of learning are reviewed and individual differences and psychological concepts examined. Attention is given to exceptional learners. Includes field experience.

credits

2 - 3

CERT 326 : Learners With Exceptionalities

A study of the 13 disability categories outlined in the Individuals with Disabilities Act of 2004. Emphasis on understanding the educational needs of students with disabilities. The study includes characteristics, causes, prevalence, and legislation regarding students with disabilities. Admission, review, and dismissal procedures for students requiring an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) or other specialized program(s) are covered. The roles and responsibilities of the classroom teacher are integrated into the study of each specific disability category. (Also taught as PSYC 326)

credits

2 - 3

CERT 382 : Reading and Language Arts in the Elementary School

A course designed to acquaint the pre-service teachers with the strategies to help ALL children become better readers through systematic, multimethod, multilevel instruction. The focus will be on the essential components of a balanced literacy program to include assessment, lesson planning, strategic reading processes, and program implementation.  Includes field experience. This course includes six hours of dyslexia education as required by the Texas Administrative Code (TAC). TAC Rule 228.35 (4)

credits

2 - 3

CERT 386 : Mathematics Methods

A course designed to acquaint the pre-service teacher with concepts, methods, and available materials for effective mathematics instruction in the schools. Creative development of materials and lesson plans are emphasized. (This course does not apply to mathematics requirements.) Includes field experience.

credits

2 - 3

CERT 414 : Science Methods

A course designed to prepare pre-service teachers with practical classroom tested activities and ideas that are presented on planning, organizing, managing, and assessing an effective guided discovery science program. Students will have opportunities to develop teaching lessons. (This course does not apply to science requirements.)

credits

2 - 3

CERT 419 : Social Studies Methods

An overview of the social studies program that incorporates proven teaching strategies such as models of teaching, cooperative learning, learning styles, and dimensions of learning. Students will have opportunity to develop thematic lesson plans in an active-learning environment. (This course does not apply to social studies requirements.) Includes field experience.

credits

3

CERT 424 : Language Arts Essential Skills in the Elementary School

Designed to acquaint the pre-service teacher to implement a robust language arts program for the elementary classroom. Topics include all aspects of writing instruction including idea development, revision, mechanics, spelling, and publication. A writing workshop format will be used to engage students in developing writing lessons, writing assessment, and writing connections across the curriculum that align with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills as well as SDA Language Arts Standards. Field experience is required for successful completion of this course.

credits

2

CERT 431 : Physical Education Methods (K-12)

The study of methods and techniques of teaching physical education in the elementary and secondary school, including individual as well as group activities; students are required to observe and demonstrate in class.

credits

3

CERT 434 : Classroom Assessment

This class prepares prospective teachers to have a better understanding of classroom learning and assessment. Attention will be given to test construction and evaluation of test results.

credits

2 - 3

CERT 436 : Classroom Management

The purpose of this course is to help pre-service teachers develop systematic strategies and techniques for organizing and managing classroom activities and students. Research and practitioner-based models for classroom management will be reviewed and explored. Emphasis will be based upon real-world solutions that prepare pre-service teachers to be effective managers of their classrooms so that student learning is maximized.

credits

2 - 3

CERT 450 : Teaching Methods

A study of the teacher's role, teaching techniques, classroom management and evaluation of learning experiences in schools as these affect all students, including those with special needs and minorities. This course also addresses reading in the content area. Includes field experience. Included in this course are content area reading strategies for secondary students and six hours of dyslexia training as required by Texas Administrative Code (TAC). (TAC RULE §228.35 (4).

credits

2 - 3

CERT 475 : Directed Teaching in the Elementary School

This course is a 14-week student teaching experience. Students are required to engage in full-day teaching in an approved elementary classroom. Student teachers work under the guidance of a mentor teacher and a university supervisor. Available to seniors only in their final semester. Placement requires approval of education faculty. Pass/Fail.

credits

4 - 6

Prerequisites

Two-thirds of the professional education classes as outlined in the Alternative Certification Program

CERT 485 : Directed Teaching in the Secondary School

This course is a 14-weel student teaching experience. Students are required to engage in full-day teaching in an approved classroom (grades 7-12). Student teachers work under the guidance of a mentor teacher and a university supervisor. Available to seniors only in their final semester. Placement requires approval of education faculty. Pass/no pass course.

credits

4 - 6

Prerequisites

Two-thirds of the professional education classes as outlined in the Alternative Certification Program

CERT 491 : Reading in the Content Areas (For Grades 7-12)

This course addresses the importance of developing reading and writing skills across all content areas in middle school and high school. The development of critical reading strategies will be emphasized. Teaching methods will address the needs of both struggling and advanced readers. The development of reading comprehension will be emphasized. Additionally, six hours of training related to dyslexia will be included in this course as required by the Texas Administrative Code (TAC). (TAC Rule 228.35)

credits

2 - 3