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.
Cheryl The, Chair; Heather Archer Wilson, Tevita Tameifuna
Adjunct: Donna Berkner, Michael England, Marcel Sargeant
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:
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
All Level Certification - Kindergarten - 12th grade
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.
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.
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.
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)
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)
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.
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.)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
Two-thirds of the professional education classes as outlined in the Alternative Certification Program
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.
Two-thirds of the professional education classes as outlined in the Alternative Certification Program
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)
