ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ

College of Education and Human Development

Becoming a Teacher Certification Candidate

Undergraduate Educator Preparation Program

To become a teacher certification candidate in Texas, you must have been admitted to the EPP Bachelor's degree in an approved program at ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ University, complete all requirements of the state-approved educator preparation program, and pass the required TExES certification exams. 

  1. Education Requirements
    • Bachelor's Degree: You must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college.
    • GPA: Minimum GPA of 2.75 in the Content Area and an Overall 3.0
  2. ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ University Educator Preparation Program (EPP)

    Traditional Undergraduate Pathway:
    • If you are seeking to complete your bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies or education or a secondary certification program, the EPP requirements are a part of your degree program which includes pre-service field experience hours and either residency or clinical teaching experiences.
    • You will submit an Initial Teacher Certification EPP admission application at the end of your PEDG 2310 and prior to enrollment in PEDG 3300

    Background Check:
    • You must complete a criminal background check, which includes fingerprinting prior to clinical teaching or residency of your onboarding process at your school placement.

    Alternative Path:
    • If you have a bachelor's degree in a field other than education, you can enroll in the ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ University state-approved alternative certification program or M.A. in Teaching program. These programs include required EPP application processes, admission to the EPP, required coursework, field experience and either internship.
    • You must complete a criminal background check, which includes fingerprinting prior to clinical teaching, residency or internship as part of your onboarding process at your placement school.

  3. Certification Exams
    • You must pass the required Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES) exams.


  4. Recommendation for Certification by the EPP
    • The assigned field supervisor or site coordinator along with the mentor or cooperating teacher must recommend you for certification by the EPP.

  5. Receive Your Certificate
    • Once all requirements are met, the TEA will issue you a standard (clinical teaching or internship) OR enhanced (residency) teaching certificate that can be accessed online by employers.

Supply and Demand of Teachers

Program Completion Requirements - Initial Teacher Certification

  • Be admitted to ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ University;
  • Be admitted to the Educator Preparation Program at LU;
  • Complete all required degree and certification coursework which includes field experiences and clinical experiences approved by LU;
  • Pass all required certification exams approved by LU;
  • Degree conferment from LU for associated B.S. or M.A.T degrees or completion of the LU Alternative Certification Program;
  • Be identified as a LU EPP program completer with a recommendation for standard (clinical teaching or internship) or enhanced (residency) certification.