FAQ's
- What is a Cohort group?
- What are the main benefits of the Richland College Teacher Certification Program?
- Are you accredited?
- What is the deadline to apply to your program?
- Why would an area Independent School District (ISD) hire me with no teacher certification?
- I have never taught, but I want to teach. What is involved in the certification process?
- What is a pre-intern and an intern?
- Can I decide to teach any subject?
- Do I have to pass the TExES exams (state of Texas teacher exams) before I am admitted into the ACT Program?
- Can I attend classes whenever I want?
- Am I required to student teach?
- Can you help me get a teaching job since it is required to complete your program?
- Is a credential through the Richland College ACT Program equivalent to a college/university credential?
- What are the teacher certification areas available to me through this program?
An educational cohort is a group of students who start a program, take all classes together, and finish together. The advantage of the arrangement is that the members get to know each other very well and can thus serve as a built-in support group during the training program and first year of teaching.
Timing, cost and support are some of the benefits of the ACT Program. Classes are held at a time and frequency that allows a teacher to work full time (e.g. one or two days a week, 5:30-9:30 pm, Saturdays, and other times that would not interfere with your teaching duties). The most important benefit, is that once you have been accepted into the ACT Program, completed Pre-Internship coursework, and obtained a teaching position, you will be paid as a teacher while you complete your certification requirements.
Yes. Our program is an accredited teacher certification program through SBEC (State Board of Educator Certification). Our program has to meet the exact requirements of all other Texas teacher preparation programs and participants must pass the same state exams and other requirements to be certified.
Since timing is crucial, it is ideal that a candidate apply in the Spring (or Fall for the following school year). It is important that the candidate meet all Intern eligibility requirements (e.g. complete pre-internship courses. pass state exams, obtain a teaching offer) BEFORE the Fall (the start of the school year). Consequently, our cohorts begin in late Spring and late Fall.
There are not enough credentialed teachers, especially in "critical needs" areas. Consequently they look to fill opening with the next category of "highly qualified" teachers. Our Interns fit in that category. In addition, the ISD is hiring you as a probationary intern with the understanding that you must complete all requirements for official state certification.
If you have a strong desire to be a teacher; enjoy being with children; are bright and a competent individual who is highly motivated to teach. and are willing and open to learn; the district, school and our program will assist you during the process of obtaining your certification. The Richland College ACT Program is an accelerated, intensive program, and you must be willing to accept the physical and mental challenges involved.
A Pre-Intern is a candidate who will complete/has completed four Pre-Internship modules, is in the process of demonstrating preliminary knowledge, and in the process of obtaining a teaching position. An Intern has demonstrated subject-matter competency, and has entered the classroom as teacher-of-record.
We recommend your choice be based on the age group and subject area with whom you enjoy working; we can talk with you about the subjects related to your age group preference .If you want to become certified to teach in grades 4-8 or 8-12, you must have a major (upper level credit hours), and pass a subject-matter competency exam in the subject area you plan to teach.
No, you can start our program while working to meet intern eligibility requirements. However, meeting subject-matter competency is required before you can transition into our intern program.
Once admitted into the ACT Program students are expected to attend all classes of the cohort schedule. The ACT Program has a cohort structure, that is to say, groups of students go through the program together. The relationships and support established in cohorts is strongly linked to student success.
No. Your internship is your student teaching. You are provided with mentors and closely supervised during this internship.
We provide as much assistance as possible, but do not directly place or offer teaching positions. A list of school districts is available, and we recommend you contact each district on our list to inquire as to their needs and application process. We also provide updates on of fairs, job postings, etc.
Yes. The Richland College ACT Internship program results in the same credential as is earned through a traditional college/university teacher preparation program. All credentials are issued by the State of Texas.
Currently, we are focusing on "critical needs" areas; Special Education, Bilingual, English as a Second Language, Mathematics, Science, and Spanish. However, we are in contact with area school districts, and look to serving their needs in certification areas.