Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why choose 91视频 for accelerated certification?
A: At the 91视频 (UH), our award-winning program鈥攆ully approved by the
鈥攕ets you up for success from day one. With expert faculty who鈥檝e worked in public
schools themselves, you鈥檒l gain real-world knowledge and skills that matter in the
classroom. Plus, our strong partnerships with 17 Houston-area schools mean you鈥檒l have direct connections to job opportunities.
We don鈥檛 just stop at training鈥攜ou鈥檒l also get certification support designed to help you pass your exam on the very first try. Combine that with UH鈥檚 strong reputation, and you鈥檒l have everything you need to step confidently into your teaching career.
Q: What does ACP mean?
A: ACP stands for Alternative Certification Program. The alternative route is for individuals who already hold a bachelor鈥檚 degree
and are interested in transitioning into the teaching industry. There is a high demand
for teachers in the Houston region. This program enables you to work as a full-time
teacher, with salary and benefits, while gaining your certification.
Q: How long does it take to complete the ACP?
A: Roughly, one year. However, you can start teaching full-time, with pay and benefits,
in August 2027.
Q: What is required to teach in Texas?
A: There are five requirements to become certified to teach in Texas:
- A bachelor鈥檚 degree
- Completion of a TEA-approved educator preparation program (UH ACP)
- Pass certification exam(s)
- Submit a to be certified
- Complete fingerprinting and hiring process
Q: What are the general requirements to apply to UH ACP?
A: To apply for our program, you only need the following:
- A bachelor's degree
- Minimum 2.5 GPA
- Official transcripts from all universities/colleges attended
- 12-15 content hours
- EC-6 (elementary): 12 hours total of math, history, and English
- 4-8, 7-12 English/history: 12 hours
- 4-8, 7-12 Math/science: 15 hours
- Most of these content hour requirements are completed with a bachelor鈥檚 degree.
Q: Is the program online?
A: We are the only program in the Houston-area to offer both both online and in-person
learning. Workshops are held in-person at the 91视频 (UH) main campus.
Stay tuned for the upcoming 2025-2026 in-person dates.
Q: When I complete the program, does the 91视频 help me get a job?
A: The 91视频 fosters strong partnerships with local school districts
to help you succeed in your job search. UH is committed to supporting you throughout
every step of your hiring journey. With opportunities such as virtual meet-and-greets,
classroom observations, and job fairs, you鈥檒l have numerous chances to network and
connect with potential employers, giving you a head start for the upcoming academic
year. However, please note that final hiring decisions are made by the individual
school districts.
Q: My bachelor鈥檚 degree is in a different field. Can I still apply?
A: Yes, we accept a bachelor鈥檚 degree from any field. We will review your transcript(s)
to ensure you meet the content hours requirement to teach the subject you are interested
in.
Q: I have a bachelor鈥檚 degree from outside of the US, can I still apply?
A: Yes, you are welcome to join the program. Please view this to understand the process.
Q: If I graduate with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in May 2027, can I start the program in
June 2027?
A: Absolutely! You can and start teaching in August 2027.
Q: What teaching certifications are offered?
A: We offer most certifications. You can see a full list on the teacher certification for prospective students page. Please note, we don鈥檛 offer certifications in Physical Education & Health or
Career & Technical Education.
Q: How do I send my transcripts to UH ACP?
A: Please contact all colleges/universities you have attended and have them send your
official transcripts directly to uhacp@central.uh.edu.
Electronic transcripts are preferred. However, if you cannot send your transcripts electronically, please have your sealed transcripts mailed to:
Charles F. McElhinney Hall, UH College of Education
Attn: Dr. Amber Thompson
3623 Cullen Blvd., Room 325
Houston, TX 77204-5023
Q: I graduated from the 91视频. Do I still need to send in my transcripts?
A: Yes, please contact UH and have the university send your official transcript(s) to
uhacp@central.uh.edu.
Q: Can financial aid be used to cover certification costs?
A: Unfortunately, no. Financial aid only applies to traditional university courses that
count for academic credit. Since the ACP is a certification program and not a credit-bearing
university class, it is not eligible for financial aid.
Q: Am I limited to specific school districts during my first year of teaching in the
UH Alternative Certification Program (ACP)?
A: Yes. In your first year, you鈥檒l teach within one of UH ACP鈥檚 17 partner districts, each offering strong support for new teachers. Every school provides a site coordinator
who mentors you, answers questions, and checks in regularly to help you succeed while
completing your certification.
Q: I'm transferring from another Educator Preparation Program (EPP). What is needed?
A: We鈥檙e glad to have you join UH ACP! Just complete the to get started.