Dr. Daniel J. Higgins, Chairperson

In recognition of the important role that a teacher plays in American society, St. Mary’s University offers teacher certification programs which have as their primary objective the preparation of quality educators. Our goal is to form teachers who will not only positively impact the students whom they teach, but who will also be difference-makers in the communities in which they serve.

Requirements

Students must demonstrate college-level skills in reading, oral and written communication, critical thinking, and mathematics prior to taking their first education course or being admitted into the Educator Preparation Program. Accordingly, a student must earn the following minimum scores on The Higher Education Assessment (THEA)- formerly called the TASP: Math 230; Writing 220; Reading 260. In addition, a minimum grade point average of 2.6 must be maintained in one’s overall GPA, major/teaching field(s), and professional development (education) courses. Preservice teachers are required to do a substantial amount of field work in schools as part of their preparation. Students are advised that it is common practice for schools/school districts to conduct a criminal history background check on all persons requesting to do field work in the schools-prior to their being allowed in the schools.

Student Teaching

All students seeking initial teacher certification are required to complete a 12-13 week student-teaching assignment in an accredited public or private school within the Bexar County area. The student-teaching experience provides an opportunity for preservice educators to get as fully acclimated to the school setting as possible. As the 12-13 week experience progresses, student teachers gradually assume more of the teaching responsibilities. Student teachers are expected to assume full teaching responsibilities, and this commonly occurs by the fifth week of student teaching. The student teacher is supported by a supervising teacher at the school site and a University supervisor who will conduct periodic observations and maintain weekly contact.

Student teaching is conducted during the semester in which the student will graduate, and students must have fulfilled all requirements in order to be eligible for student teaching. During the student-teaching semester, students also are enrolled in a three-hour seminar course. As the student-teaching experience is very demanding, students are strongly encouraged to have met all other degree requirements prior to the semester in which they student teach. Final determination of acceptance into student teaching is made by the Faculty Committee on Teacher Education.

Certification of Teachers

When all University requirements have been fulfilled, the student must submit application form, fee, and evidence of program completion to the St. Mary’s University Education Department.

Certification requires passing the appropriate Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES). Students should consult with their adviser in the Education Department as to the appropriate time to register for their credentialing exams. In addition, students should consult with the Certification Officer as to the appropriate time to apply for their teaching certificate. It should be noted that it is the student’s responsibility to apply for the teaching certificate and pay attendant application fees. Upon successful completion of all requirements (including student teaching, graduation and applying for the certificate), the Certification Officer will recommend students for certification.

The Registrar verifies that all degree requirements have been met, and the Certification Officer verifies that all certification requirements have been met.

The State may refuse to issue, may suspend or revoke a teacher certificate for a person who has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor for a crime which directly relates to education and responsibilities of the teaching profession.

Program Offerings

St. Mary’s University offers a wide range of initial teacher certificates through its undergraduate programs. Certification is available at the following levels:

The following chart illustrates the various teacher certificates that can be attained at St. Mary’s and the corresponding subject areas in which students would major.

Certificate Level

Early Childhood-Grade 4

Grades 4-8

Note: Students concentrating on Grades 4 and 5 should choose an interdisciplinary major; Students concentrating on Grades 6-8 should major in the specific content area.

Grades 8-12

Early Childhood-Grade 12 (All-Level)

Note: St. Mary’s University offers programs for the following professional certificates:

• Master Reading Teacher
• Reading Specialist
• Principal