Teacher Certification Options
The Teacher Education Program: A liberal education combined withadequate professional and specialized study constitutes the best preparationfor a successful teaching career. The Department of Curriculum andInstruction at McMurry University offers the Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education degree and the professional development (C&I)minor to qualify students for the Texas Provisional Teaching Certifi cate.The Provisional Certificate gives the holder legal authority to performteaching duties in the public schools of Texas at the grade level and in
the academic specialization(s) designated on the face of the certificate.The Department of Curriculum and Instruction, with the advisement ofthe Education Advisory Council, is responsible for establishing policy andproviding leadership for the teacher education program. Because of the multidisciplinary nature of teacher education, several departments of theUniversity are represented on the Education Advisory Council. The administrationof McMurry University strives to promote a close, cooperative relationship between the Department of Curriculum and Instruction and the other academic departments of the University. The teacher education program at McMurry is accredited by the Texas Education Agency (TEA).
DISCLAIMER: All requirements and conditions for admission to the teacher education program or for certification are subject to change at the direction of Texas Education Agency and/or the State Board of Educator Certification.
Checklist for Qualifying for a Teaching Certificate:
To qualify for a teaching certificate, students must meet the requirements of both McMurry University and the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC). There are several important steps which students must follow to insure that these dual requirements are satisfied. These steps include:
1. Achieve a qualifying score as noted on the Texas Higher Education
Assessment Tests (THEA), a test of basic skills in mathematics (230),
reading (250), and writing/composition (240). Students interested
in teaching should take this test as soon as possible, even in the
freshman year. Information about registering and taking the THEA is
available in the Curriculum and Instruction department office. Teacher
certification requirements allow for math and writing exemptions from
the THEA requirement, but no exemptions from the reading portion of
the test are allowed.
2. Apply for admission to the teacher education program at the conclusion
of CI2110 (Introduction of Education).
3. File a degree plan with appropriate major and minor in the Registrar's
Office not later than the sophomore year.
4. Apply for admission to student teaching. Admission requirements are
outlined in the McMurry University catalog.
5. Achieve a satisfactory score on the certification examinations prescribed by
the State Board of Education. Content of the tests will generally cover the areas
of professional education and the individual's teaching field(s) or areas of
endorsement.
6. File an application for certification with Texas Education Agency (TEA)
prior to graduation.
Important details on each of these steps are outlined in the School of Education
section of the McMurry University catalog. Students are urged to read the catalog
carefully and consult closely with their faculty advisors in planning their programs
of study.
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