Frequently Asked Questions

What if I attended more than one college, but all courses, hours, and grades appear on the college transcript where I earned my degree?

Is there a grade point average (GPA) requirement for this program? Am I automatically excluded if I don’t meet this requirement?

Region 7 EPP requires the applicant to have an overall grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.5. The applicant must have at least 60 hours associated with a GPA on their transcript.

A GPA lower than the required 2.5 does not automatically disqualify an applicant. However, it is used as a screening measure, and we can only take a minimal number of applicants who do not meet this measure. Each entering cohort must have a minimum cohort GPA average of 3.0. Nonacceptance to one cohort does not automatically mean you will not be admitted to a different cohort.

Do I need to take the Pre-Admission Content Test (PACT) to apply?

Possibly. Applicants must pass a PACT that corresponds with each certificate area for admission into an EPP in the following cases:

If the applicant has a content area GPA below 2.5 or
If the applicant has not completed at least 12 semester credit hours (15 hours for math and science certification) in the subject area of the certificate the applicant is seeking.

A PACT is not required for applicants who meet the 2.5 GPA and have completed at least 12 semester credit hours (15 hours for math and science certification). TX PACT exams are not the same as the TExES content-pedagogy certification exams used for standard certification. Use the two links below for more information about the PACT.

Pre-Admission Content Test (PACT) (nesinc.com)

Pre-Admission Content Test | Texas Education Agency

How can I check if my university is accredited?

May I still submit an application if I do not have a bachelor's degree yet?

Do I have to complete a criminal history background check?

All candidates are screened for criminal history prior to admissions. This screening is initiated by Region 7 once an application has been submitted. Candidates who fail to self-report and provide documentation of their criminal history may not be admitted. As a service, TEA will provide a Preliminary Criminal History Evaluation for a non-refundable fee.

You are eligible to request a Preliminary Criminal History Evaluation from TEA if:

You enrolled or planning to enroll in an educator preparation program or
You are planning to take a certification exam for initial educator certification, and
You have reason to believe that you may be ineligible for educator certification due to a conviction or deferred adjudication for a felony or misdemeanor offense.

You are not eligible for a preliminary evaluation of your criminal history if you do not have a conviction or deferred adjudication for a felony or misdemeanor offense.

For more information review the FAQs for the Preliminary Criminal History Evaluation.

Candidates with violent crimes, crimes against a person, or crimes that resulted in a felony charge may not be admitted to the Region 7 Educator Certification Program. In addition, candidates who have a habitual misdemeanor criminal history may be denied entrance at the discretion of the Region 7 Educator Certification Program.

Why must I be fingerprinted during the criminal history background check?

The State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) requires all applicants for an initial credential, including a standard certificate, probationary, intern certificate, educational aides, one-year certificate, or permit to undergo a national criminal background check by submitting fingerprints for review. The FBI can only conduct a national criminal history background check by comparing the applicant's fingerprints to a database containing the fingerprints and corresponding criminal history information for more than 47 million subjects. You can find more information on how to schedule your fingerprinting here.

When are reference forms due?

What will the coursework be like?

Our online coursework prepares you to lead a classroom entirely from the comfort of your own computer. This format allows you to work at your own pace within the training time frame. You can ask questions and receive feedback on your progress throughout the coursework. Course facilitators will respond to posts within 48 hours, Monday through Friday. See the Curriculum Overview page for more information.

When can I start my internship?

To be hired by a school district and start your internship, you must pass your content exam, complete 50 hours of field-based experience, complete a minimum of 150 hours of online training, pay all applicable program fees, and complete all necessary program forms. Please note that Core Subjects (EC-6 and 4-8), ELAR 4-8, and ELAR/Social Studies 4-8 also require to pass the Science of Teaching Reading (STR) exam.

Does Region 7 place teacher interns with school districts?

Can I work for a school district not located within Region 7 area?

During the teacher internship, am I paid a salary?

When hired by a school district, teacher interns are paid a first-year teacher’s salary. As with any employment, it is the employee’s responsibility to inquire with the employing school district as to salary and benefits. Teacher interns are considered classroom teachers and an employee of the school district. Teacher interns are subject to all rules and responsibilities outlined in local school board policy. Once teacher interns earn their Standard certification, the teacher internship year counts as the first year of service.

What if I am non-renewed or terminated during my internship?

An intern who does not successfully complete an internship and is not recommended for an extension, is terminated, non-renewed, or resigned in lieu of termination; will be withdrawn from the Region 7 EPP. The candidate may write a letter of appeal to the program director. If approved for readmittance, a letter of probation will be created by the program director. The intern must meet the probation stipulations and pay fees associated with an additional internship.

Can I reapply if I have previously withdrawn or been dismissed?

Applicants who were previously accepted and withdrew or were dismissed before program completion may reapply to the program. A new application must be completed. Credit for coursework completed before withdrawal or dismissal may be awarded upon readmission at the director's discretion. We reserve the right to deny program readmission based on prior program performance. No guarantees are made about the reacceptance of the program.

What if I have previously had a certificate revoked or suspended?

What are your standards of conduct?

The Region 7 EPP upholds standards of conduct. We expect the candidates to display professionalism during all program phases. This includes adherence to the Code of Ethics and Stand Practices for Texas Educators and a commitment to completing requirements ahead of deadlines. Individual conferences can be scheduled if there is a need to discuss program expectations.

If a candidate is experiencing difficulty in following these expectations, the director will meet with the candidate to determine the course of action, which may include a corrective action plan with timelines for remediation. Candidates on a corrective action plan may not be approved for any certification exams. A candidate may be removed from the program if they cannot meet the expectations of the program.