Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

BEFORE YOU APPLY

• Is the North Harris College Teacher Certification and Education Program (TCEP) an alternative certification program?
• Will my teaching certificate be the same as those who have gone through a traditional teacher education program at a university or college?   
• How can I get more information before applying?
• Am I guaranteed an acceptance once I have submitted my application?
• What certification areas are offered?
• What are the coursework requirements for the subjects I want to teach?
• Can I register for the teacher certification classes without being officially accepted into the Teacher Certification and Education Program (TCEP)?
  

• What do I have to submit to apply to the NHC TCEP Program?
• What is admission based on for the NHC TCEP?
• If I know that I have met all of the requirements and turn in my application, does that mean I can immediately get an acceptance letter?
• How long does it take to process my application?
• Do I need to turn in official transcripts?
• I'm completing my last semester of my Bachelor's degree. Can I still apply?
• What will happen if I turn in my application but have some missing items?
• What will it cost to apply?
• What is the process for paying my Application Fee?
• I do not meet all of the coursework requirements. Can I complete the classes while getting certified?
• What happens if I do not meet the minimum overall and/or content GPA or coursework requirements?
• I completed some Education coursework while in college/graduate school. Can these be substituted for TCEP coursework?
• I am already a contract teacher. Will I still be required to meet all of the requirements before receiving an acceptance letter?
• Are passing scores on a TCEP Qualifying Exam required for applying to the program?
• I have an advanced degree. Do I still have to submit Bachelor's transcripts and exam scores?
• Will I still need to provide scores if I was TASP/THEA exempt by the university/college I attended?
• Under what conditions would I not have to submit scores for a TCEP Qualifying Exam?
• What if I have been convicted of a crime?
  

• When can I start my coursework?
• I live outside of Houston or Texas. How will that affect my training and ability to be hired?
• Where will classes and training take place? 
• What is the cost of tuition and fees?
• How will I pay for tuition?
• What resources are available to help me pay for a teacher-training program?
• Can I have my tuition payroll-deducted once I am hired as a teacher?
• When will I need to pay tuition?
• What are the class and training times/dates?
• Will North Harris College provide job placement?
• What if I am accepted to the program and cannot locate an employing school district?
• How might the No Child Left Behind law affect my prospects for being hired?
• When will I need to quit my current job?
• Do I have to accept a teaching position in the Houston area?
• How soon can I get a barcode to take the state exams for teacher certification?
• What NHC TCEP requirements must be completed before I can be recommended for certification?
• How long will it take to be certified?
  

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Is the North Harris College Teacher Certification and Education Program (TCEP) an alternative certification program?

Yes. The North Harris College TCEP was established on August 1, 2002, by the Texas State Board for Educator Certification. North Harris College offers a high-quality teacher certification that addresses the needs of mature and motivated individuals with bachelor's degrees interested in non-traditional routes to the teaching profession.  

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Will my teaching certificate be the same as those who have gone through a traditional teacher education program at a university or college?

Yes. Certificates granted through the NHC TCEP are identical to certificates granted through traditional teacher education programs. The certificate enables recipients to teach in the subject area anywhere in Texas.  

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How can I get more information before applying?

Learn more by joining us in an Information Meeting held once every semester at North Harris College in the Corporate and Continuing Education Building, Room CMED 101 from 6:30 until 8 p.m. Certification requirements from pre-application to the issuance of a Standard Certificate are explained and inquiries are addressed. Bring a pen, copies of your transcripts, and a calculator! 

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Am I guaranteed an acceptance once I have submitted my application?

No. Before obtaining a letter of acceptance, applicants must meet ALL qualification criteria including overall and content-based grade point averages, minimum test scores, and oral and written interviews. Application processing takes a minimum of four (4) weeks

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What certification areas are offered?

Certification is offered in the following areas:

Grades EC-4                                                                            Grades 4-8

Generalist                                                                                Generalist

Bilingual Generalist                                                                 Bilingual Generalist

ESL Generalist                                                                                     ESL Generalist

Bilingual Education Supplemental                                            Bilingual Education Supplemental

English Language Arts & Reading

Dual Certification 4-8                                                               Social Studies

English Language Arts & Reading and Social Studies              Science

Physical Science and Math                                                       Math

Grades 8-12                                                                             Grades 6-12

English Language Arts & Reading                                            Dance

Journalism                                                                                Technology Education (non-vocational)

Speech                                                                                     Spanish

Life Science

Physical Science                                                                       All Level (EC-12)

Math                                                                                        Art

Science Composite                                                                   Music

Social Studies Composite                                                         Health

Technology Application                                                            Special Education

Physical Education                                                                   Physical Education

ESL Supplemental

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Once it is verified that your Overall GPA (or last 60 semester hour GPA) is at least 2.5, an evaluator will then ensure that you meet the minimum content coursework requirements with a minimum GPA of 2.5. The content coursework requirements are as follows: (See chart below)

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* Bilingual and Spanish content applicants are required to pass additional language exams.

No. Registration for the courses first requires acceptance into the TCEP. A copy of the TCEP Acceptance Letter must accompany the registration form when registering for the Pedagogy Professional Responsibility and Internship courses

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What do I have to submit to apply to the NHC TCEP Program?

Applicants will be required to submit the following materials:

• Completed application
• Complete application worksheet
• Application fee receipt - The application fee should be paid by submitting a registration form to the Registrar's Office and making payment to the Business Office of $40.
• Official transcripts from all colleges / universities attended
• Official score report no more than five years old for a TCEP Qualifying Exam (TASP/THEA, Compass, GRE, SAT, ACT, or PRAXIS)
• Resumé with computer skills and related work experience
• Three professional recommendation letters (sent separately directly from the Reference person)
• An explanation of any criminal history concerns

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What is admission based on for the NHC TCEP?

NHC TCP admission will be based on the following criteria:

• Completed application materials
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university
• Education or work experience in specific content-area fields
• Review of official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
• Official score report no more than five years old for a TCEP Qualifying Exam (TASP/THEA, Compass, GRE, SAT, ACT, or PRAXIS)
• Three confidential reference forms (sent separately directly from the Reference person)
• Interview (oral and written)

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No, your application must be fully processed and the interview successfully completed before an acceptance letter will be issued

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How long does it take to process my application?

Normal application processing is approximately four (4) weeks.  Submitting a completed Application Worksheet may cut down on some of the processing time.

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Do I need to turn in official transcripts?

Official transcripts must be turned in with all other application materials before the application will be processed. 

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I'm completing my last semester of my Bachelor's degree. Can I still apply?

Yes. You can be admitted to the TCEP on a conditional basis. A deadline will be given for submitting an official transcript showing the Bachelor's degree conferred. If the transcript is not provided by the deadline, TCEP acceptance will be nullified.  

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What will happen if I turn in my application but have some missing items? 

Applications are processed one time per semester. If there are missing items, the application is automatically rolled over to the next semester for processing. The application will not be fully processed until all application documentation has been received, including a copy of the fee receipt following payment of the application fee. Incomplete applications will remain on file for one year before being archived. 

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What is the process for paying my Application Fee?

To pay your Application Fee, you will need to complete a Registration Form (obtainable in the Corporate and Continuing Education building office), and submit it to the Registration Office (located in the Academic Building). You will then pay your Application Fee at the Business Office, and attach your Fee Receipt to the application when you turn it in.  The Fee Receipt must be submitted with your completed application.  

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I do not meet all of the coursework requirements. Can I complete the classes while getting certified?

Only in cases where the coursework deficiency is no more than three (3) semester hours will conditional admission be granted to the TCEP. If additional coursework is missing, the applicant must complete the coursework before reapplying, or in instances where lower-level core classes (English, Math, Natural Science, or Social Studies) are missing, it is possible for coursework credit may be granted by scoring a minimum of 50 on TCP-approved CLEP exams. Each exam costs $50. North Harris College does not offer CLEP exams. See http://www.collegeboard.com/ for more information.  

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What happens if I do not meet the minimum overall and/or content GPA or coursework requirements?

Transcripts will be evaluated and if it is determined that either the Overall or Content GPA's are not met, the applicant will be notified of options to correct the deficiency. 

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I completed some Education coursework while in college/graduate school. Can these be substituted for TCEP coursework?

In most cases, education coursework would not qualify to be used as a substitute for coursework completed during the certification plan. Coursework completed as a part of the TCEP is specifically aligned to the current TExES and TEKS competencies. To have previous education coursework considered, please submit with the completed application a detailed course description, syllabus, and transcript showing the completed course. 

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I am already a contract teacher. Will I still be required to meet all of the requirements before receiving an acceptance letter and Probationary Certificate?

Yes. The onset of No Child Left Behind (NCLB) legislation makes it necessary to ensure that all teacher candidates in the TCEP meet NCLB mandates. This means that applicants currently working as long-term substitute teachers, or who are hired on district and emergency permits are required to meet the same qualifications as those who have no prior teaching experience.  

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Are passing scores on a TCP Qualifying Exam required for applying to the program?

Yes. Everyone applying to the NHC TCP will need to provide exam scores no more than five years old for one of the approved qualifying exams: the TASP (now known as the THEA), the Compass (a TASP-alternative exam offered only at NHC Monday through Saturday), the GRE, the SAT, the ACT, or the PRAXIS.  The State Board of Educator Certification, Chapter 227 - Admission to an Educator Preparation Program - states that, "Screening for admission is to include but not be limited to college level skills in reading, oral and written communication, critical thinking, and mathematics." (You are exempt from required testing if you graduated within the last 5 years AND have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.) Minimal scores for each exam are listed below:

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I have an advanced degree. Do I still have to submit Bachelor's transcripts and exam scores?

Yes. The overall GPA must be calculated using all completed coursework. TCP Qualifying Exam scores no older than five years are necessary to validate that the applicant has a high likelihood of currently possessing the minimal basic skills knowledge and English language proficiency to be successful in TCEP classes and on state teacher certification exams.  

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Will I still need to provide scores if I was TASP/THEA exempt by the university/college I attended?

Yes. You must submit qualifying exam scores no older than five years with the application. The Compass Exam (offered only at North Harris College) is a $29 computer-administered exam which is a TASP/THEA-alternative exam. It assesses basic skills knowledge in Reading, Writing, and Math. It is offered Monday through Saturday, and you can get scores back the same day. Call the NHC Assessment Center for more information at (281) 618-5744. To study for the Compass or THEA exams, see http://www.thea.nesinc.com/. Also, a great study resource is Barron's Study Guide for TASP.  

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Under what conditions would I not have to submit scores for a TCP Qualifying Exam?

It is not necessary to submit scores for a TCP Qualifying Exam if you graduated within the last five years of our receipt date of your application AND your Overall GPA was 3.0 or higher. Under all other circumstances, including the fact that you have missed the five-year limit by a few months, new TCP Qualifying Exam scores must be submitted. 

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What if I have been convicted of a crime?

In accordance with Article 6252-12c, Texas Civil Statutes, the Commissioner of Education may refuse to issue a teaching certificate for persons convicted of a felony or misdemeanor crimes directly relating to the duties and responsibilities of the teaching profession. Applicants for Texas Certificates will be screened for a record of felony or misdemeanor convictions through the Texas Department of Public Safety. Potential applicants should contact the Certification Officer regarding concerns about this Texas requirement. Also, local ISDs conduct criminal record checks on individuals seeking employment and/or access into the schools, which will include your field-based experiences. Potential applicants should contact local ISDs regarding concerns about their criminal convictions. 

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When can I start my coursework?

Upon acceptance into the Teacher Certification and Education Program, the teacher candidate is eligible to begin course work the following semester. 

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I live outside of Houston or Texas. How will that affect my training and ability to be hired?

While it is possible to conduct the interview by phone for applicants who are outside of the metropolitan Houston area, it may be necessary for the applicant to make travel arrangements to come to Houston to take a qualifying exam. Once qualified, the applicant must also make travel arrangements to take and pass the Content Exam for certification so (s)he will be eligible for hire by an area school district. TCEP coursework requires Houston residency. 

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Where will classes and training take place?

All coursework and training takes place on the campus of North Harris College. 

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What is the cost of tuition and fees?

Courses include the Pedagogy Professional Responsibility course ($756) and the Internship course ($1850). The Mentor stipend ($500) is paid via payroll deduction to the employing ISD. These program costs do not include the cost of textbooks (approximately $100), the Probationary Certificate and fingerprinting ($99), certification exams (minimum of $164), the Spanish language exam for Bilingual and Spanish certification (minimum of $82), or the Standard Certificate ($72). As well, additional modules ($300 each) and coursework may be assigned as a condition of certification requirements. Tuition and fees are subject to change.  

Financial assistance for tuition may be available to those accepted into this program through loan programs not affiliated with North Harris College.

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How will I pay for tuition?

The participant must pay: $756 for PPR which is due at time of registration. Internship tuition must be paid in one lump sum of $1,850.

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What resources are available to help me pay for a teacher-training program?

Several of the school districts that employ NHC TCP teacher candidates have hiring incentive programs which will pay for tuition and fees associated with this program in exchange for a commitment of years of teaching service in the respective school district. This program is usually limited to critical shortage content areas such as Bilingual, Special Education, English-as-a-Second-Language, Math, and Science. Inquire with each school district for its own policies. School districts that offer this program include: Aldine ISD, Conroe ISD, and Spring ISD.

Listed below are programs and grants that are specifically designed to help individuals become teachers. Click on the program for additional information.

Certified Educational Aide Exemption Program - (http://www.collegefortexans.com/cfbin/tofa2.cfm?ID=38 ) Texas offers tuition exemptions for some educational aides seeking to become certified teachers.

Teach for America - (http://www.teachforamerica.org/how_works.html ) This program offers cash awards that can be applied to past student loans or future educational costs for recent college graduates who commit to teaching in urban and rural public schools for two years.

Troops to Teachers - (http://www.dantes.doded.mil/dantes_web/troopstoteachers/index.htm?Flag=True ) This program offers guidance and support for military veterans who wish to make the transition from active duty into the teaching profession.

Other financial aid -

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board administers a variety of grants for attending college. (http://www.collegefortexans.com/cfbin/tofa2.cfm?Kind=GS ) You may also qualify for other financial aid, student loans, or scholarships.

Collegiate Funding Services (CFS) Private Education Loan Program -  ( http://www.cfsloans.com/ )The CFS Private Education Loan Program (not affiliated with North Harris College) offers financing for qualified continuing education students from $1,00 to $15,000 (with a maximum of $30,000 total) and may be used to fund past-due as well as current education loan balances.

G.I. Bill Benefits ( http://www.military.com/Education/Lead1?ESRC=ov_gibill.kw )- for preparation program costs/fees - Veterans Education Benefits (GI Bill) can be used for both university and alternative teacher certification programs. The program must request and receive approval from the Texas Workforce Commission Veterans Affairs Office in order for veterans to receive benefits while participating in a certification program. Once approved, the program will assign a staff person to process the required forms to request VA funding. The amount of money paid to eligible veterans will vary, depending on the type of GI Bill that they have and the type of program in which they are participating. If veterans have remaining GI Bill eligibility, they should ask the program director or university VA office for details on applying for benefits. See the attachment for additional information. For additional information see http://www.tea.state.tx.us/sboe/schedule/2001/sbec227att1.html.

Texas Public Education Grant (TPEG) - TPEG funds are limited institutional grant funds.  TPEG funds are available to assist students, based on need, in taking Continuing/Workforce Education courses to enhance career or Occupational skills. These funds are not to be repaid.  The student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) but is not necessarily required to have an income below the poverty guidelines.  Priority is given to those students who have a high need.  TPEG funds are available for tuition only. Please stop by the Continuing Education building counter to request a TPEG application. 

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Can I have my tuition payroll-deducted once I am hired as a teacher?

No. NHMCCD policy does not permit for payroll deduction as a means of paying for tuition. During your hiring process, ask your Human Resources representative about opportunities for school district funding. As well, you may want to consider other various resources (listed above) for financial aid.  

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When will I need to pay the tuition?

Tuition is payable to North Harris College at the time of registration for the respective classes. The tuition for the Pedagogy Professional Responsibility course is $756 and the tuition for the Internship course is $1850. (You must arrange with your school district to have the $500 Mentor Fee payroll deducted, or provide a principal's letter stating that you are Mentor-exempted. See guidelines for exemption on the TCP Teacher Candidates Page). 

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What are the class and training times/dates?

The pedagogy class is offered in the fall and spring semesters on Mondays and Wednesdays (6-9:50 p.m.), and on Tuesdays and Thursdays (6-9:50 p.m.), and on Tuesdays and Saturdays (6-9:50 p.m. and 8 a.m.-12 p.m. respectively). Attendance on Mandatory Saturday Seminars is required during enrollment in the Internship class. The Internship is not offered during the summer session. Summer pedagogy classes take place Mondays through Thursdays from June to July for the morning class (7:30 a.m.-12 p.m.), afternoon class (12:30-5 p.m.), or evening class (5-9:30 p.m.).  

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Will North Harris College provide job placement?

No. Each teacher candidate is responsible for securing his/her own employment with an area public school district and meeting the district's eligibility requirements. Teacher candidates are encouraged to attend career job fairs hosted North Harris College and other fairs posted on school district websites and in newspapers and career publications. The majority of the candidates are hired during the months of May, June, and July. 

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What if I am accepted to the program and cannot locate an employing school district?

The teacher candidate may request in writing to carry over program participation without having teacher employment for up to one year after being accepted into the program. After two years of program participation without obtaining teacher employment, the teacher candidate must reapply. 

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How might the No Child Left Behind law affect my prospects for being hired?

The No Child Left Behind (NCLB) legislation requires Title I schools to hire certified teachers, or alternatively teachers who have passed the Content section of the teacher certification exam or who have a minimum of twenty-four specific content semester hours in their teaching field. As of January 1, 2004, the NHC TCP requires all teacher candidates to satisfy NCLB guidelines before North Harris College will make the recommendation for a Probationary Certificate.

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When will I need to quit my current job?

All applicants selected will need to obtain a position as a classroom "teacher of record" before quitting their current job. 

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Do I have to accept a teaching position in the Houston area?

Yes.  More specifically, you must be hired at a school district or state-accredited private school within a 50 mile radius of North Harris College. The Internship requires that a TCP Supervisor be assigned to each teacher candidate, and it would not be feasible assign a TCP Supervisor to make visits beyond this regional radius. School districts where TCP teacher candidates can be hired include: Aldine ISD, Alief ISD, Channelview, Conroe ISD, Crosby, Cy-Fair ISD, Galena Park, Houston ISD (campuses in the Northwest and North districts), Humble ISD, Klein ISD, North Forest ISD, Sheldon and Spring ISD.    

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How soon can I get a barcode to take the state exams for teacher certification?

Shortly after applicants receive their acceptance letter, they will be required to attend an NHC TCP Orientation, at which time the teacher candidate will be issued a barcode to take the Content section of the teacher certification exam. 

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What NHC TCEP requirements must be completed before I can be recommended for certification?

The teacher candidate must successfully complete all of the following requirements before the NHC TCP will recommend the candidate for Texas teacher certification:

• Passing score on the Content section of the exam for teacher certification
• Registration and completion of the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities [PPR] class (108 contact hours and 10 observation hours)
• Passing score on the PPR section of the exam for teacher certification
• Employment as a contract "teacher of record" for one year during which the teacher candidate is recommended for a Probationary Certificate
• Satisfactory ratings on the Professional Development Appraisal System (PDAS) used to assess teacher classroom performance
• Registration and completion of a one-year Internship during which the teacher candidate will attend Saturday Internship sessions for training and group project collaboration as well as documentation 20 hours of classroom observation and conferencing.
• Satisfactory classroom observations as determined by the Mentoring Team (TCP Supervisor, principal, and assigned campus mentor)
• Recommendation from the principal for teacher certification
• Full payment of all associated tuition and fees
• Successful completion of all certification plan requirements (including required coursework, modules, training, and tests)
• Recommendation for a Standard Certificate by the NHC Certification Officer

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How long will it take to be certified?

A teacher candidate has three years to complete all certification requirements while working as a "teacher of record."  Coursework for the Teacher Certification and Education Program constitutes about fourteen (14) months. A person who satisfies all program requirements in a timely fashion could realistically be certified within fourteen months. Teacher candidates who do not complete all certification requirements may be given an extension if it is within the state-mandated three year limit.  

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