TeachingMyWay students must demonstrate their mastery of four areas of competency related to state-required standards:

• The Positive Classroom
• Instructional Planning and Development
• Growth and Development of Children and Adolescents
• Effective Literacy Instruction

The content for these competencies and the exams related to them have been designed by professors from the College of Education at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor who understand current trends in education and also know how to help you succeed in your studies. Students must also successfully complete a series of on-line learning modules that are required for teaching certification in Texas, on these topics:

• Introduction to the Teaching Profession
• Mental Health
• Dyslexia
• Suicide Prevention
• Substance Abuse

Most candidates demonstrate mastery of all of these competencies, complete 30 clock hours of field experience, and take and pass the Texas Examination of Educator Standards for their teaching field by the end of their first time block. During their second time block, candidates must successfully complete student teaching or internship and take and pass the Texas Examination of Educator Standards for Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities.

Support will be provided by the Educator Preparation Program at UMHB and by a success coach in the TeachingMyWay program.

The TeachingMyWay alternative teacher certification pathway is designed to be completed in two time blocks: competency mastery in the first semester, and student teaching or internship in the second semester. Students may begin the pathway in January, May, or August. Since internship can only begin in the fall time period and student teaching can only be done during the fall and spring time periods, the length of time it takes to complete the pathway can vary. Students who begin in June may be able to complete the pathway in as little as 7 months if student teaching; those who begin in January will probably take a full year to complete the pathway if student teaching. Internships can add to the length of time it takes to complete the pathway but do not increase the total cost.

You must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, with an undergraduate GPA of 2.75. Additional subject matter coursework may also be needed in the desired teaching field in order to pass the Texas Pre-Admission Content Test mentioned below. You will also need to provide evidence you have proficiency with technology and public speaking, either through previous college coursework or through on-the-job experience. Before you meet with a counselor to plan your pathway, you must take and pass a Texas Pre-Admission Content Test. While many tests are available, only the following tests are acceptable for admission into our pathway.

• Art, Grades EC-12
• Core Subjects EC-6
• Core Subjects 4-8
• English Language Arts and Reading, Grades 4-8
• English Language Arts and Reading, Grades 7-12
• English Language Arts and Reading with Social Studies, Grades 4-8
• History, Grades 7-12
• Languages Other than English (Spanish), Grades EC-12
• Life Science, Grades 7-12
• Mathematics, Grades 4-8
• Mathematics, Grades 7-12
• Mathematics with Science, Grades 4-8
• Music, Grades EC-12
• P.E., Grades EC-12
• Physical Science, Grades 6-12
• Science, Grades 4-8
• Science, Grades 7-12
• Social Studies, Grades 4-8
• Social Studies, Grades 7-12
• Speech, Grades 7-12
• Theatre, Grades EC-12

Acceptance into the Educator Preparation Program is required prior to any TeachMyWay coursework. This involves a series of sequential steps:

1. Take and pass a Texas Pre-Admission Content Test in the field of certification desired. Find more information about the PACT test.
2. Provide the Certification Office with all transcripts for your bachelor’s degree, documenting a GPA of 2.75 or higher.
3. Provide Certification Office with documentation of coursework or proficiency in public speaking and technology.
4. Meet expectations in an interview with the College of Education dean or associate dean.
5. Complete a writing sample under the direction of the Certification Office.
6. Working with the Certification Office, print, sign, scan and submit a series of required documents.
7. Complete and submit the formal application for admission to the Educator Preparation Program.
8. Upon issuance of an invitation to enter the Educator Preparation Program (extended via e-mail), submit written acceptance of the invitation. Once completed, this leads to acceptance into the UMHB MyWay online platform.