Educator Certification

To become a certified teacher in Texas, you must have the following:

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
Completed teacher training through an approved program.
Successful completion of the appropriate state assessment tests for the subject and grade level you wish to teach. For a list of the state assessments and information on which tests are required, visit the State Assessments page.

University of Houston-Clear Lake offers initial teacher certification options for both undergraduate students and those who already hold a bachelor's degree (post-baccalaureate). 

Apply to the Undergraduate Teacher Education Program

If you already hold at least a bachelor’s degree, then you may seek initial teacher certification through the post-baccalaureate teacher certification program. 

Apply to the Post-Bacc Teacher Education Program

Students seeking their initial teacher certification while they pursue a master's degree in teaching. 

Apply to the MAT Teacher Education Program

The UHCL College of Education offers the Alternative Certification Program in cooperation with local school districts. This training program allows teaching certificate candidates who have earned a bachelor's degree to work as full-time teachers while they complete their certification.

At the University of Houston-Clear Lake, students may pursue the following advance certifications beyond their initial teaching certificate that require a master's degree: Principal, Reading Specialist, School Counselor, School Librarian, or Superintendent. Advanced certification requires the following:

• A master's degree from an approved accredited institution
• Completion of the UHCL certification program
• Two years of full-time "teacher of record" teaching experience in an approved, accredited school
• A valid Texas teaching certificate
• Successful completion of the appropriate TExES state assessment
• For Superintendent certification, one must hold a valid Standard Principal certificate

UHCL offers programs that include a master's degree with one of the certifications (excluding Superintendent) and programs that include the certification only for those who already hold a master's degree. The Superintendent certificate is offered within a doctoral degree or as certification only for those who already hold a master's degree.

Refer to the degree page for instructions for each certification area.  

A supplemental certificate is an area of concentration added to an existing state certificate. A supplemental certificate gives educators the ability to teach the supplemental subject at whatever grade level(s) or area(s) in which they hold certificates. No application is required. Check with an academic advisor for more information.