Teacher Certification with a Bachelor's Degree
Take the next step toward becoming a certified Texas educator with UT Permian Basin's Educator Preparation Program (EPP). Whether you're pursuing elementary, middle grades, secondary, or all-level certification, we'll guide you through every stage of the certification process—from program admission to clinical experience and recommendation for certification.
This page provides an overview of the certification process, key requirements, important deadlines, and the clinical pathways available to help you prepare for a successful teaching career.
Pre-K & Elementary
Explore certification options for early childhood and elementary classrooms.
- Early Childhood PK–3
- Core Subjects EC–6
- Optional Bilingual or ESL supplements (available in all areas)
Intermediate & Middle Grades
Choose from certification areas designed for grades 4–8.
- Core Subjects 4–8
- English Language Arts and Reading 4–8
- Math 4–8
- Science 4–8
- Social Studies 4–8
Secondary
Major in your content area and add a teacher certification.
- English 7–12
- Math 7–12
- Science 7–12
- Social Studies 7–12
All-Level
Explore certification areas that prepare you to teach across grade levels.
- Art
- Music
- Physical Education
- LOTE: Spanish
- Special Education Specialist
Admission to the Educator Preparation Program (EPP) is an important step toward becoming a certified Texas educator. Admission to the EPP is separate from admission to UT Permian Basin and is required before you can begin the clinical experiences and certification process.
As part of the application, you'll select your certification area, verify that you meet the program requirements, and submit the required application materials. Once your application has been reviewed and approved, you'll receive your admission decision in writing and be asked to formally accept your offer of admission.
Eligibility at a Glance
✓ Enroll at UTPB
✓ 45 completed credit hours
✓ 2.5 GPA
✓ Content coursework completed
✓ TSI complete
✓ English proficiency
✓ Degree & Certification Plan
Note: Additional requirements apply for specific certification areas. Review your certification plan or contact the Office of Educator Preparation for guidance.
Before beginning your clinical experience, you'll complete 50 hours of field-based experiences in EC–12 classrooms. These experiences allow you to connect your coursework with real-world teaching while gaining valuable insight into classroom instruction, student engagement, and school operations.
Field-based experiences help you build confidence, develop professional skills, and prepare for the next step in your certification journey.
During Your Field-Based Experience, You'll:
- Observe classroom instruction in EC–12 settings
- Learn about classroom management and school operations
- Connect educational theory with classroom practice
- Prepare for clinical teaching or teacher residency
Certification Testing
As you prepare for certification, you'll complete a supervised clinical experience in an EC–12 classroom. UT Permian Basin offers two pathways to meet this requirement: Clinical Teaching and Teacher Residency. Both provide valuable classroom experience while preparing you for teacher certification, but they differ in length, eligibility, and compensation.
| Program Details | Teacher Residency | Clinical Teaching |
|---|---|---|
| Program Length | Full academic year | One semester |
| Compensation | Paid through participating school districts, depending on available funding | Unpaid |
| Eligibility | Within 30 credit hours of graduation | Within 15 credit hours of graduation |
| Placement | Participating partner school district | Approved EC–12 classroom |
| Experience | Year-long classroom immersion | Full-semester classroom experience |
| Best For | Students seeking paid classroom experience and extended mentorship | Students completing a traditional student teaching experience |
Note: Teacher Residency opportunities depend on participating district funding and available positions.
Ready to Begin Your Clinical Experience?
If you've met the eligibility requirements and are ready to begin the clinical experience process, submit your application for clinical experience.
Not Sure Which Path Is Right for You?
Both pathways meet certification requirements and provide supervised classroom experience with the support of experienced educators.
If you need help choosing the option that best fits your goals, contact the Office of Educator Preparation for guidance.
Contact Coordinator of Clinical Teaching
Choose the timeline that matches the semester you plan to begin your clinical experience. Both Clinical Teaching and Teacher Residency follow this general schedule.
| Fall Start | Spring Start |
|---|---|
| Apply February 15-28 |
Apply October 1-15 |
| Review & Placement March–June |
Review & Placement October–December |
| Mandatory Orientation July |
Mandatory Orientation January |
Please Note: Teacher Residency positions are limited and depend on participating district funding and available positions. Application timelines are estimates and may vary by semester.
Congratulations! Once you've successfully completed your degree, Educator Preparation Program requirements, certification testing, and clinical experience, you're ready to apply for your Texas Standard Teaching Certificate.
The Office of Educator Preparation will recommend eligible candidates for certification after all program requirements have been met. Final certification is issued through the Texas Education Agency (TEA).
Final Certification Checklist
Before applying for your Standard Teaching Certificate, make sure you have:
✓ Completed your degree requirements
✓ Completed all Educator Preparation Program (EPP) requirements
✓ Passed all required certification examinations
✓ Received your institutional recommendation
✓ Submitted your certification application and applicable fees through TEA
After You're Certified
Your Texas Standard Teaching Certificate is generally valid for five years. To maintain your certification, you'll complete continuing professional education requirements established by the Texas Education Agency.