Alternative certification program – An approved educator preparatory program specially designed to certify individuals that hold at least a baccalaureate degree.

ASEP form – A procedural form used by SBEC to transfer a teaching candidate from one program to another. The new program, old program and teaching candidate must fill out the form before it is submitted to SBEC.

Content test – Are designed to measure a teaching candidates knowledge regarding a given subject area. The purpose of the content exam is to ensure that each educator has the prerequisite content and professional knowledge necessary for an entry level teaching position in the state of Texas.

Contingency admission – Contingency admission is available only if the applicant is currently completing their last semester of coursework towards a Bachelor’s degree. The contingency admission will be valid for only the semester it was granted and cannot be extended for another semester.

Field supervisor – A certified educator hired by an alternative certification program to observe interns, monitor his or her performance and provide constructive feedback to improve his or her professional performance.

Head start program – Provides comprehensive child development services to economically disadvantaged children and families. The program is tailored to serve children from birth to three years of age.

Initial certification - Applies to a teaching candidate that is not a certified teacher through the state of Texas.

Intern – A teaching candidate completing their one-year teaching internship while enrolled in WCACP.

Internship – A one-year teaching assignment at a school district, accredited private school or charter school that may lead to the recommendation of a standard certificate.

Late hire – A teaching candidate that has not been accepted into WCACP before July 15th and who is hired for a one-year teaching internship by a school after July 15th or after the school’s academic year has begun.

Cooperating teacher – The certified classroom teacher in which you are assigned. The cooperating teacher provides feedback and support to the clinical teacher. The supportive / formative role between the cooperating teacher and clinical teacher is crucial to their success during the clinical teaching assignment.

Observation hours – A teaching candidate must complete 30 state mandated observation hours while enrolled in the program. They will be able to complete 15 hours of observations by accessing our video library. The remaining 15 hours can be completed via in-class observation hours at a school.

Service record - Documented history of an applicant’s activities and accomplishments while serving as an educator. A service record is usually requested from the human resources office.

Statement of Eligibility - The form verifies the teaching candidate is enrolled in WCACP and lists the highly qualified certification areas passed. The statement of eligibility is used to start your probationary certificate and is returned once the form is filled out by a campus administrator.

Teacher of record – An intern that is employed by a school district, accredited private school or charter school that teaches the majority of the instructional day in their content area. The teacher of record must be responsible for evaluating student achievement and assigning grades.

Teaching candidate – A participant enrolled in WCACP that is seeking certification.

Test of English as a foreign language (TOEFL) – A test that measures your ability to communicate in English – components include reading, listening and writing in English.

Download our Course Catalog for more information