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Alternative Certification for Teachers Now!
Admission Requirements & Required Documentation:
1. ___ Baccalaureate degree from an accredited university**
2. ___ Official Transcript from accredited university
3. ___ 2.5 GPA in Major Studies* during the last 60 hours of your degree
4. ___ TASP (THEA) scores of*: 240 in Reading; 230 in Writing; 230 in Mathematics or a qualifying
Exam for Reading may be administered based on the interview process or A’s and B’s in college
level English, Reading and Math courses or equivalent course work during the last 60 credit hrs
5. ___ A minimum of 24 hours of coursework in a combination of subjects which include:
English, math, science and social studies
6. ___ Criminal History documentation check (Permission Document Enclosed)
7. ___ Letters of Reference (May be sent to us after the interview)
o Two character references (no relatives)
o Two letters of recommendation from educators or supervisors
ACT-NOW! ACT for Teacher Alternative Certification NOW! APPLICATION PACKET
Administrative Office/Classes 2200 Lee Trevino, A3 El Paso, TX 79936 Tel. (915) 590-2500 ? Fax (915) 590-2502 ACTNOW-EP.org ACT for Teacher Alternative Certification NOW!
Administrative Office/Classes 2200 Lee Trevino, A3 El Paso, TX 79936 Tel. (915) 590-2500 ? Fax (915) 590-2502 Actnow-EP.org ACTNOWalternatecertification.com PLEASE READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION PACKET The following information is to help you in completing your Application Packet. If you need further assistance or information, please call. Admission Requirements & Required Documentation: 1. ___ Baccalaureate degree from an accredited university** 2. ___ Official Transcript from accredited university 3. ___ 2.5 GPA in Major Studies* during the last 60 hours of your degree 4. ___ TASP (THEA) scores of*: 240 in Reading; 230 in Writing; 230 in Mathematics or a qualifying Exam for Reading may be administered based on the interview process or A’s and B’s in college level English, Reading and Math courses or equivalent course work during the last 60 credit hrs 5. ___ A minimum of 24 hours of coursework in a combination of subjects which include: English, math, science and social studies 6. ___ Criminal History documentation check (Permission Document Enclosed) 7. ___ Letters of Reference (May be sent to us after the interview) o Two character references (no relatives) o Two letters of recommendation from educators or supervisors Assessment tests in the areas of Reading, Writing and Mathematics may be given to applicants after the interview **Applicants with Baccalaureate degree from a foreign country must have their transcript evaluated and translated prior to the interview All Teacher-Candidates will are required to take a Critical Thinking Test. The Critical Thinking Test will help in determining skills in clarifying, analyzing, evaluating, and extending arguments. ACT-NOW! will administer this test at no charge. Interviews to evaluate applicant’s English oral proficiency, communication skills, listening skills, educational philosophy, background knowledge and work related experiences will be required. Teacher-Candidates must show a strong desire to become educators. Interviews are done on a one-to-one basis, Please call the Eastside office to set up an appointment. If you have any questions about these requirements please contact an ACT-NOW! representative. We will be glad to assist you in any way we can. ACT-NOW! ACT for Teacher Alternative Certification NOW! Our program prepares graduates to be successful in any educational setting by stressing proficiency in the content areas coupled with enthusiasm for teaching and an ongoing commitment to personal and professional growth. We stress experience in classroom management, curriculum and learning models. ACT-NOW! will conduct quality teacher preparation in order to produce teachers with the subject knowledge to teach and the love of teaching. Our graduates will be fully knowledgeable about and able to implement technical skills, learning styles of students, and methods of classroom management. ACT-NOW! will stress technology as a learning tool. The program further supports the Teacher-Candidates in their pursuit of excellence by assigning mentors with many successful years of teaching experience. Mentors guide the Teacher-Candidates during the first year of teaching and/or upon transferring to a different school site. The ACT-NOW Teacher Alternative Certification Program 1. Survival Course – 5 weeks—10 lessons—30 hours 30 hours of in-classroom instruction and 50 hours of outside classroom work Students attend class with hands-on instruction including group projects, study groups, observations, lesson planning, volunteer work, and study opportunities for the TeXes exams. 2. Pedagogy and Professional Responsibility – 25 weeks—50 lessons—150 hours Courses will be delivered using traditional classroom instruction including the following: · cooperative groups · project based learning · web-based instruction · traditional classroom setting Upon entering the Pedagogy Preparation component, the Teacher-Candidate may seek employment with an approved public or accredited private school and apply for their Probationary certificate. Teacher-Candidates must be “Highly Qualified” prior to applying for teaching positions. 3. Pre-Internship Pre-Internship hours are flexible depending upon the prior experience of the Teacher-Candidate. They include activities such as the following: · Staff Development and Training for students currently teaching · Tutoring in a school setting · Volunteering in a school setting · Developing instructional activities under a mentor teacher’s directions · Documentation of additional study preparation in the content area 4. Internship – 36-72 weeks – 1-2 School Years depending upon evaluations and recommendations of the Field Supervisor and the Internship Committee All Teacher-Candidates are required to do an Internship to complete the program. The Program Coordinator assists with job placement. Once you are employed in a teaching position, you will start your Internship component. This will consist of working with an assigned Mentor and a Field Supervisor, submitting lesson plans and receiving an evaluation such as the PDAS. Upon signing a Teaching Contract with an approved district; you will start your Internship. When you have secured a teaching position, the Teacher-Candidate submits an application for their Probationary Certification with School Board for Educator Certification for approval. You must submit a copy of your contract to ACT-NOW! prior to approval of the Probationary Certification. It is the responsibility of the Intern to obtain the Intern/Mentor Handbook. There is a $10.00 fee for the Handbook. Internship may last from 1 to 2 school years depending on annual evaluations & the recommendations of the Field Supervisor and the Internship committee. The Teacher-Candidate must be in good standing with ACT-NOW! in order to receive the Probationary Certification. You will not be able to proceed further unless you are in good standing with ACT-NOW! The Teacher-Candidate must complete the “Survival” “Pre-Internship and “Pedagogy” components, as well as the required Internship. In addition, the Teacher-candidates must pass the state exams for their certification area and be financially clear of all tuition costs. After completing these steps the student will have successfully completed the program. Types of Certifications We are approved for the following certification areas Elementary EC-4 Generalist Grades Pre-K Through 4th EC-4 Bilingual Education Generalist EC-4 Bilingual Supplemental –Spanish EC-6 Generalist Middle School 4-8 Generalist 4-8 Bilingual Education Generalist 4-8 Language Arts & Reading 4-8 Mathematics 4-8 Social Studies 4-8 Science 4-8 Math/Science All Levels EC-12 Special Education EC-12 Physical Education All Levels Art All Levels Music All Levels Health EC-12 Technology Applications High School Language Arts & Reading Social Studies Composite History Mathematics Science Composite Life Sciences Secondary German 6-12 Secondary Spanish 6-12 Business Education 6-12 Journalism 8-12 Computer Science 8-12 Supplements: Must be certified in one area prior to testing for a supplement 4-8 Bilingual Supplemental -Spanish Special Education Supplemental Gifted & Talented Supplement English as a Second Language Supplement Application Process · All transcripts must be submitted to the ACT-NOW! Office at 2200 Lee Trevino A3 The transcript must have the degree conferred and the date degree was awarded on the official transcript prior to beginning the application process. All foreign degrees must be translated by SBEC prior to the interview. Official Transcripts will be mailed to ACT-NOW! 2200 Lee Trevino A3, El Paso, TX 79936 o Unofficial Transcripts may be used for the Interview. · THEA/TOEFL-ibt Score: This exam is available at UTEP. Appointment for testing will be scheduled for candidates without scores or for the following situations: o Teacher-Candidates with a low GPA must pass the THEA examines in the areas of Writing and Reading. These tests may be completed at ACT-NOW! for no cost. o Teacher-Candidates with foreign degrees must pass the TOEFL-Ibt. · Application Packet Must be completed and brought to the scheduled interview · Formal Interview The Program Director or designee will schedule a formal interview. Interviews are held on a one-to-one basis. Applicants will be screened and must meet program eligibility requirements to be considered as a Teacher-Candidate. · Critical Thinking Exam Appointment for testing will be responsibility of the Teacher-Candidate o ACT-NOW! will administer the test without cost to the Teacher-Candidate ACT-NOW! ACT for Teacher Alternative Certification NOW!
Administrative Office 2200 Lee Trevino, A3 El Paso, TX 79936 Tel. (915) 590-2500 ? Fax (915) 590-2502 ACTNOW-EP.org ACTNOWalternatecertification.com PLEASE PRINT Name: __________________________________________________________________________________ First Middle Last Address: ______________________________________________________________________________ City State Zip Home Phone #: ________________ Work Phone #: _____________ Cell #: _____________________ E-mail: _______________________________________________________ Ethnicity: __________________ (You must provide an email address) (For Reporting Purposes Only) Social Security #: ___________________DOB: _____________ Maiden Name: __________________ Certification Desired: 1. ________________________________________________________________ 2. ________________________________________________________________ THEA Scores: Reading _______ Writing _________ Math ___________ Have you enrolled in any other Alternative Certification Program? If so, which one: ___________________________________________________________________________ Did you receive a transfer or clearance form from that program? _________Please Provide release _____ IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY EMPLOYED IN A SCHOOL DISTRICT PLEASE GIVE THE DISTRICT & SCHOOL NAME JOB TITLE DEGREE INFORMATION Bachelor of: ____________________ Major/Minor________________ Degree From Date Degree Confirmed day/month/year Masters of: ____________________ Major/Minor:________________ Degree From Date Degree Confirmed day/month/year GPA overall__________________ or (last 60 hrs) Please call (915) 590-2500 for an appointment or for any further information or Email to: mjmitchel@sbcglobal.net I understand that I will be required to document hours of Outside Work. The hours may come from any combination of the following. This may be started during Survival: DOCUMENTATION OF REQUIRED HOURS FOR COMPLETION OF PROGRAM PLUS INTERNSHIP 80 CLOCK HOURS OF TRAINING PRIOR TO INTERNSHIP Survival Classroom Training Hours Completed 30 Test Preparation Study Minimum (Documented) 15 Homework Assignments 20 Pre-Tests 5 hrs each + Critical Thinking Test 15 Prior to Starting Internship Total 80 80 CLOCK HOURS OF FIELD BASED EXPERIENCE Tutoring/Volunteer (Documented) Observations (4 X 2 hrs. each) (Documented) 8 Subject Development (Documented) Substitution (Documented) Staff Development (Documented) Total: 80 Pedagogy Classroom Hours 150 Pedagogy Homework 50 TOTAL PROGRAM HOURS 360 Documentation Forms are included in your ACT-NOW! Class notebook. X Signature of Teacher-candidate Date Class Completion The “Survival” and Pedagogy components of ACT-NOW! normally are completed in 300 classroom hours and at least 1 school year of an Internship, although the hours may be extended in some circumstances. All Teacher-candidate must be proficient in writing lesson plans and oral presentations implementing those lesson plans. Any Teacher-candidate that is unable, for any reason, to achieve the ACT-NOW! standards, will be expected to repeat the classes on Lesson Planning, Lesson Presentation and/or Behavior Management. You will be informed by the Curriculum Director on your development plan. X Signature Date Re-Cycling and Absences During “Survival” students must have no less than 80% attendance (classes 9 & 10 must be attended). All projects assigned during “Survival” must be presented by the dates given by the instructor. Teacher-Candidates will be re-cycled into a future Cycle with the recommendation of the “Survival” teacher. During Pedagogy students must have 100% attendance. If a student is more than 15 minutes late it will count as an absence. 10 absences will be cause to have student re-cycled into a different class. Exceptions need to be addressed to the Program Director. Make-up dates will be provided. X Signature Date Behavior as addressed the Texas Code of Ethics: The Texas educator shall comply with standard practices and ethical conduct toward Interns, professional colleagues, school officials, parents, and members of the community and shall safeguard academic freedom. The Texas educator, in maintaining the dignity of the profession, shall respect and obey the law, demonstrate personal integrity, and exemplify honesty. Students may also be re-cycled or dismissed for other reasons such as, but not limited to: · Unethical Behavior as defined by the Admissions Committee § Plagiarism § Inappropriate suggestions or behavior § Signing in for others § Cheating · Students that have not made adequate progress · Excessive absences · Chronically tardy X Signature Date ACT-NOW! ACT for Teacher Alternative Certification NOW! Contract Date: ENROLLMENT AGREEMENT I understand that upon acceptance by ACT-NOW! , this constitutes a binding contract under which the school must make available services and privileges outlined in its current publication.
Location: El Paso Houston Dallas STUDENT INFORMATION Name Home Telephone #
Birth Date Social Security Number Work Phone # Cell # Program Fees: (Subject to Change) $4000 total fee obligation Although fees may be paid on an installment plan, I realize I am obligating myself for the complete program fee of $4000. Only a cancellation as explained below can release me from the entire program fee. Due Timelines Interview ……………………………………………….. No Charge Application ……………………………………………… $50 When application is turned in Survival …………………………………………………. $600 Upon enrolling in Survival If partial payment: SURVIVAL- Student may not enter Pedagogy unless Survival is paid in full. First payment of $300 is due on or before the first day of class. The remaining $300 must be paid before or on the 5th day of class. I fully understand that immediately upon applying to TEA and signing up , including the $600 (fast-track) at the beginning of Survival, I will automatically be obligated to the entire tuition fee of $4,000 whether or not I continue with Pedagogy. A $25 late fee will automatically be applied by the 16th of every month once Pedagogy starts and I understand that if my account should be sent to collections for any reason, the 12% annual interest fee, late fees, and any other collections fees will apply automatically and assessed to my account. Please Initial X _________________Date_______________ (By initialing you have agreed to all the terms and policies of the Act-Now! Program.)) (See Program Director for 1-1 financial conference if needed) PEDAGOGY Pedagogy Fee …………………………………………… $3350 Upon enrolling in Pedagogy Payment plans…………… 1. Payment in full - $150 rebate if paid in full using a credit card. Must be paid by the first week of Pedagogy in order to get rebate 2. Payment in ten (10) payments $335.00 per month due on or before the 5th day of the month Total Cost:………$4000 Payment plans are available on a case to case basis, a plan requiring more than 10 months will incur a 12% interest on the remaining amount Tuition Assistance: · Approved through Troops for Teachers and VA Training · Approved through MYCAA · Approved for the Hinson-Hazelwood Loans (hhloans.com) · ACT-NOW! accepts credit cards On-the-Job Mentoring fee is included in the Pedagogy Preparation component. for the first year of Internship. Additional years of Internship will require an additional fee. Out of El Paso area Internship costs will be determined by per diem cost for Field Supervisor. See below for chart. ACT-NOW Miscellaneous Fees Intern/Mentor Handbook………………………………………………………………………………..$10.00 Pedagogy Vocabulary Book………………………………………………………………………….. $10.00 Late Payment Fee (Applies automatically if payment is not received by the 15th of every month) ……$25.00 Second year of Internship…………………………………………………………………………… $500.00 Third year of Internship………………………………………………………………………………$1000.00 Per Diem for Distance Internship determined by mileage and expenses (case by case determination of cost) State fees paid by Teacher-Candidate: · Probationary Certificate ($52) · Fingerprinting costs ($47), · TExES Exam $120 each (PPR & Subject Area) Computer Assisted Testing ($120) · BTLP Exam required of Bilingual Certifications ($120) · Texas Standard Certificate ($77) Signing up to take the Texas required exams and payment of those fees are the responsibility of the Teacher-Candidates. ACT-NOW! will issue approvals needed for testing only to Teacher-candidates that are financially up-to-date. It is the responsibility of the student to pay balance in a timely manner according to the contract in order to avoid cancellation of classes without notice. ACT-NOW! will not approve testing, Probationary or Standard Certification unless program is paid in full or prior arrangements have been made. The employing district and the State Board will be informed regarding failure to meet program requirements. Please be advised that ACT-NOW!, reserves the right to pursue any avenue, legal or other, to obtain payment for participation in this program. Any contract sent to a collections company will incur an additional 26% of the balance owed plus any additional fees assessed by the collection agency. Please Initial X______________ I have read and accept the Enrollment Terms of this agreement as they appear on the reserve side hereof (and accept and acknowledge that said conditions are an integral part of the agreement) and hereby acknowledge that the above indicated payments have been made or will be made as of this date to the Program Representative (whose signature appears below). I understand I will receive a copy of this agreement. I realize that by signing this agreement I am obligating myself for the full tuition fee of $4000 whether I continue classes or decide to drop. X _____________________________________________________ Applicant’s Signature Date X _______________ Representative’s Signature Date CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY: 1. There is no refund of the application fee, “Survival” nor “Pedagogy” course fee. 2. To be eligible for cancellation, notice in person or certified mail must be given and will be effective on the next business day. NOTICE OF CANCELLATION You may cancel this enrollment agreement or contract, without any penalty or obligation, within 72 hours (until midnight of the third day excluding Saturdays, Sunday or legal holidays) after the enrollment contract is signed.
Signature Date ACT-NOW! ACT for Teacher Alternative Certification NOW! Criminal Background Check Authorization Form All schools are required to perform annual background checks on all employees. In order to perform these checks, certain information is required from you. Name:_________________________________________________________________ Maiden Name or Alias:___________________________________________________ Social Security Number:______________________________________ Date of Birth:_____________________________ I ______________________________________________________ do authorize ACT-NOW! to run a criminal background check as part of the terms of the program. ____________________________________ ____________________ Signature Date Thank you for your cooperation. I hereby give my permission to ACT-NOW! to use or release the name and photograph(s) of ____________________________________________ (Name) in any manner ACT-NOW! staff deems appropriate for school-related purposes. I understand these purposes include publication of photographs, along with my name in newspapers, magazines, brochures and other such publications; for television appearances; for slide presentations and other visual materials; and for radio broadcast shows. I also understand that I am free to refuse this permission. I cannot appear on public radio broadcasts or television or have my name appear in printed matter released ACT-NOW! without signing this release. ___________________________________________ ______________________ Signature Date In a short paragraph of 5 or more sentences, please tell me: 1. Why you want to become a teacher.
Address City State Zip Code
I wish to cancel this contract. ______________________________________ ___________
MEDIA RELEASE FORM
