Principal Program FAQs
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Who is eligible for consideration for the HCDE Principal Certification Academy program?
Posted by: HCDE ECA StaffCandidates who have an advanced degree (master’s or higher) from an accredited university are eligible for consideration.
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When can I enroll in the program?
Posted by: HCDE ECA StaffApplicants can enroll as soon as their advanced degree has been conferred or if they are in their last semester of completing their advanced degree.
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What is required to be considered for acceptance into the program?
Posted by: HCDE ECA Staff- Application for Admission Form
- $100 Non-Refundable Application Processing Fee (Waived during Early Bird Special)
- Hold a valid Texas classroom teaching certificate (TAC Title 19, Part 7, Chapter 241 Rule §241.20)
- Submit all service records verifying a minimum of two years of creditable teaching experience as a classroom teacher as defined in TAC Title 19, Chapter 153, Subchapter CC and TEC §5.001(2)
- Official transcripts from institutions granting your bachelor’s and master’s or higher degrees (may submit unofficial advanced degree transcripts if degree is still in progress; official transcripts will be required for final certification clearance)
- Two-page narrative of your professional goals
- Resume
- Site Supervisor (Mentor) Information and Commitment Form – name, titles, address, and phone numbers (principal)
- Interview/In-basket activity - virtual format during COVID-19
- Three professional references -
What is the total program cost?
Posted by: HCDE ECA StaffDuring the 2021-2022 academic year, total cost for Harris County residents is $2,600.
Cost of out of county residents is $3,000.
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When do the fees have to be paid?
Posted by: HCDE ECA Staff$100 - due with application
$2,600 (or $3,000) will be divided into eight (8) payments -
Can payments be made by credit card?
Posted by: HCDE ECA StaffYes, you may use our Online Secure Payment System located on our website to make payments on outstanding balances.
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What is included in the total program cost?
Posted by: HCDE ECA StaffThe program and its administration
Assessment review
Practicum supervision and observations
PLEASE NOTE: AEL and T-TESS Appraiser Training fees are NOT included; you will be required to complete AEL and T-TESS Appraiser Training on your own to fulfill this benchmark before being cleared for certification. -
Is financial aid available?
Posted by: HCDE ECA StaffNo, however you may pursue a bank loan or an external scholarship on your own accord.
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What is the deadline for submitting required documents to be considered for admissions?
Posted by: HCDE ECA StaffOnce the automated application process opens, the regular deadline to apply is August 31
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When can I take the TExES exam and PASL?
Posted by: HCDE ECA StaffAfter you are enrolled in the program, check with program staff. Your file and account must be in good standing and a readiness to test will be verified before test approval is granted.
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Do I need an intern/probationary certificate?
Posted by: HCDE ECA StaffNo, unless you are offered a position that requires a principal certification while you are still in the process of completing the academy.
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How do I get an intern/probationary certificate?
Posted by: HCDE ECA StaffAfter you are enrolled in the program, talk with program staff. If you are eligible, you will be issued an official eligibility form that informs a district that you can be recommended for an intern/probationary certificate upon employment as an administrator.
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What if I get a position as an administrator before I finish the program?
Posted by: HCDE ECA StaffIf you meet the qualifications, an intern/probationary certificate can be recommended; however, an intern/probationary certificate can only be recommended after you have a job offer.
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Is the state exam required prior to becoming an intern or receiving a probationary certificate?
Posted by: HCDE ECA StaffYes. Please contact program staff for more details.
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Does the HCDE Principal Certification Academy program include AEL and T-TESS Appraiser Training?
Posted by: HCDE ECA StaffNo, however you will need to complete these trainings on your own in order to obtain a final clearance for certification from HCDE. Check with a regional education service center regarding these trainings. Frequently, your school district will send you to these trainings if you are employed as an administrator.
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What must be completed before I can get certification for the standard Texas Principal Certificate?
Posted by: HCDE ECA StaffSuccessful completion of the Principal Certification Academy
Passing TExES Principal exam (#268)
Passing PASL (#368)
Completion of AEL and T-TESS Appraiser Training and submission of copies of each certificate
Successful completion of practicum activities and projects over two semesters (minimum of 160 hours total)
Successful completion of at least 200 hours of coursework
Successful completion and presentation of Action Research Project and Portfolio of learning experiences
Copy of Site Supervisor (Mentor) Information and Commitment Form on file
Completion of (3) practicum observations by field supervisor
Submission of official transcripts showing advanced degree conferred (if completed after initial admission date)
Verification of valid Texas classroom teaching certificate
Submission of all service records verifying a minimum of two creditable years of teaching experience as a classroom teacher, as defined in Chapter 153, Subchapter CC, of T.A.C. Title 19, Part 7 (relating to Commissioner’s Rules on Creditable Years of Service) and the Texas Education Code §5.001(2) -
Do I have to live in the state of Texas to participate in the HCDE Principal Certification Academy?
Posted by: HCDE ECA StaffYes. Also, due to the field observations component, admission of candidates completing their practicum outside of the Houston metropolitan area must be approved by program staff.
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For additional issues or questions, please contact us.
Posted by: HCDE ECA Staff
Contact Us
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Center for Educator Success
A division of the Harris County Department of Education
6300 Irvington Blvd.
Houston, TX 77022
Phone: 713-694-6300
Email