Program Requirements & How to Apply

Teacher Program Admissions Requirements

  • Teacher Admissions Minimum Prerequisites

    • Bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. institution
      • If the degree is from another country, applicants must take the TOEFL Internet-Based Test (minimum scores of 24 in speaking, 22 in listening and reading, and 21 in writing). Candidates who complete an additional bachelor's degree or higher in the U.S. are exempt from the TOEFL requirement.
      • An overall GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale, or 2.75 GPA in the last 60 hours of coursework, and core content GPA of 2.75, special consideration may be granted to overall/last 60 hours GPA in the 2.50 to 2.74 range with the director's approval
    • Coursework requirements:
      • Core Subjects EC-6/Bilingual Core Subjects EC-6/ESL Core Subjects EC-6/Special Ed. EC-12 – 24 hours of college credit in the core content subjects of math, English, science, and social studies (psychology and sociology do not count)
      • Secondary single subject – 24 hours of college credit in the content certification area being sought
      • Science 7-12 composite – 36 hours of college credit in specific categories of Life Science, Physical Science, Chemistry, and Earth/Space
    • TSI – applicants with a conferred Bachelor's degree meet the TSI (Texas Success Initiative) exemption; applicants in their last semester of graduating with a Bachelor's degree or with a degree from another country will need to show evidence of mastery of basic skills
    • Clear criminal background check
    • Proof of English Language Proficiency shown by:
      • Earned college degree in the U.S., or
      • Successfully complete interview in English

Application Process

  • Phase I:
    Online Automated Application
    • Driver's License – scanned PDF copy of both sides
    • Resume – electronic copy
    • TEA ID Number – if you do not have one, use the link in the application to create one
    • 3 Professional References – name, title, and email
    • Unofficial Transcripts (if available) – scanned as a PDF document
    • TOEFL Scores (if applicable) - S-24, R-22, L-22, W-21
    • Writing Sample
  • Phase II:
    Interview
    • Virtual Interview
    • Sample Teach
  • Phase III:
    Issuance of Admissions or DNQ Letter
    • A Letter of Admission will be issued electronically to applicants
      who meet all admissions criteria in Phase I and II
    • A Does Not Qualify (DNQ) Letter will be issued electronically to applicants
      who do not qualify due to deficiencies in either Phases I or II

How We Help

  • CES works directly with school districts to support educators in Harris County.

    Learn More

    Contact Us for More Info

    Center for Educator Success
    Harris County Department of Education
    6300 Irvington Blvd.
    Houston, TX 77022
    Phone: 713-694-6300
    Email: CES@hcde-texas.org

Complaint Procedure