Educator Preparation Program
The Lone Star College Educator Preparation Program (EPP) offers two pathways to teacher certification to support future educators at different stages of their journey. Students may pursue certification through the Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Early Childhood Education and Teaching, which integrates coursework with educator preparation requirements, or through the Alternative Teacher Certification Program (ATCP), designed for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree and are seeking initial certification. Both pathways are approved by the Texas Education Agency and are structured to ensure candidates meet all state certification requirements while receiving comprehensive academic and professional support. No matter where you are starting, our Educator Preparation Program (EPP) is your launchpad into a rewarding career in education.
| Bachelor's Degree | Alternative Teacher Certification Program | |
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| Certification Areas | CORE Subjects with STR (EC-6) |
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School & District Collaborations:
Our Educator Preparation Program works in collaboration with schools and districts across the region to support practice-based learning experiences for teacher candidates. Through these professional collaborations,candidates complete field-based experiences, clinical teaching, and internship assignments where they serve as teachers of record in authentic classroom settings under the guidance of experienced educators and campus leaders.
These experiences provide opportunities for candidates to apply instructional knowledge in real classrooms while contributing positively to the school community. We appreciate the schools and districts that host our candidates and play an important role in supporting the development and certification of educators who become certified, classroom-ready professionals.
FAQs
ATCP takes 1.5 to 2 years depending on the field experience route chosen - Clinical (1 semester) or Internship (1 year).
BAS-ECET takes 2 years for students who attend full-time.
Both of our programs are hybrid with in-person and online classes offered. The majority of our courses meet at least once a week intentionally to foster real-time discussion, hands-on application and learning, and immediate feedback that cannot be fully replicated in virtual settings.
ATCP candidates can begin their paid internship experience in their third semester of the program, once courses, field-based experience hours and state exams have been successfully completed.
BAS-ECET students do not have a paid clinical experience as part of their final semester in the program.
ATCP candidates are required to complete 5 to 7 pre-clinical courses and 1 to 2 clinical experiences courses. Courses depend on your chosen certification area and clinical experience option.
BAS-ECET students will complete 20-21 3000 and 4000 level courses and 1 clinical experience course. Courses depend on your chosen certification area and clinical experience option.
The ATCP estimated program cost is $5100 - $5,700 excluding books and supplies. The number of courses taken depends on your chosen certification area and clinical experience option.
The BAS-ECET courses are the same cost per semester credit hour as our Associate of Arts programs for in-district students.
Please visit this site for more information: https://www.lonestar.edu/tuition.htm
The ATCP is offered at LSC-University Park and LSC-Kingwood.
The BAS-ECET is offered at LSC-Creekside and LSC-Atascocita Centers.
The ATCP is a continuing education program and does not currently qualify for traditional financial aid such as FAFSA.
The BAS-ECET is a credit program and qualifies for financial aid.
Please visit this site for more information: https://www.lonestar.edu/financial-aid.htm
Student Testimonials
"This is my third year teaching in Texas public schools, and choosing LSC for my certification was one of the best decisions I've made. The in-person classes and meaningful interactions with professors and peers make learning engaging and supportive, especially when presenting lessons and receiving real-time feedback. The encouragement I receive to step outside my comfort zone has helped my confidence grow and allow me to truly see myself as an educator who can make a lasting impact on Texas students."
"My experience in the Special Education Track at Lone Star College has been both challenging and deeply rewarding. The curriculum pushed me to think differently about teaching and learning, especially through courses focused on differentiated instruction, behavior management, assessment, and inclusive practices. Classes that emphasized IEP development, instructional accommodations, and strategies for supporting students with diverse learning needs were particularly impactful.
Lone Star College has helped shape me into a more reflective, confident, and compassionate teaching candidate (and future educator) ready to make a positive impact in the lives of my future students."
"I am a proud graduate of the Lone Star College Educator Preparation Program.
Through the incredible support and coaching provided by the Lone Star College Educator Preparation Program, I gained a tremendous amount of confidence in managing my own classroom and became a confident educator.
The program taught me how to plan meaningful lessons, manage a classroom effectively, and truly support students in a positive and engaging learning environment. I always felt encouraged and supported by my professors, who guided me and believed in me every step of the way.
Completing the Lone Star College Educator Preparation Program is one of my proudest accomplishments, and I feel very prepared to step into my own classroom. I would absolutely recommend the Lone Star College Educator Preparation Program to anyone considering a career in education.”
Required Criminal Background Check
To obtain a teacher certification in the state of Texas, candidates must undergo a criminal history background check prior to being employed as an educator or prior to clinical teaching. According to H.B. 1498 (TEC21.917), Texas school districts will run a Criminal Background Check (CBC) to obtain criminal history information on every employee, candidate for employment, and observer at schools. The State Board for Educator Certification will also run a fingerprint check when you request probationary, intern, or standard certification.
A criminal history may disqualify your participation in a school district regardless of your acceptance into the Teacher Certification Program. If you have concerns about your ability to work as a Teacher in Texas due to this requirement, you can request a preliminary criminal history background check through the Texas Education Agency prior to enrolling in the program. For more information, please visit the Texas Education Agency webpage.