You can become a Texas certified teacher through the Lone Star College Alternative Teacher Certification (ATC) Program with a completed bachelor's degree and a passion to make a difference in the lives of young people. Students must complete a minimum of 300 hours of coursework, 525 hours of field experience, and program training. All courses will fully prepare the student in the art of teaching for his or her content area, specific to the domains and competencies of the certification area for the TExES exam under the state licensing agency Texas Education Agency. It will take between 3 - 4 semesters to complete the coursework and practicum to then finish with a standard certification.

The ATCProgram has partnerships with multiple school districts, and three certification areas with an option for one supplemental certification in ESL?certification areas for students to choose from. Students will also be able to choose whether they wish to complete either and internship or clinical teaching as their culminating clinical experience. The internship requires a student to complete a one-year internship in a partner district with full salary and benefits, under the supervision of a Mentor Teacher, Field Supervisor, and the ATC Program. Clinical teaching involves one semester of non-paid placement in a school district. Clinical teachers work with a mentor Cooperating Teacher at an area K-12 school under the supervision of a Field Supervisor and the LSC-ATC Program.

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All applicants must meet the required standards established by the Texas Education Agency and Lone Star College to be admitted into the Lone Star Colleges Alternative Teacher Certification Program. To be considered for admission, all applicants must:

Admissions Steps:

1. Eligibility:
   1. Have completed, at minimum, a bachelor's degree. Submit all official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended. "Most Texas institutions send official transcripts electronically via the SPEEDE network which allows faster evaluation. Check with your institution to see if they can send with SPEEDE. Official PDF Transcripts can be emailed directly from the college or university to: Registrar@LoneStar.edu" - 19 TAC §227.10(a)(2) https://www.lonestar.edu/transcripts.htm
   2. Have an overall GPA of at least 2.75, or have an average GPA of 2.75 for their last 60 hours.
   3. 12 college credit hours in your chosen certification area or a passing score on the TX PACT exam.
2. Create a Texas Education Agency Login (TEAL) account and number (TEA#). Requesting a User ID via Self-Registration.
3. Complete the ATCP program application (including all requested documents).LSC-ATCP Application Process
4. Submit a resume including all work and education experience, particularly any experience working with children.
5. LSC-ATCP Admissions Essay Instructions
   Teaching Philosophy: "Why I Want to Be a Teacher"

   As part of your application to the Lone Star College Alternative Teacher Certification Program (LSC-ATCP), you are required to submit a one-page written essay detailing your teaching philosophy. This essay is your opportunity to reflect on your motivation for becoming a teacher and share your beliefs about education and student learning.

6. Three (3) Professional References
7. Complete the Lone Star Continuing Education Application to receive a LSC login and student ID#. Continuing Education Application Login
8. Interview: Applicants will complete a virtual or in-person interview to assess communication skills, professionalism, and alignment with program expectations.
9. Must attend New Student Orientation.