Alternative Teacher Certification Program for STEM

STEMPro: Transforming STEM Professionals into STEM Teachers

Seeking Future Secondary STEM Teachers: Full Funding Available

The Alternative Certification Program for STEM teachers is managed by the teachHOUSTON program at the University of Houston. The certification program targets college students in their senior year, as well as college graduates of all ages with a STEM background (15 hours of math or science ¹), who aspire to become secondary STEM teachers.

At teachHOUSTON, we pride ourselves on preparing highly effective, student-centered, teacher leaders in secondary STEM education since 2007. Our success is a combination of our attention to quality and the unique structures of support that nurture students throughout the program and after they graduate.

• STEMPro Application Information

¹ For formal admission, there a required courses for each certification area:

• Chemistry 7–12: Introduction to Chemistry and an advanced chemistry lecture and labs
• Life Science 7–12: Biology, Geology, and Earth science equivalent or Ecology lectures and labs
• Mathematics 7–12: Geometry or Trigonometry, Calculus, and Statistics
• Physics/Mathematics 7–12: Geometry or Trigonometry, Calculus, and Introduction to Physics and an advanced Physics lecture and labs
• Science 7–12: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics lectures and labs

Please complete the following interest form to contact us about obtaining alternative secondary STEM teaching certification or use the “Apply Now” button to submit an application directly to our program. NOTE: All applicants must also submit an application to University of Houston to be part of the cohort.

Benefits of Alternative Teacher Certification

In this accredited program, participants receive the expertise, quality and support provided through a traditional teacher education program such as teachHOUSTON. The program’s expedited plan allows you to obtain certification in nine months.

How is this Program Different from Other Alternative Certification Programs?

The program provides observations and teaching experiences in secondary public-school classrooms. Not all alternative certification programs have practical teaching experience. This program provides observations and teaching experiences in secondary public-school classrooms.

You will have the opportunity to Student Teach for an entire semester under the guidance of a mentor teacher and university supervisor. This experience is critical for your future success and is not offered by other programs.

teachHOUSTON provides extensive assistance with job placement. Currently, all participants certified through this program have obtained jobs.

In addition to providing scholarships to all eligible candidates, teachHOUSTON has unique partnerships with school districts in the Greater Houston area to provide funded placements, called paid yearlong residencies, amounting to $10,000 per semester. NOTE: Interested applicants must select this option on their application.

About the Alternative Certification Program

The program, a partnership between the UH’s College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and the College of Education, is supported by grant funding from the U.S. Department of Education. Our Frequently Asked Questions page outlines many aspects of the program.

Length of Teacher Certification Program: 9 months

Teacher Certification Received: Certifications are available in these areas:

• 7–12 Chemistry (240)
• 7–12 Mathematics (235)
• 6–12 Physical Science (237)
• 7–12 Physics/Mathematics (243)
• 7–12 Science (236)

Instruction Model

• First Semester: Daytime, face-to-face classes (Tuesdays) and authentic field experiences in local public school districts (Monday–Friday)
• Second Semester: Evening face-to-face classes (Thursdays) and authentic field experiences in local public school districts (Monday–Friday)

Application for the Next Cohort Are Open!

Up to 25 applicants will be selected for each alternative teacher certification cohort.

Courses and mentoring will focus on topics such as:

• Student-centered lesson planning in STEM
• Classroom management
• Using technology in meaningful ways with students
• Developing 21st century skills

Interested in teaching? Complete our application below for the Spring or Fall cohorts.

Selection Criteria

Applicant Requirements

• Must have a strong interest in STEM education.
• Undergraduate students with no more than two semesters of coursework remaining.
• All college graduates with a STEM background (15 approved hours of math or science ¹).
• 2.5 cumulative and content GPA or a passing score on TX-PACT content exam.
• To be awarded the federally funded scholarship, applicants must be designated as US citizens or permanent resident alien.
• For yearlong paid placements, applicants will complete an additional selection process determined by the district personnel.
  • NOTE: Yearlong paid residencies are provided on a first-come basis.
• Reside in the greater Houston area the duration of the program.
  • NOTE: STEMPro is not eligible for sponsoring F1 visas.

Mandatory Criminal Background Check

As a mandatory requirement for all applicants, a comprehensive criminal background check must be completed and successfully passed. This is a prerequisite for entry into the teacher certification program. District partners will most likely perform the background check on behalf of the potential candidate.

Failure to pass the criminal background check will result in immediate ineligibility. Applicants who are found to be ineligible will be withdrawn from consideration for the program.

Application Process

Please complete the following interest form to contact us about obtaining alternative secondary STEM teaching certification.

Applications are temporarily suspended.

Questions?

Please direct questions and inquiries to thacp@uh.edu.

Funding Agencies