Education – Alternative Certification Program

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Mission

The Southwestern Adventist University Education Department is committed to inspiring knowledge, faith, and service through Christ-centered education. Our mission is to prepare effective educators who are equipped for teaching in faith-based and/or public schools. The Alternative Certification Program is designed to prepare individuals for teacher certification in the State of Texas.

Faculty/Staff

Cheryl The, Chair; Heather Archer Wilson, Tevita Tameifuna

Staff: Michelle Calagos, Administrative Assistant

Adjunct: Donna Berkner, Michael England, Marcel Sargeant 

Alternative Certification Program for Texas Teacher Certification 

The Alternative Certification Program (ACP) is an option for individuals seeking a Texas teaching credential, and who did not complete an Educator Preparation Program in their undergraduate studies.  Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree and meet the requirements outlined below.  A Pre-Admission Content Test (PACT) may be required prior to admission.

Pre-Admission Content Exam 

The Law requires applicants to take and pass a PACT for admission into an EPP in the following cases:

  1. If the applicant has a GPA below 2.5 or
  2. If the applicant has not completed at least 12 semester credit hours in the subject area of the certificate the applicant is seeking (15 hours if seeking certification in math or science above 7th grade).   

See the Texas Education Agency website for detailed information. (https://tea.texas.gov/texas-educators/certification/educator-testing/pre-admission-content-test) 

Certification is available in the following areas:

     Elementary Education, Early Childhood - 6th grade

     Secondary Certification, 7th grade - 12th grade

  • English Language Arts and Reading
  • Mathematics
  • Social Studies
  • Life Science

     All Level Certification - Kindergarten - 12th grade

  • Music
  • Physical Education