It is ideal for working adults wanting to change careers; those teaching on emergency credentials; those currently teaching without certification; or substitute teachers needing certification. ATCP Online focuses on 23 certification areas plus the ESL Supplemental Certification.
- EC-4 Generalist
What is it like to be a UTTC student? Students in the ATCP program graciously agreed to be interviewed about their experience learning online via UTTC.
Ruben
Devereaux
Read his interview.Michele
Williams
Read her interview.Interviews with ATCP Students and Graduates - EC-4 Bilingual Education Generalist
- ESL Supplemental Certification
- Grades 4-8 Generalist
- Grades 4-8 Bilingual Education Generalist
- Grades 4-8 Language Arts Composite
- Grades 4-8 Mathematics Composite
- Grades 4-8 Science Composite
- Grades 4-8 Social Studies Composite
- Grades 8-12 Business
- Grades 8-12 French
- Grades 8-12 German
- Grades 8-12 Spanish
- Grades 8-12 History
- Grades 8-12 Journalism
- Grades 8-12 Social Studies Composite
- Grades 8-12 Speech
- Grades 8-12 Dance
- Grades 8-12 Theatre Arts (*Option 1)
- Grades 8-12 English Language Arts and Reading
- Grades 8-12 Life Sciences
- Grades 8-12 Physical Sciences
- Grades 8-12 Science Composite
- Grades 8-12 Mathematics
When you complete the required course work you will also have nine or more graduate hours that may be applied towards a future master's degree. The program also requires that you pass the Texas Content Exam before the initial Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES) certification in your particular field. Upon satisfactory completion of the program and both of the required state exams, the University of Texas at El Paso and the school district will recommend you to the State Board of Educator's Certification for a Texas Teaching Certificate that has reciprocal recognition both in Texas and in 41 states.
To apply for admission to ATCP Online, you must first meet the following requirements:
- Have received your bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution of higher education
- Possess a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above on a four-point scale; or a 2.75 in the last 60 hours
- Have the mandated entry requirement hours for the desired certification area with a GPA of 2.50
- Provide either a recent GRE with a combined score of 800 or TASP/THEA passing scores:
- Writing – 220
- Reading – 250
- Math – 230
- Essay Score – 5 Required
- Provide three letters of recommendation, to include one from each of the following: an educator, an employer, and a personal reference.
COURSES
For a listing of the courses required for the program, click on each certification listed above. To find out when the courses will be offered, link to the course catalog, select the program and click search. Catalog search results will return the schedules for at least two semesters, but not all programs are scheduled that far in advance.
PARTICIPATING INSTITUTION AND ADVISORS
Dr. Darlene Brown, ATCP Program Director
Alternative Teacher Certification Program
College of Education, Room 801
University of Texas at El Paso
El Paso, TX 79968
Phone: (915) 747-7605
Fax: (915) 747-8616
Email: ATCPonline@utep.eduDr. Carolyn Awalt, ATCP Online Program Advisor
Alternative Teacher Certification Program
College of Education
University of Texas at El Paso
El Paso, TX 79968
Phone: (915) 747-7674
Fax: (915) 747-5522
Email: ATCPonline@utep.eduSylvia Luna, ATCP Online Program Student Advisor
Alternative Teacher Certification Program
College of Education
University of Texas at El Paso
El Paso, TX 79968
Phone: (915) 747-8923
Fax: (915) 747-5522
Email: ATCPonline@utep.edu
GETTING STARTED
How do I apply to ATCP Online?
- Download the application packet: ATCP Online Application and the ATCP Online Application Checklist
. Fill out the application packet completely, sign and date it, and mail it to the address listed below by registered mail. ATCP Online
College of Education, Room 801
University of Texas at El Paso
El Paso, TX 79968
(Incomplete packets cannot be accepted.)
What do I need to submit with my application?
You are required to submit the following documents with your application. (Remember to keep copies for your own records and for future reference.):
- Official transcripts with degree received and date awarded. A receipt confirming that you have ordered your transcript is acceptable at the application stage.
- Translation/equivalency of transcripts for international applicants.
- Copy of GRE or TASP/THEA scores.
- An application fee of $150, which includes evaluation of up to three certification areas (check or money order only, payable to ATCP Online).
How do I apply to ATCP Online for the ESL Supplemental Certificate?
Contact Georgina Hera-Salas
ESL Certification Coordinator
ATCP Online
College of Education, Room 801
University of Texas at El Paso
500 University Avenue
El Paso, TX 79968
Phone: 915-747-7605
Email: ghsalas@utep.eduWhat do I do to get the ESL Supplemental Certification?
To earn the ESL supplemental certification, students must submit their application, pay the $150 application fee, complete all four academic courses, successfully pass the Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES) exam, and show evidence of experience working with ESL students.
When will I find out if I’m accepted to ATCP Online?
You will receive a letter informing you of your admissions status within 2 weeks after submitting your application. This letter will be mailed to you at the address provided on your application and will inform you of the action taken on your application:
- either that you meet the initial requirements and can begin the program;
- or that you do not meet the initial requirements and need to take additional courses to meet the requirements.
How do I get Master’s degree credit?
If you intend to pursue a Masters degree and want ATCP Online courses credited toward your Masters degree, you must also apply to the UTEP Graduate School within the first 30 days after being accepted into the ATCP Online program.
What do I need to get into Graduate School?
- Complete the UTEP Online Graduate School application (https://apply.embark.com/grad/UTEP/17/)
- Follow the application instructions and send in the completed information along with the appropriate transcripts.
How do I get a teaching contract?
As soon as you are officially accepted to the ATCP Online program, you must apply and receive a teaching contract with a school district in your area. Your teaching assignment and future certification area must match in order for you to take the appropriate certification tests. As soon as your teaching contract is finalized, you must send a copy of your contract to the ATCP Online office with the following information:
- grade and subject you will be teaching
- district and campus at which you will be teaching
- the address, phone number and email for the district contact person
How many hours may I take before I must get a teaching contract?
You may take up to 12 hours before you must have a teaching contract. The State of Texas requires that you teach and be mentored and supervised for two long semesters before a school district and the ATCP Program can recommend that be certified. You would also have to have passed the relevant state exams.When do I start ATCP Online classes?
ATCP Online is a cohort program. While we accept applications year round, there are three cycles, Fall, Spring, and Summer.How do I know which classes to take?
Once admitted to the program, you will be assigned to a program advisor who will assist you.
What additional questions might I ask?
Link here for more Frequently Asked Questions.
REGISTRATION AND COURSE ACCESS
Enrollment in ATCP courses is restricted to students who have been accepted into this program. Once you have been admitted to ATCP Online, you will follow the University of Texas at El Paso’s regular registration procedures.
After successfully completing the registration process, you can access your online courses beginning on the first class day of the semester. Consult the academic calendars for a listing of UTEP semester start dates. Follow the instructions on the Registration page to access your course.