Education

• In order to enroll in an Alternative Certification Program, you must have a minimum of a bachelor's degree with a GPA of at least 2.5 overall or 2.75 for the most recent 60 hours of coursework. ACP includes additional coursework and assessments in order to meet educator license requirements. Any teacher with a GPA less than 3.0 will be required to take the Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA).
  
  

Costs

• As of 2010, the Houston Independent School District charges a training fee of $400. However, the actual ACP costs $4,350. Other fees include an application fee of $75, fingerprinting fee of $52, textbooks fees of about $250, mentor's fees of $600, probationary certificate fee of $52 and exam fees.
  
  

Options

• The Houston Independent School District allows teachers to obtain alternate route certificates in the following areas: elementary education, special education, bilingual education, grade 4-8 certifications in one or more subject areas, grades 8-12 certification in English, math, social studies, science, dance and foreign language.
  
  

Process

• The ACP process begins with deciding what grade levels and subject areas you want to teach. Next, enroll in an ACP at a Texas college or university. Then, apply for a teaching job in Houston and upon hiring apply for a probationary teaching certificate. While teaching, complete ACP requirements. Finally, apply for a standard Texas teaching certificate.