Teaching Credentials

In addition to meeting expectations on Urban Teachers’ evaluative measures, program participants must also meet all state and district criteria for becoming a certified or licensed teacher. Participants must successfully complete all state-mandated requirements for initial credentials and obtain their initial credentials by the end of their Residency year (Program Year 1). Participants must successfully complete all state-mandated requirements for standard credentials and obtain their standard credentials by the end of Fellow Year 2 (Program Year 3). Urban Teachers requires that participants obtain credentials in special education in addition to credentials for their content areas. Urban Teachers can only endorse participants for credentials in one content area, and that content area will be determined by their assigned program of study and the grade level/content area of their teaching position. Participants in Dallas/Fort Worth are also required to obtain the English as a Second Language Supplemental certification. Participants are responsible for obtaining and submitting required forms in a timely manner while pursuing credentials. 

Even though Urban Teachers will act as liaison with state education agencies during the certification process, participants are responsible for obtaining and submitting required forms in a timely manner while pursuing certification. Urban Teachers’ Site Teams will provide specific details to their participants about which tests are required for each credential area and when those tests should be taken. 

Participants are responsible for all costs associated with the teaching certification/licensure tests, application fees, and required transcripts.