Undergraduate Field-Based and Teacher Certification Programs

Achieve your goal of becoming a certified teacher in the state of Texas. Our field-based teacher certification program provides you with early field experiences where you will observe and work with teachers and students in K-12 public schools during your junior year.

Teaching candidates in our EC-6 and 4-8 certification programs participate in a year-long teacher residency. During your first semester of student teaching, you will spend 2-3 days each week in school settings in addition to your weekly seminar with university faculty. In your final semester, you will complete a full-time clinical teaching experience. This model has earned East Texas A&M recognition as one of only 15 educator preparation programs in the state to earn placement on the Texas Vetted Teacher Residency list.

As a secondary or all-level teaching candidate, you will complete core content coursework in the department specific to your desired teaching subject before completing a full-time clinical teaching experience in your final semester.

Meet with an Advisor

The first step toward earning your teacher certification is meeting with an advisor to prepare your degree evaluation. Your evaluation will indicate the coursework necessary to meet your degree and certification requirements. Be sure to keep a copy for your records.

Consult the Department of Curriculum and Instruction for:

Early childhood through sixth grade
4-8 grade math, science, math/science
4-8 grade English language arts, reading

Consult the corresponding academic department for:

4-8 grade social studies
8-12 grade content areas
All-level content areas

A student teacher is showing a student how to complete school work.

Field-Based Teacher Certification Resources

Our undergraduate teacher certification program provides active clinical experiences in the field. View the resources below for more information on different aspects of our program. Questions about this information can be directed to Mitzi Hughes in the Office of Educator Certification and Academic Services.

Explore Field-Based Certification Resources

A female science teacher showing an experiment to children.

Undergraduate Degree Programs with Teacher Certification

We offer a variety of content areas for teacher certification at the undergraduate level. For more information on each certificate area offered, click on the program information in this section.

Computer Information Systems (BSCIS) Teaching Emphasis

In our program, you'll explore key topics in data science and STEM education, including programming, databases, networks and teaching strategies. Our courses also cover technology integration and the roles of STEM educators, providing a foundation for those interested in teaching computer science at the secondary level (grades 7–12).

Education (BA/BS) Special Education

A graduate with special education certification should possess the following competencies: knowledge of disabling conditions; knowledge of professional roles, strategies for promoting learning and development; and techniques to promote achievement in English language arts, reading and math.

Elementary Education (BA/BS) EC-6 Core Subjects

In our program, you'll explore core principles of elementary education, including instructional methods, child development and classroom management. Through coursework and field experiences, you'll have the opportunity to learn how to support young learners and create engaging learning environments for different classroom settings.

Recommended Course Sequence.

Education (BA/BS) Middle School Emphasis (Grade 4-8)

Our bachelor's degree with middle school certification offers a number of specialties, allowing you to concentrate on specific interests. Learn to design engaging lessons, develop curriculum for all students and foster a welcoming learning environment.

Hispanic Studies (BA) Teaching Emphasis

Our program encourages and equips Spanish educators. No matter your proficiency level, we have language courses designed for you. You’ll study the history, politics, social structures and traditions of Spain and Latin America. Our combined Spanish and teaching program prepares you for the high school classroom. You’ll take courses in methods for teaching Spanish, issues in Spanish literature and culture, and Hispanic linguistics. After graduating, you’ll be certified to teach Spanish at the secondary level (grades 7-12).