Ana G. Méndez - Alternative Certification Program

 

AGMU-ACP

Ana G. Mendez University Alternative Certification Program (AGMU-ACP) offers a research-based curriculum inclusive of the most effective and relevant best practices of the teaching profession to prepare teacher candidates to be a successful educators using dual-language approach based on our unique Discipline-Based Dual Language Immersion Model ®. All coursework and instruction is designed to develop content knowledge and professional language proficiency in both English and Spanish, while gaining preparation and experience to become a certified Texas educator.

The AGMU-ACP program is a state-approved alternative certification program that is committed to preparing teacher candidates through 310 clock-hours of high quality coursework/training and field-based experiences using a dual-language approach.

Why AGMU-ACP

The AGMU-ACP program provides highly qualified bilingual individuals an opportunity to gain Texas certification in Core Subjects Early Childhood through sixth grade (EC-6) with choice a supplemental area of either Bilingual, ESL or Special Education. Our standard and performance-based courses and training are face-to-face and during hours that are convenient for the working professional making the transition into the field of education. All bilingual instructors and field supervisors have experience in field and are experienced certified instructors in the content specific areas of the target certification.

AGMU-ACP teacher candidates will have continual support from admissions to job placement as we recognize this is an important decision and your success is the main objective of the AGMU-ACP.

Becoming a Certified Texas Educator

There are five requirements by the state of Texas to become a certified teacher. You must earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, complete an alternative certification program, pass certification exams, submit a state application after meeting program requirements, and complete fingerprinting.

Upon choosing AGMU-ACP and before applying:

  1. Understand that AGMU-ACP is only approved to certify for EC-6 with a choice of either Bilingual, ESL or Special Education Supplemental.
  2. Obtain ALL your official transcripts from all the institutions you have earned course credit in preparation to submit for application process. All official transcripts must be received in a sealed envelope addressed, as follows:

    AGMU-ACP
    3010 N. Stemmons Fwy.
    Dallas, Texas 75247

    3. If you are completing a bachelor’s degree, you can apply during the last semester by submitting an letter from the registrar indicating graduation date.
  3. If you have a degree from a university outside the United States, you will need to submit an official or certified copy of foreign transcript, and original course-by-course evaluation by a foreign evaluation service recognized by TEA, evaluation providers.
  4. Educators who apply for certification after October 22, 2017 are required to demonstrate English language proficiency by fulfilling one of the following requirements:
    • Completion of an undergraduate or graduate degree at an accredited institution of higher education in the United States, not including US Territories.
    • Completion of an undergraduate or graduate degree earned at an institution of higher education in a country outside the United States approved by the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC).
    • Verification of minimum scaled scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT).
      • Speaking 24
      • Listening 22
      • Reading 22
      • Writing 21
    To have scores submitted directly to AGMU-ACP use the agency code C608.
  5. Applications will be accepted in the fall and spring, dates are posted on a calendar of events. All documents must be submitted and application completed for an applicant to be interviewed for candidacy. Upon completion and determination of potential candidacy, the applicant will be notified and must accept an invitation in writing to the program within 10 calendar days.

AGMU-ACP Components

The applicant becomes a candidate upon acceptance. Invitation of acceptance must be in written form and submitted within 10 calendar days.

Candidates are required to complete 310 hours of coursework and training including 40 hours of classroom field-based experience and clinical teaching or internship. The course work and training includes understanding the required state curriculum, Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) in instructional planning, delivery and assessment in the EC-6 classroom. Integration of literacy and technology in other content areas, classroom management and the pedagogical foundations of the supplemental area of choice are also included. Deep dives into math and science in the classroom; data drive instruction and an introduction and preparation for the pedagogy and responsibilities of Texas educators are also included in the coursework and training. Candidates will also have to take and pass the TExES Core Subject EC-6 with Science of Teaching Reading (STR) and choice of supplemental area exam with approval from program to complete student clinical teaching or internship.