After acceptance into the Region 5 TCP, each applicant is responsible for securing his/her own employment in Regions 5 public school districts, charter schools or Texas Education Agency accredited private schools. Teacher intern employment information is shared with all Region 5 school districts. With program approval, teacher interns may pursue employment outside of Regions 5. There is an additional fee of $1,500 for employment in districts outside of Regions 5 to defray staff travel expense.

A link to all districts located in Region 5 can be found at http://www.esc5.net/page/R5_Districts(opens external link in new window). 

When can I start my internship?

In order to be hired by a school district and start your internship, you must pass your content exam. Most candidates complete a semester of classes first, then acquire test approval. Please note that Core Subjects (EC-6 and 4-8), ELAR 4-8 and ELAR/Social Studies 4-8 also require the Science of Teaching Reading (STR) exam.

During the teacher internship, am I paid a salary?

Yes, once accepted into the TCP and hired by a school district, teacher interns are paid a first-year teacher’s salary less the balance of the program fee. As with any employment, it is the employee’s responsibility to inquire with the employing school district as to salary and benefits. Teacher interns are considered a classroom teacher and an employee of the school district. As such, teacher interns are subject to all rules and responsibilities as outlined in local school board policy. Once teacher interns earn their certification, the teacher internship year counts as the first year of service.

When will I begin receiving my salary?

Teachers, in general, are paid on a monthly basis on the last working day of the month. First-year teachers typically receive their first paycheck at the end of September even though they may have begun working in August. Teacher interns should be prepared for a lean first month.

What kind of salary can I expect to earn?

All school districts pay a minimum state base salary; many districts pay above state base. Please check with individual districts about their respective salary scales and benefit packages. TEA Website on minimum salaries

How do I make application to the Region 5 Teacher Certification Program?

The Region 5 TCP uses an on-line application process. You must have an e-mail address and a credit or debit card to submit an application. The application process can be initiated from the main page of the TCP web site.

Is there an application deadline?

Yes, the on-line application must be completed by the application deadline published for that particular cohort recruitment period. Application fee, official transcripts, and professional recommendations must be received in the TCP office as soon as possible after applying to the program.

What if I attended more than one college, but all courses, hours, and grades appear on the transcript of the college where I earned my degree?

We require receipt of all official transcripts from each college or university you attended. Faxed transcripts are not acceptable.

What do I do if my transcripts are from a foreign country?

All foreign transcripts must have official U.S. translations showing degree and grade equivalency. You will need to contact a Foreign Credential Evaluation Services Company from the Texas Education Agency's approved list of providers(opens external link in new window) about foreign transcript evaluations. In addition, candidates must complete an entrance exam.

Once I complete the application process and meet the academic requirements, am I automatically enrolled in the program?

Submitting an application begins the process of admission to the TCP. Applications and transcripts will be reviewed for eligibility. Additional requirements include:

• A face-to-face interview
• Nelson-Denny Reading Test
• A review of all program application information
• All candidate information is reviewed and selections are made based on program capacity and strength of the candidate in relation to other applicants.

When are reference forms due?

All three reference forms are due as soon as possible or by the specified application deadline.

What is the purpose of the criminal record release?

You’re signing and submitting the Criminal Record Release allows Region 5 ESC to run a criminal record search. Applicants who have a criminal record will be contacted individually by the TCP staff. Criminal records must be reported by the executive director to the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) as per Texas Education Code (TEC) 22.083 and Texas Administrative Code (TAC) 249.14. Region 5 ESC reserves the right to refuse entry to the program based on information reported by the Texas Department of Public Safety.

A person who is enrolled or planning to enroll in a State Board for Educator Certification-approved educator preparation program or planning to take a certification examination may request a preliminary criminal history evaluation letter regarding the person's potential ineligibility for certification due to a conviction or deferred adjudication for a felony or misdemeanor offense. TAC 227.103 

https://tea.texas.gov/Texas_Educators/Investigations/Preliminary_Criminal_History_Evaluation-FAQs/(opens external link in new window)

What offenses could result in potential ineligibility of an individual who is seeking certification?

Please refer to the current State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) rules prescribed in §249.16

http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/sbecrules/tac/chapter249/ch249b.html#249.16

Will the program require much of a time commitment?

Yes, the Teacher Certification Program is an intense, high quality program. Teacher interns will be expected to attend all training sessions. The program is designed only for highly committed candidates who are able to excel in an intense, fast-paced instruction environment.  The program is designed to be completed within two years.  Inactive candidates will be dismissed from the program after six months of inactivity.  Inactive canddiates are those who are no longer completing coursework, training, and testing requirements.  

What should I do if I have a complaint?

TEA Complaint Page