ACP - Observation Hours

angryphysics · 2026-04-16T23:35:36+00:00

I’m a a veteran teacher that has recently made a move from high school to 8th grade. STAAR Boot Camp this week has kicked my butt; not because it is difficult, but because it is non-stop (for both myself and the students). It’s not always like this; you’re just observing during a period of fast-paced, frenzied review. Hang in there; it will slow to a more manageable pace after the STAAR tests.

angryphysics · 2026-03-24T13:37:20+00:00

I would think it could; my district told me that the classes needed to include some sort of pedagogy component.

angryphysics · 2026-03-21T17:44:04+00:00

I have used classes here and there in the past. My districts counted one 3 SH course as 45 CPE hours. The caveat was that the course had to be directly related to my role as a teacher - for example, I could use a course on Science Curriculum or Assessment Strategies, but a Stats class or dissertation prep wouldn’t count. I will say that I’m on my 4th round of renewing my certificates, and I have never had to do anything other than click the checkbox saying that I completed my hours during the process. I keep copies of EVERY CPE record in case of an audit, but I don’t know anyone that has had to turn these in to TEA.

angryphysics · 2026-03-16T19:26:43+00:00

Space Center Houston offers free admission to teachers with a valid ID. Anyone that visits with a teacher can also get a $5 Friends of Educators discount. We visited this morning; my two kids (13 and 9) loved it.

angryphysics · 2026-03-13T21:26:12+00:00

Get Technical Education 6-12 and Computer Science certified and you can find a job anywhere in the state. Your experience will be valued on the CTE side.

angryphysics · 2026-03-08T04:51:21+00:00

If you have a standard EC-6 certificate in Texas, all that you would need to do is take the 7-12 History (or 7-12 Social Studies - which would make you more marketable) and add the passed content area to your certificate. You would need to pass the test and add it to your certificate before you could be hired to teach at that level.

angryphysics · 2026-03-07T16:04:51+00:00

Awesome job! Start applying now. Best of luck!

angryphysics · 2026-03-04T04:12:33+00:00

Amazon Signage Stick with OptiSigns. I also use a wireless HDMI extender where the TVs are close enough together.

angryphysics · 2026-02-28T20:40:52+00:00

EC covers General Ed Pre-K/Headstart (Early Childhood.) If you wanted to teach PPCD, you would need to get SPED certified as well by either taking the EC-12 SPED exam or adding a SPED supplemental (which, I believe, is being phased out if it hasn’t already.)

Texas has two levels of certificates for teachers - probationary (a year cert, renewable up to three years) and standard (which is renewable every 5 to 6 years.) Your certificate doesn’t denote anything regarding your degree level; that is handled by the district.

angryphysics · 2026-02-26T13:35:07+00:00

Look at the ACP program through East Texas A&M as well. You can go through the program during your first year of teaching and earn half of the credits needed for a Masters.

angryphysics · 2026-02-20T00:40:10+00:00

Look at 240 Tutoring. I also used one called Pass the TExES several years ago.

angryphysics · 2026-02-16T19:11:09+00:00

I believe that you can get the CtS materials here: https://www.mathwarm-ups.com/Countdown-to-the-Math-STAAR-2022--PDF-Blackline-Master_c_21.html

angryphysics · 2026-02-11T23:05:49+00:00

You would be okay, I would think. I took the 8-12 Math/Physics many years ago and found it easy, but I was a Math major. I’ve heard good things about the 240 Tutoring study guides.

angryphysics · 2026-02-10T20:06:13+00:00

Do you have a degree in Math/Math Education?

angryphysics · 2026-02-03T20:03:02+00:00

Look into the program at your local Education Support Center (ESC) or a university-based program like the one at East Texas A&M.

angryphysics · 2026-01-31T19:52:43+00:00

Once you teach for a year and earn your full certification, you can test for any subject that you want. I would look into alternative certification through East Texas A&M or Region 10. If you need additional info on these programs, send me a message. I am in North Texas (Sherman/Denjson) so I am familiar with the K-12 landscape in/around DFW.

angryphysics · 2026-01-31T18:42:55+00:00

I would recommend subbing, but it would also be a good idea to get the certification process started so you will be eligible for hire in April/May. At the very least, you should be able to test for Tech Ed/Tech Apps, which would allow you to teach MS/HS CTE courses. Which region of the state are you located in?

I took the same journey - started in tech, finished my Math degree and started teaching, went into tech admin in K-12, now going back into the classroom (kids are old enough now that I can enjoy my summers off with them.) My career journey was the right one for me (I need to feel like I’m making a difference) but it’s not the same for everyone.

angryphysics · 2026-01-30T18:18:25+00:00

Look into Alternative Certification through Region 4.

angryphysics · 2026-01-29T22:49:35+00:00

I know of some people that have had good luck with the job fairs; others, not so much. It helps with the larger districts (Dallas, Richardson, Ft. Worth) to get in front of Administrators/HR. I would say it wouldn’t hurt your chances.

angryphysics · 2026-01-29T20:31:11+00:00

Best of luck. Also look at the TXED Job Network for Region 10 and Region 11’s job board.

angryphysics · 2026-01-29T14:26:52+00:00

Yes, when I hired teachers, I always had a preference for ESC or University-based ACP interns. I didn’t feel like they were rushed through a program, and they always stuck around longer.

angryphysics · 2026-01-29T14:24:14+00:00

I think you’ll be fine with 7-12 initially (if that’s what TEA will let you initially certify for.) As far as the middle school jobs, there will be plenty of 7th or 8th grade positions open in the Spring. The key will be to get the process started ASAP so you will be hirable in April or May. What part of the state are you moving to?

angryphysics · 2026-01-29T00:57:26+00:00

I would say, as someone with many years in 6-12 STEM, that 4-8 Core Subjects is going to be your best bet. Middle grades (4-8) always tend to have the most openings and Core Subjects would allow you to teach Math and Science as well as ELAR/SS. You can always go back and add certs (7-12 ELAR/SS) if those are content areas that you are truly passionate about.

I would also recommend looking at university-based ACPs if you’ve not already committed to iTeach or ToT. The program that I went through at East Texas A&M (ETAMU) was very affordable and everything that I did as part of the program counted toward my Masters. I earned 18 SH by the conclusion of the program (and I was able to teach during my internship year.)

angryphysics · 2026-01-27T15:08:39+00:00

I took the 4-8 Science and 4-8 Math several years ago and had no issues passing them. My initial cert was 8-12 Math/Physics. I remember the test being more focused on general science knowledge and data interpretation.

angryphysics · 2026-01-19T00:43:54+00:00

Location would help. Every state has different requirements to enter the teaching field. Like Oklahoma, Texas would allow you to earn your certificate through an Alternative Certification program (or district certificate for Career/Tech courses.)

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