College of Education and Human Development

Becoming a Teacher Certification Candidate

Undergraduate Educator Preparation Program

To become a teacher certification candidate in Texas, you must have been admitted to the EPP Bachelor's degree in an approved program at Lamar University, complete all requirements of the state-approved educator preparation program, and pass the required TExES certification exams. 

  1. Education Requirements
    • Bachelor's Degree: You must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college.
    • GPA: Minimum GPA of 2.75 in the Content Area and an Overall 3.0
  2. Lamar University Educator Preparation Program (EPP)

    Traditional Undergraduate Pathway:
    • If you are seeking to complete your bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies or education or a secondary certification program, the EPP requirements are a part of your degree program which includes pre-service field experience hours and either residency or clinical teaching experiences.
    • You will submit an Initial Teacher Certification EPP admission application at the end of your PEDG 2310 and prior to enrollment in PEDG 3300

    Background Check:
    • You must complete a criminal background check, which includes fingerprinting prior to clinical teaching or residency of your onboarding process at your school placement.

    Alternative Path:
    • If you have a bachelor's degree in a field other than education, you can enroll in the Lamar University state-approved alternative certification program or M.A. in Teaching program. These programs include required EPP application processes, admission to the EPP, required coursework, field experience and either internship.
    • You must complete a criminal background check, which includes fingerprinting prior to clinical teaching, residency or internship as part of your onboarding process at your placement school.

  3. Certification Exams
  4. Recommendation for Certification by the EPP
    • The assigned field supervisor or site coordinator along with the mentor or cooperating teacher must recommend you for certification by the EPP.

  5. Receive Your Certificate
    • Once all requirements are met, the TEA will issue you a standard (clinical teaching or internship) OR enhanced (residency) teaching certificate that can be accessed online by employers.

Supply and Demand of Teachers

TEA Performance Indicators for Educator Preparation Programs

Lamar University Educator Preparation Programs strive to provide up-to-date information regarding both state and national teacher shortage areas. In addition to the link to TEA for supply and demand, additional resources are available. Below you will find several helpful links to learn more about the supply and demand on the educator workforce.

Information on the labor market can be found for the state of Texas at the Texas Workforce Commission Labor Market Information website at: https://lmi.twc.texas.gov/ 

Information can be found on the education labor market in the state of Texas and nationally at the Bureau of Labor Statistics website at: https://www.bls.gov/ 

Program Completion Requirements - Initial Teacher Certification

  • Be admitted to Lamar University;
  • Be admitted to the Educator Preparation Program at LU;
  • Complete all required degree and certification coursework which includes field experiences and clinical experiences approved by LU;
  • Pass all required certification exams approved by LU;
  • Degree conferment from LU for associated B.S. or M.A.T degrees or completion of the LU Alternative Certification Program;
  • Be identified as a LU EPP program completer with a recommendation for standard (clinical teaching or internship) or enhanced (residency) certification.