What is A-STEP?
A-STEP is a state certified alternative certification program that offers college graduates the opportunity to become teachers. Teacher interns are required to attend the A-STEP Pre-Service Training Academy (PSTA) either in person or online. Interns must also to pass all the state exams and/or requirements. Interns must successfully complete ALL A-STEP requirements.

What do I need to apply?
You must have a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with an overall GPA of 2.5 and qualifying TASP scores. TASP scores must be at or above 240 in Reading, 230 in Writing and 230 in Mathematics. You must also have a combination of 24 hours of coursework in a content area (at least 12 hours in upper level coursewor). GRE scores and A’s and B’s in Freshman Composition I/II can be substituted for TASP Reading and Writing. If you have a B or better in College Algebra, that can be substituted for Mathematics TASP score.

How do I apply?
First you must fill out an application and turn it in with a copy of an official transcript. This application can be mailed or emailed to A-STEP with $50 in order to have you transcript evaluated.

What if my transcripts are from another country?
College graduates from other countries must have their transcripts evaluated by a third party service such as www.wecseval.com. Once this process is complete the evaluation can be submitted to our offices along with the application.

What am I qualified to teach?

After bringing your transcripts to A-STEP, and paying the $50 application fee, we will evaluate your coursework using the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) guidelines and tell you what you qualify to teach. For more information regarding NCLB, visit this site: www.sbec.state.tx.us.

 
Can I start working as soon as I join the program?

Yes, if you have met all the A-STEP requirements, Federal/State requirements (NCLB Highly Qualified) and all the fees are paid. A "Highly Qualified" candidate has 24 credit hours in a subject and/or has passed the TExES exam in the area they are entering.

What is a Letter of Introduction?

A letter of introduction is a form that A-STEP generates which officially states what you are qualified to teach. This letter is necessary to apply with the school districts which you are interested or applying with.

What is PSTA?

PSTA is the Pre-Service Training Academy. It usually takes 23 evenings to complete. Most of the training sessions are from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Some Saturdays may be required. Saturday hours are from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. You may also take this training online beginning Spring 2008.

What is a Generalist?

A generalist is someone who can teach all subjects (Math, Science, English, Language Arts, etc..). They are usually employed in the pre-K to 8th grade level.

How do EC-4 Generalist and EC-4 Bilingual Generalist differ?

Bilingual Generalist are in a bilingual setting (English/Spanish). A generalist will be in a monoligual setting (English only). The EC-4 acronym stands for Early Childhood to Fourth grade. The EC-4 Bilingual Generalist exam is 180 questions long as opposed to the Generalist exam which is about 90 questions.

Can I complete the certifications requirements online?

Most of the trainings will be available online by Spring 2008.

What areas can A-STEP certify teachers in?

Follow this link for a list of approved areas.