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Accelerate Online

The Accelerate Online program is Texas A&M’s innovative approach for preparation and certification of secondary (grades 8-12) teachers in Texas. Accelerate Online, a NCLB-approved program, provides those possessing or pursuing science, mathematics, social science and language arts related degrees with a highly-structured online program of education followed by entry into a paid teaching position in a high school classroom. The program can be completed in 12-18 months. Following completion of the program and passing of the required TExES exams, the student is will be recommended for full certification.

Program Components

The curriculum consists of 31 online modules with major topics identified for Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities in grades 8-12. Interns will complete a 40 clock-hour supervised teaching field experience in a secondary school.

Participants who successfully complete the online modules and receive favorable recommendations after the initial field experience will seek employment as entry-level teachers and complete an internship consisting of two semesters (Fall/Spring or Spring/Fall) in a targeted high-need district. During the paid internship, participants will have a trained, paid mentor and university supervisor who will guide, observe and provide constructive feedback. After the first year of teaching, participants will have the option of extending the mentoring relationships for up to two years during their employment with the district.

Finally, the intern must pass the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (grades 8-12) exam for the certification of educators in Texas (TExES) to be certified in secondary Mathematics, Mathematics/Physics, Life Science, Physical Science, Chemistry, Science, History, Social Studies or English Language Arts & Reading.

Admission Requirements

The applicant must either be a professional or graduate student with a baccalaureate degree in science, mathematics, social science, English, or language arts or be within one year of completing a degree. Applicants must have at least a 2.5 GPR in their baccalaureate course work attempted or a 2.75 on the last 60 hours of the baccalaureate degree.
The applicant must pass all sections of the Texas Academic Skills Program (TASP) or equivalent exam such as the Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST), or be exempt from TASP. Exemptions include selected university courses completed with a grade of “A or B” within past five years, or holding a baccalaureate degree.
The applicant must pass the TExES exam(s) in the appropriate content area.
The applicant must have access to an Internet capable computer.
The applicant must pass a background check of any criminal activity relating to children and have at least two letters of reference from current or former instructors indicating likelihood for success as a teacher. Each participant must also indicate a willingness to complete all modules, as well as an unpaid 40-hour teaching field experience and a year-long paid (entry-level teacher salary) internship in a Texas public school setting.
The applicant must demonstrate verbal fluency with English. Performance will be evaluated during the personal interview with program staff.

This information and more can be obtained from http://accelerate.tamu.edu. Please also contact Lynn Beason at 979-458-3968 or lbeason@coe.tamu.edu for more information about the Accelerate Online Program.