FORT WORTH, Texas — Starting Sept. 1, individuals with a bachelor’s degree can apply to Tarrant County College’s new Alternative Teacher Certification Program, a flexible pathway designed to prepare future educators for classroom success.
Offered through TCC’s Educator Preparation Program, the initiative should appeal to working professionals ready to transition to a teaching career.
The State Board for Educator Certification approves the program, which is based at TCC South. Certification areas include Core Subjects EC-6, Special Education Supplemental, and English as a Second Language Supplemental.
“For many years Tarrant County College has worked with our school district partners to help meet the growing need for elementary teachers across our county,” said Shereah Taylor-Love, TCC South dean of social and behavioral sciences. “The Alternative Teacher Certification Program is a foundational step toward a rewarding career in education. It offers candidates meaningful, field-based classroom experiences while they complete essential coursework and certification requirements.”
Students complete 384 hours of classroom instruction, 50 hours of field-based experience and a full-year paid internship as a teacher of record in a public school. The program culminates in eligibility for a standard teaching certificate.
“This program is a great opportunity for career changers and professionals who want to give back through teaching,” said TCC Provost Shelly Pearson. “We’ve designed it to be rigorous, supportive and accessible, especially for those balancing work and family responsibilities.”
To qualify, applicants must:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with a minimum 2.75 GPA in the last 60 credit hours
- Have at least 24 credit hours in the appropriate content area
- Meet Texas Education Agency English language proficiency standards
- Submit official transcripts and complete a background check
- Interview with Educator Preparation Program staff
Among the requirements for program completion, candidates must pass the Texas Examinations of Educator Standards content area exam, which assesses subject-specific knowledge and skills, and the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities exam, which evaluates their understanding of instructional practices, classroom management and professional ethics.
Depending on their certification area, candidates also may need to complete supplemental exams to ensure they meet all state-mandated qualifications for Texas educators.
For more information or to apply, visit the Educator Preparation Program page.
About Tarrant County College
Celebrating 60 years of excellence and impact in 2025, Tarrant County College is one of the nation’s largest higher education institutions and boasts the second lowest tuition of Texas’ Top 10 community colleges. A comprehensive community college with six campuses in Tarrant County, TCC offers a range of opportunities for learners of all ages and backgrounds, including Associate of Arts and Associate of Applied Science degrees; workforce and economic development programs; technical and skilled trades programs; and customized training for area businesses and corporations.