Educator Certification

The University of Texas at Austin offers state and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) approved programs to get students certified and ready for the classroom. Our programs prepare students to become early childhood, elementary, middle, and high school teachers. We also help students from other majors become certified classroom teachers. Our professional certification programs prepare students for administrative and supporting roles in schools.

Our certification programs are available for potential teachers at all stages of their careers. We offer paths to certification for undergraduates, postbaccalaureates, graduate students, and working professionals.

Professional Development Sequence for Teaching Certification

In addition to completing coursework in your teacher certification program, you must apply to the Professional Development Sequence (PDS). This is a teacher preparation program that prepares you for the classroom through fieldwork, observations, and student teaching.

Regardless of which level of certification you are enrolled in, the PDS will provide you with plenty of classroom experience. You will work closely with mentors who will guide you in developing teaching skills. Our programs give you ample experience in classroom settings, preparing you to be a leader in school settings.

University Recommendation

Students who have successfully completed all of the steps to become a teacher ​and the certification requirements will be recommended to the Texas Education Agency (TEA) for certification by our certification officer.