The Professional Development Sequence For Future Teachers

The Professional Development Sequence (PDS) is a teacher preparation program that includes

Coursework
Pre-student teaching field experiences and observations
Student teaching
Seminars and career tools

The PDS length and requirements vary by teacher certification, and the PDS is an additional requirement to your major. Upon successful completion of the PDS, you will be recommended for certification to teach in Texas.

The PDS application runs from February 1 to March 1 for fall entry and September 1 to October 1 for spring entry.

Apply to the PDS

You must apply during the long semester prior to entering the program. Admission to the PDS is dependent upon meeting the required GPA and successful completion of prerequisite coursework. All students entering the PDS must also have access to a laptop.

College of Education Teacher Preparation Programs

Early Childhood-6^th English as a Second Language/Core Subjects Generalist

The EC – 6 ESL/Core Subject /Generalist program is designed for students seeking Texas certification to teach in elementary school classrooms, with a focus on learning theory, elementary school content, ESL, and teaching methods.

Length: 3 semesters (Intern I, Intern II, Student Teacher)

Starts: Summer, Fall, and Spring

PDS Application Periods: February 1 to March 1 (Fall) or September 1 to October 1 (Spring)

PDS Admission Requirements

A completed application by the stated deadlines,
minimum 2.5 GPA in the last 60 hours taken,
completion of prerequisite coursework (M 316K and all major coursework on the degree plan with a minimum grade of “C” or above), and
selection by an admissions committee.

The PDS is an intensive program that requires specific prerequisites before applying. Please view the degree plan for the sequence of courses you will take.

If you already have completed a bachelor’s degree, you can become a certified teacher through our traditional EC-6 Core Subjects/Generalist program as a non-degree seeker.

Early Childhood-6th Core Subjects/Generalist, Bilingual Education

The EC – 6th grade Core Subjects/Generalist, Bilingual Education Teacher Certificate Program is designed for students seeking Texas certification to teach in a general elementary classroom or a bilingual classroom. This program focuses on teaching Spanish-speaking children, and fluency in Spanish is required.

Length: 3 semesters (Intern I, Intern II, Student Teacher)

Starts: Spring only

PDS Application Periods: September 1 to October 1

PDS Admission Requirements

Please note this program also requires the successful application to and completion of a foundations semester before entering the PDS.

minimum 2.5 GPA in the last 60 hours taken,
completion of prerequisite coursework with a minimum grade of “C” or above (M 316K and all major coursework), and
selection by an admissions committee.

The PDS is an intensive program that requires specific prerequisites before applying. Please view the degree plan for the sequence of courses you will take.

If you already have completed a bachelor’s degree, you can become a certified teacher through our traditional EC-6 Core Subjects/Generalist Bilingual Education program as a non-degree seeker.

Special Education

The All-Level (Early Childhood-12th grade) Special Education Teacher Certification Program (SED) is designed to prepare prospective educators to teach in a variety of settings. Teachers learn to educate individuals with disabilities including children and youth with mild to moderate disabilities, as well those with severe and/or multiple disabilities.

Length: 4 semesters (Intern I, Intern II, Intern III, Student Teacher)

Starts: Fall only

PDS Application Period: February 1 to March 1

Program Requirements

The PDS is an intensive program that requires specific prerequisites before applying. Please view the degree plan for the sequence of courses you will take.

Please note this program also requires the successful application to and completion of a foundations semester before entering the PDS.

The Special Education PDS only begins in the fall semester and lasts four semesters. PDS admission requirements include:

minimum 2.5 GPA in the last 60 hours taken,
completion of prerequisite coursework (M 316K), and
selection by an admissions committee.

If you already have completed a bachelor’s degree, you can become a certified teacher through our traditional All-Level Special Education program as a non-degree seeker.

University of Texas Urban Teachers (Bachelor, Master Degrees in English Language Arts, Social Studies)

PDS Timeline Example – EC-6 Generalist

Teacher Preparation Programs in Other Colleges

The length, starting semesters, and application periods below refer to the part that is tracked by the College of Education in order to recommend students for teacher certification. If you are interested in teacher certification in one of these areas, you should contact the appropriate advising office:

You may be required to submit a separate application for the college of your choice prior to submitting a PDS application to the College of Education.

UTeach Natural Sciences (Science, Computer Science, and Math)

Students who wish to teach Math, Computer Science, or Science in middle or high school subjects will choose a major in the College of Natural Sciences. You are still required to apply to the Professional Development Sequence through the College of Education to be recommended for teacher certification.

Length: 1 semester (Student Teacher)

Starts: Fall and Spring

PDS Application Periods: February 1 to March 1 (Fall) or September 1 to October 1 (Spring)

UTeach Liberal Arts (English Language Arts, Social Studies, and Languages Other Than English)

Students who wish to teach English, Social Studies, or a Foreign Language in middle or high school will choose a major in the College of Liberal Arts. You are still required to apply to the Professional Development Sequence through the College of Education to be recommended for teacher certification.

Length: 2 semesters (Intern, Student Teacher)

Starts: Fall and Spring

Requirements: UTeach Liberal Arts Coursework

PDS Application Periods: February 1 to March 1 (Fall) and September 1 to October 1 (Spring)

UTeach Fine Arts (Art, Dance, Music, Theatre)

Students who wish to teach visual arts, dance, music or theatre in middle or high school will choose a major in the College of Fine Arts. You are still required to apply to the Professional Development Sequence through the College of Education to be recommended for teacher certification.