Houston Program Application Guide

So you want to apply to a teaching program—that’s great news!—and you’re figuring out what you need to enroll. 

When you apply, program staff will look at a few different pieces to make sure you’re eligible, including: 

• Your academic history. 
• Your related field experience (a.k.a. work experience). 
• Your test scores (there may be ways around this one! More on that later). 
• Your essay.
• Letters of recommendation.

In this guide, we’ll take a look at each of these pieces.

Jump to:

• Academic history and transcripts
• Degree requirements
• Practical experience requirements
• Test scores
• Essays, interviews and letters of recommendation
• International applicant requirements
• Explore more guides.

When you submit your application, you’ll need to show your transcripts and any previous degrees.

What transcripts do I need?  

With your transcripts, teaching programs want to see your GPA and what courses you’ve already taken. That includes transcripts for any college classes you took in high school!

You may be able to upload unofficial transcripts for the initial application, but you will need to formally request your official transcripts before (or shortly after) you’re admitted.

To request your transcripts:

Contact the transcript office or records office of the schools you attended.

Follow their procedures to request your transcripts. You can often find the procedures on the school’s website, or try calling or emailing.

Budget at least three to five days for processing.

Some schools will send transcripts by mail; others may have electronic copies.

In your request, be sure to include:

• Your name. If your name has changed since you attended school, be sure to let them know your name as it appeared when you attended the school.
• Your student ID number, if you have it.
• How many copies of your transcript you need.
• Your signature.

You don’t necessarily need a bachelor’s degree when you start a teaching program, but you’ll need one before you can become a certified teacher. Many programs let you earn your bachelor’s and certification at the same time. To learn more, look at the statement below that best fits your situation.

In addition to your academic history, admissions staff will also look at your work experience so far, including any experience you’ve had working in education. 

What kind of experience do I need?

Most teaching programs will require you to have a certain amount of meaningful experience working in education. 

Ideally, you’ll already have experience working with the age group and subject area that you want to teach, but other education experience can work too. Maybe you’ve worked in an after-school program or as a classroom paraprofessional. Maybe you’ve been a camp counselor or an instructor for a weekend program, like Saturday school or Sunday school. Those all count! 

How much practical experience do I need?

The exact number of experience hours you’ll need will vary from program to program (45 is a common number of required hours). Ask your program about their specific requirements.  

If you’re starting a bachelor’s degree along with your teaching certification, you may need to submit test scores, like the SAT or ACT, with your application. 

If you have a bachelor’s degree already, your teaching program may also require scores from the Pre-Admission Content Test (PACT). You can learn more about the PACT and Texas testing requirements in our testing guide. 

Do I really need to share test scores?

Not necessarily! Many programs have gone test-optional, or have opportunities to waive their testing requirement.

In order to skip testing, you’ll likely need to show certain coursework or a minimum GPA. You may also need to provide additional essay responses or letters of recommendation. Check with your specific program to see what alternatives to testing they accept. 

How do I get my test scores? 

Like your transcripts, you can usually submit unofficial copies of your scores with your application. 

To get your hands on official copies, head over to the testing website to order them. We’ve gathered the links to make it easier for you! 

• SAT
• ACT
• AP

If you’re taking the PACT, your scores will automatically get sent to your program.

Finally, you’ll probably need to submit an essay or personal statement and at least one letter of recommendation. 

If there’s anything in your academic or work history that you’re worried about, these can be good places to address those. 

Essay 

In most applications, you’ll need to either write a personal statement about your interest in the program, or answer a series of essay-style questions. This is your chance to share a little more about your background and interests to show why you’re a good fit.

For many people, the essay can feel like the most stressful part of the application process. But there are resources to make it easier! 

Check out our essay guide for advice and a template to get started. 

Letters of recommendation

You’ll need to include at least one letter of recommendation from a former teacher or supervisor in your application. Letters of recommendation can show off your strengths in a way that’s hard to do for yourself.

To get a stellar letter of recommendation, it’s important to follow some basic asking etiquette. We’ve got you covered there too—take a look at our letter of rec guide and template for more.

Interviews

For many teaching programs, you’ll need to interview with program admissions staff. This is an opportunity to tell your story, share what you’ll bring to the program and show why you’ll make a great teacher. 

It’s a great idea to prepare for your interview—so we’ve gathered a few of our favorite pieces of interview advice. (Need more of an interviewing 101 refresher? Check out these interviewing tips from The Muse.)

How to prepare for your teaching program interview

Practice talking about yourself

You’ll get to explain why you want to be a teacher—and why you’ll make a great one—in your admissions essay. The interview is your chance to tell your story out loud. Ask a friend or family member to listen to your answer, then aim to tell the story in about two minutes, give or take.

You’ll also want to practice explaining what you will bring to the program. What will make you a great colleague to your fellow classmates? What unique perspectives or teamwork skills do you bring?

Get to know yourself on paper

Your interviewers may want to know more about your academic background or have questions about specific courses, changes in major or grades on your transcripts. Review your transcripts with a critical eye. What questions might your interviewers have? Practice answering them. 

As with your admissions essay, this is your chance to use potential negatives to your advantage, showing how you have grown from challenges.

Prepare to give specific examples that show how you work

Interviewers often ask about how your life experiences demonstrate the qualities they’re looking for. They may want to know how you creatively tackle challenges, collaborate on projects or handle stress. 

You’ll want to do more than tell them you’re creative and a great collaborator. This is your chance to show your great qualities with short anecdotes. Think of specific examples from your school work, jobs you’ve had or other experiences. Come ready with a few great stories that illustrate your skills and how you work.
 

If you earned your bachelor’s degree outside the U.S., you’ll probably need to provide additional paperwork to show that you’re ready for your program. Click on the statement that best fits you to learn more.