
ACT-RGV (Houston)
About
Alternative Certification for Teachers- Rio Grande Valley (ACT-RGV) is an alternative certification program that offers a non-traditional pathway to becoming a certified teacher in Texas. Fully accredited by the Texas Education Agency, ACT-RGV provides an alternative to traditional university-based teacher preparation programs. Alternative certification programs were first introduced in Texas in 1986 by the state legislature to create new pathways for individuals entering the teaching profession. ACT-RGV opened in 2000 after being accredited by the Texas Education Agency and was the second private alternative certification program approved in the State of Texas.
- Government/Nonprofit organization
- Pharr
ACT-RGV awards and recognitions:
- 2022–2023 Certificate of Commendation for Exemplary Performance in Preparing the Educators Texas Needs– Awarded for a high percentage of teachers prepared in designated shortage areas.
- 2021–2022 Certificate of Commendation for Exemplary Performance in Preparing the Educators Texas Needs– Awarded for a high percentage of teachers prepared in designated shortage areas.
- 2021–2022 Quality Matters Online Course Certifications– Courses certified for meeting national standards of quality in online education.

Program Info
Upcoming Deadlines
Deadlines
Program Start
Sep. 01, 2025
FallJan. 05, 2026
SpringMay 12, 2026
Summer
Get Deadline Reminders
Certifications
Core Subjects 4-8
Core Subjects Pre-K-6
English 4-8
English 7-12
English as a Second Language
Mathematics 4-8
Mathematics 7-12
Science 4-8
Science 7-12
Social Studies 4-8
Social Studies 7-12
Special Education
Trade & Industrial Education