In your first year, you’ll take your core educator preparation courses, gain classroom experience and prepare for your certification exams.

You’ll complete the following required courses:

• Teaching Responsibilities & Professional Skills
• Understanding Special Education
• Using Technology in the K–12 Classroom
• Teaching English Language Learners

You will also take one to three additional courses depending on the subject area you plan to teach:

• Creating Successful Classrooms for Special Education Certification
• General Teaching Preparation for Core Subjects with the Science of Teaching Reading Certification
• Science of Teaching Reading for Core Subjects with the Science of Teaching Reading Certification
• Advanced Topics in Teaching English as a Second Language Learners for ESL Supplemental Certification

Along with these courses, you’ll complete 50 hours of classroom experience in local schools, where you’ll observe teachers and work with students. By the end of Year 1, you're expected to pass your required certification exams to move into your final teaching experience.

In your second year, you’ll take on a bigger role in the classroom and gain hands-on teaching experience every day. You can choose between two clinical experience options:

1. Clinical Teaching (1 semester): Teach in a classroom with support from a mentor teacher while taking one clinical course.
2. Internship (Full year): Teach for a full school year while completing Internship I and II courses for extended hands-on experience.
    

This program gives you real classroom experience so you can learn by doing. You’ll observe experienced teachers, work with students, and practice your teaching skills. Support from instructors and mentor teachers helps you gain confidence and prepare to lead your own classroom.

This program prepares you to work with students from all kinds of backgrounds and learning levels. Through required courses in English as a Second Language and special education, plus supervised classroom experience, you’ll learn how to support students’ academic, social and emotional growth. With hands-on practice and guidance from instructors, you’ll gain the skills to create classrooms where every student can succeed.

This program provides support from experienced educators at every step. You’ll get coaching, feedback and daily guidance from mentor teachers, plus tips from local principals on resumes, interviews and the hiring process. After graduation, you’ll continue to receive help with certification, professional development and program resources.

Lone Star College believes strong programs are always improving. Its educator preparation program uses data, research and feedback from students, alumni and school partners to strengthen your experience and stay connected to real classroom needs.

Feedback from teachers and school leaders led to a coaching-centered model for field supervision that supports growth at every stage:
Glow – Reflect on what’s working
Grow – Receive meaningful, targeted feedback
Go – Take clear next steps for improvement