UHCL is a four year public university located in the beautiful Bay Area Houston area. Students join a dynamic community of more than 9,000 students, faculty and staff who are committed to their success. Forty percent of our students are Hispanic, and many come from various countries around the world. Campus programs and resources provide a rich and supportive student experience that embraces the mix of cultures. Students can enroll full-time or part-time and take classes during the day, evening and online. Additionally, courses are offered at campus locations in Pearland and the Texas Medical Center, so students have flexibility in earning their degrees. The College of Education offers nine teacher certification programs, ten graduate programs and two doctoral degrees.
The College of Education program at UHCL helped me become the teacher that I am today by providing me with a variety of learning experiences, from field experience classes to internships. The diversity of professors provided us with an opportunity to learn about education from various experiences.
At UHCL, we place learner-centered teaching and learning at the core of our mission. Our approach is grounded in a commitment to high academic standards and support for all students. We believe that student success is the central and fundamental goal of education. For our teacher candidates, success means gaining the knowledge, skills, and professional dispositions needed to make a meaningful impact in the classroom.
Students at University of Houston-Clear Lake have reduced the cost of their program using these methods. Check with University of Houston-Clear Lake to see if you can, too!
Art Pre-K-12 Bilingual / Spanish Biology 7-12 Elementary Education 4-8 Elementary Education Pre-K-6 English / Social Studies 4-8 English 4-8 English 7-12 Gifted History 7-12 Mathematics 4-8 Mathematics 7-12 Physical Education Pre-K-12 Physics / Science 6-12 Science 4-8 Social Studies 4-8 Social Studies 7-12 Special Education Special Education Pre-K-12 TESOL
Program Semesters/Steps Overview
All students start by taking the core curriculum. Students will also take two entry-level education courses: Introduction to Teaching and Introduction to Special Populations.
Students preparing to become elementary school teachers will primarily take education coursework in Year 3. Those who plan to teach in middle school or high school will have additional content (history, mathematics, etc.) coursework as well.
Year 4 consists of Pre-Service Internship I and II. These are the capstone experiences for the UHCL teacher preparation program. Pre-Service Internship I is every Wednesday of the public school semester. Pre-Service Internship II is every day of the public school semester. Enrollment in Pre-Service Internship I should not be considered until almost all content and basic certification courses have been successfully completed.
Program Hallmarks
UHCL believes that real world experience prepares students to become certified teachers. The teacher preparation program at UHCL offers extensive public school based experiences for future educators. These expanded experiences include a two-semester internship, public school based university coursework and close cooperation with many schools designated as professional development school sites. The year-long internship is designed to provide future educators with hands-on experience related to every aspect of the teaching profession. As a professional educator, students serve in a variety of teaching roles with a high level of responsibility.
UHCL’s curriculum and field experiences are designed to prepare students to meet the varied needs of learners in today’s classrooms. UHCL expects students to demonstrate professionalism by:
Adapting instruction to support individual learning differences
Creating a positive and respectful classroom environment
Addressing misconceptions and promoting critical thinking
Encouraging open discussion and exposure to a range of perspectives
Using language that is respectful and constructive for all students
During UHCL's internship program, students work under the supervision of a team consisting of the Center for the Professional Development, public school personnel, a university supervisor, a district supervisor and a mentor teacher with the cooperation of the campus principal. The internship team serves as the student's teacher, supervisor and mentor throughout two internship semesters. UHCL assigns students to school sites that regard every staff member as a mentor who fosters a rich, supportive environment for preparing professional teachers.
At UHCL, we believe in hands-on learning. Through professional development, local partnerships and innovative classes, our students graduate with plenty of real-world experience. One such partnership is with Clear Creek Independent School District (CCISD). UHCL and CCISD agreed to create and maintain a professional development laboratory school in the district. This school, McWhirter Professional Development Laboratory School in Webster, TX, was opened in 2002. Through this partnership, UHCL students take courses taught at the school in a designated classroom, completing internships and other field experiences at the school.
Stats
Gender
Male
Female
9%
91%
Ethnicity
American Indian or Alaskan Native
Asian
Black
Hispanic/Latino
Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander
White
Two or more races
1%
3%
5%
45%
0%
45%
1%
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