1.  What is the Teacher Credential?

Answer:
The Texas Adult Education Teacher Credential is an optional credential that is available to those who teach adult students in Texas adult education programs. Read more about the teacher credential.

2.  Who is eligible to earn the Teacher Credential?

Answer:
Eligibility to participate in the Texas Adult Education Teacher Credential is based upon status in the Texas Educating Adults Management System (TEAMS). Individuals who are designated as the teacher of record in TEAMS for one or more classes are eligible to earn the Teacher Credential. Teachers who are not sure of their eligibility should check with their program director.

3. What do teachers have to do to earn the Teacher Credential?

 

Answer:

Teachers will complete professional development activities that are associated with the Six Core Content Areas. Teachers then implement what they have learned in their classrooms and reflect upon the effectiveness of the learned knowledge or skill. Finally, following the guidelines specified in the Teacher Reflection Writing Rubric, teachers will write about their experiences and the outcomes associated with the implementation of what they learned. Teachers are awarded points for successful submissions based upon the type of professional development activity they completed. Professional development activities that are both focused and sustained over time are awarded higher point values than are those that are less time-intensive.

 

4. What content is included in the Teacher Credential?

 

Answer:

The Teacher Credential is based upon the following Six Core Content Areas: 

·  Principles of Adult Learning

·  Teaching/Learning Transaction

·  Diverse Learning Styles, Abilities and Cultures

·  Integrating Technology into Adult Learning

·  Accountability and Assessment

·  Contextual Learning 

5. Why would a teacher want to earn a Teacher Credential?

Answer:
Research indicates that teachers who engage in professional development that is both focused and sustained over time have a positive impact on student performance. Additionally, teachers who have earned a Teacher Credential have reported improved instructional outcomes and professional growth opportunities that they attribute in part to having earned the Teacher Credential.

6. How much does it cost to earn a Teacher Credential?

 

Answer:

There are no fees associated with earning a Teacher Credential. Most teachers will find that their local program and Regional GREAT Center will offer more than enough professional development opportunities at no cost.

 

7. How many points are required to obtain a Teacher Credential?

             

Answer:

Teachers must earn a total of 150 points to earn the Teacher Credential. Points are distributed between the Six Core Content Areas. 

 

8.  Can a teacher use professional development activities that were completed prior to enrolling in the Teacher Credential?

 

Answer:

Yes, prior professional development activities may be used. Graduate university coursework may be up to seven years. All other professional development activities may be used for up to five years.

 

9. How much time may teachers take to earn the Teacher Credential?

 

Answer:

·  Full-time teachers may take up to two years to complete the Teacher Credential. 

·  Part-time teachers may take up to four years to complete the Teacher Credential. 

·  However, progress in the credential is self-paced and many teachers complete all requirements in less than one year.

10. What recognition do teachers receive upon completion of the Teacher Credential?

 

Answer:

·  Teachers are recognized publically at the annual Texas Association for Literacy & Adult Education (TALAE) conference and are awarded a certificate of completion signed by the commissioner of education. 

·  Also, subject to the availability of funds, TALAE awards a stipend to teachers who earn the Teacher Credential. Local programs may provide additional recognition at the local level.