ADMISSION QUESTIONS
Q - What happens if I mail in an incomplete application?
A - The entire packet will be returned to you within 10 working days.
Q - What if I can’t get an official transcript?
A - State board rule requires that all transcripts must be submitted and must be “official” unless the graduating university is in a war-torn country. In this case, the applicant must submit a transcript with evidence of a master’s degree, thus indicating that a bachelor’s degree has been completed.
Q - What should I do if my degree is from a college or university outside the United States?
A - You must have your transcript evaluated and translated through an approved agency. This evaluation must be on file prior to your application being processed
Q - If I do not qualify for my first choice, may I be considered for my other two choices?
A - Yes. Only one interview will be required.
Q - Will I need to take a test for tuberculosis?
A - After an offer of employment has been made, the District shall require a tuberculosis test for all persons selected for positions in the areas of Health Services, Early Childhood Education, and for all immigrants from high-risk countries who have been living in the United States for less than five years. "High-risk countries" are determined by Dallas County Health and Human Services.
Q - Is there any TExES preparation assistance available for applicants?
A - Yes. Applicants, that meet all the qualifications for the program, will be notified via email about available TExES review sessions. These sessions are only available to qualified applicants of the Dallas ISD Alternative Certification Program.
Q - Am I guaranteed a position once I have submitted my application?
A - Only applicants who have been selected for employment are guaranteed a position. The Dallas ISD Human Development determines the number of positions needed for the school year.
Q - Can I attempt two certification areas at the same time?
A – No.
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
Q - Am I guaranteed an interview?
A - No. Only persons who submit completed applications and meet program requirements will be interviewed.
Q - Will I be notified if I am not accepted into the program?
A - No. You will only be notified if an employment offer is made. Those who are not selected to participate in the program will not be notified. All notifications will be made by May 1, 2008. If you have not heard from our office concerning your status by then, we were unable to offer you a position.
Q - If I am not accepted into the program, do I need to reapply to be reconsidered?
A - No. Your application will be kept on file for 18 months. Before you can be reconsidered you will need to complete any deficiencies (if applicable). Then you need to send a letter requesting to be reconsidered and updating your information (if necessary). Please send the letter to the following address:
Alternative Certification Department
Attn: 2007 - 2008 Reactivations
2909 North Buckner Blvd, 4th Floor
Dallas, Texas 75228
After eighteen months of inactivity, your application and supporting documentation will be destroyed.
TRAINING QUESTIONS
Q - Will there be more than one training cycle?
A - Training cycles will be determined based on need.
Q - How is the Academy different from the AC Program?
A - The Academy (evening) mirrors the AC (day) training program. Designed for the working profession seeking to enter the teaching profession, the Academy offers flexible hours at night and select weekends. The Academy also offers training for other certification areas not included in the day program.
Q - Are you allowed any absences during summer training?
A - Absences are highly discouraged during summer training. However, we understand some things are beyond your control. To accommodate those instances, you are allowed a maximum of three (3) absences during the summer training program.
Q - Will all certification areas be offered for each recruitment cycle?
A - Certification areas for the training are based upon vacancies in Dallas ISD.
Q - What happens if I complete the Academy but not selected by a principal?
A - The Dallas ISD hires teachers on an ongoing basis. You retain your eligibility for immediate selection by a principal. Your name remains in a pool of trained applicants.
CERTIFICATION QUESTIONS
Q - Are there any tests that I must take prior to being certified?
A - Yes - a content exam (Math, Science, ESL, ect) and Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities. Additionally, interns in Bilingual, Spanish and French must pass the TOPT.
Q - When will I be fully certified by the State Board of Educator Certification?
A - Interns are usually certified after one school calendar year in the program if they have successfully completed the program requirements and were successful teachers in the classroom. Interns may be recommended to receive an additional year of internship at the discretion of the program.
Q - Will I receive the same certificate that I would receive through a college or university program?
A - Yes. It is the same certification.
Q - Will I be certified if I terminate my employment with Dallas ISD before the certification process is complete?
A - No. No one will be recommended for certification who is not an employee of Dallas ISD.
COST QUESTIONS
Q - How much does it cost to apply?
- $50.00 for the Application Fee (money order/cashier’s check to be included with the application). The application fee is not-refundable.
- Transcript Evaluation Fee for foreign transcripts only – the individual companies determine this cost.
Q - Are any of the above fees refundable if I do not qualify?
A - No. All of the services for these fees are conducted prior to your consideration and/or acceptance into the program.
Q - What is the direct cost of training in the Alternative Teacher Certification Program?
A - $3,000 plus tuition, fees and books; $120.00 for each required state exam; $52.00 for a probationary certificate; $49.00 for fingerprinting.
Q - How and when will I pay for the training ($3,000)?
A - The participant will have two options - lump sum of $3,000, payable by a designated date, or monthly payments through payroll deduction
Q - Is there a cost for the Academy?
A - The Academy has a fee of $500.00 which covers presenters and training materials. The $500.00 training fee will be deducted from the program cost of $3,000.00 if the candidate is selected by a Dallas ISD principal and hired by the school district.
Q - When should I be prepared to pay the Academy training fee?
A - The $500.00 training fee, payable by money order or cashiers’ check, should be paid by the end of the first week of Academy training.
EMPLOYMENT/ASSIGNMENT QUESTIONS
Q - Can I choose my grade, schools, or geographic location?
A - No. Principals recommend teachers and make assignments based on the needs at their schools.
Q - When will I know my school/grade assignments?
Human Development facilitates school assignments and Dallas ISD principals make campus selections. Eligible interns will be invited to Dallas ISD job fairs.
Q - Can I work in another school district while attending the Dallas AC Program?
A - No. The Dallas ISD ACP is a school district teacher preparation program created to meet the needs of the school district.
Q - Does the district require a multiple-year commitment on my part?
A - No. While we hope that participants would return the investment to the school district, there is no long-term obligation.
Q - How much will I make? (link to compensation manual)
A - Each case is different. Please refer to the district’s compensation manual.
Q - Are stipends available for special circumstances?
A - Yes. Please refer to the district’s compensation manual.
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