Frequently
Asked Questions How
much does it cost to apply?
- $50.00 for the Application Fee (money order/cashier’s check
to be included with the application)
- Transcript Evaluation Fee for foreign transcripts only –
the individual companies determine this cost.
What
happens if I mail in an incomplete application?
The entire packet will be returned to you within 10 working days.
What should I do if my degree is from a college or
university outside the United States?
You must have your transcript evaluated and translated through an approved agency. This evaluation
must be on file prior to your application being processed.
What
if I can’t get an official transcript?
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.
If I
do not qualify for my first choice, may I be considered for my
other two choices?
Yes. Only one interview will be required.
Am I
guaranteed an interview?
No. Only persons who submit completed applications and meet program
requirements will be interviewed.
Am
I guaranteed a position once I have submitted my application?
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.
Is
there any TExES preparation assistance available for applicants?
Yes. After it is determined that applicants meet all the
qualifications for the program, they will be notified via mail about
available TExES review sessions. These sessions are only
available to qualified applicants of the Dallas ISD Alternative
Certification Program.
If I
successfully pass the TExES content exam, am I guaranteed employment?
No. Passing the TExES content exam does not guarantee
employment! It only makes you highly qualified for an
elementary teaching position. Employment is based on the needs
of the district.
Are
any of the above fees refundable if I do not qualify?
No. All of the services for these fees are conducted prior to your
consideration and/or acceptance into the program.
Will
all certification areas be offered for each recruitment cycle?
Certification areas for the training are based upon vacancies in
Dallas ISD.
Will I
be notified if I am not accepted into the program?
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.
If I am not accepted into the program,
do I need to reapply to be reconsidered?
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.
Will
there be more than one training cycle?
Training cycles will be determined based on need.
What
is the direct cost of training in the Alternative Teacher Certification
Program?
$3,000 plus tuition, fees and books; $82.00 for
each required state exam; $52.00 for
a probationary certificate; $49.00 for
fingerprinting.
How
and when will I pay for the training ($3,000)?
The participant will have two options - lump sum of $3,000, payable by a designated date,
or monthly payments through payroll deduction
Is there a cost for the Academy?
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.
Are
there any additional costs?
Yes. The state exam costs are $82.00 per test.
Are you allowed any absences during summer
training?
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.
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.
Will
I have a choice of grade, schools, or geographic location?
No. Principals recommend teachers and make assignments based on the needs at their schools.
Is there a stipend
for bilingual teachers?
Yes. Teachers assigned to bilingual classrooms receive a $3,500 stipend annually, as designated
and approved by the Board of Education.
Is there
a stipend for science, math, Spanish and special education teachers?
Yes. Science and math secondary teachers receive a $2,500 stipend; special
education and Spanish teachers receive $500 stipend annually, as
designated and approved by the Board of Education. Special
Education teachers with Spanish skills and who pass the state
proficiency exam may qualify for a $3,500 special education stipend.
Are
there any tests that I must take prior to being certified?
Yes - a content exam (Math, Science, ESL, ect) and
Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities. Additionally, interns in Bilingual, Spanish and French must pass the TOPT.
When
will I be fully certified by the State Board of Educator Certification?
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.
Will
this certification be identical to the one I could receive through
a traditional teacher preparation program at an accredited college
or university?
Yes. It is the same certification.
Will
I need to take a test for tuberculosis?
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.
Will
I be certified if I terminate my employment with Dallas ISD before the
certification process is complete?
No. No one will be recommended for certification who is not an
employee of Dallas ISD.
For other questions, contact the Alternative
Teacher Certification Program Office at
(972) 925- 6700 |