Created as a state normal college, the primary purpose of Sul Ross State University originally was preparing teachers for the public schools of west Texas. While the university now serves a wider purpose, the Department of Education actively seeks to prepare students for service in the educational world of the 21st century and offers a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies in Alpine.
The continuing mission of the Department of Education is to prepare students to be
- Successful educational leaders;
- Practicing scholars; and
- Lifelong learners.
Students interested in becoming a certified teacher in Texas public schools should contact the Department of Education early in their SRSU career. While most coursework is taken in various departments of the University, it is crucial that the appropriate courses be chosen, sequenced, and completed so students may transition to the Teacher Education Program with minimal disruption. Each teaching area has requirements for certification that must be met.
Students apply for admission to the Teacher Education Program in the middle of the junior year when you have 75 or more semester credit hours of approved college coursework.
Specific information regarding Teacher Education requirements may be found in the current University catalog.
Elementary School (EC-6): Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies emphasizing preparation for the early childhood and elementary grades.
Early Childhood-Grade 6: Core Subjects
Middle School (4-8): Degrees in Interdisciplinary Studies specializing in one of the core academic areas
Grades 4-8: English/Language Arts/Reading
Grades 4-8: Mathematics
Grades 4-8: Science
Grades 4-8: Social Studies
Secondary Grades (6/7-12): Degrees in a specific content field. Consult an advisor in the subject area chosen for study.
Grades 6-12: Agriculture, Food & Nat. Resources
Grades 7-12: English/Language Arts/Reading
Grades 7-12: History
Grades 7-12: Mathematics
Grades 7-12: Life Science
Grades 6-12: Physical Science
Grades 7-12: Science Composite
Grades 7-12: Social Studies
Grades 7-12: Speech
All Level (EC-12): Degrees in Content Fields. Consult an adviser in the subject area chosen for study.
Art
Language Other Than English: Spanish
Music
Physical Education
Theatre
Approval for Student Teaching
- Must be fully admitted to the Teacher Education Program.
- Must have submitted an Application to Student Teach by posted deadline.
- Must have completed 90 semester hours or more toward degree.
- Must have an overall grade point average of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.
- Must have passed TExES Content exam.
- Must demonstrate sound physical health, sound mental health, and acceptable moral character. The Teacher Education Council may request a student to take a physical examination and/or psychological tests or inventories. Shall be of good moral character and emotionally suited for working with children.
- State requirements include a criminal background inquiry before placement in public schools.
- Must have completed 12 semester hours of professional education with a minimum grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, with no grade lower than a C. Must be approved to student teach by the Coordinator of Field Experience.
Teacher Certification through the Post
Baccalaureate Initial Certification (PBICP)
This program is designed for individuals who have a degree and wish to become certified teachers in Texas. The SRSU Post Baccalaureate Initial Certification Program was approved as an alternative route to teacher certification by the State Board for Educator Certification in the spring of 2003 and meets the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) requirements of “highly qualified teacher.”
Candidates who possess a four-year baccalaureate degree from an accredited college/university with a major (or at least 24 semester credit hours/12 upper division semester credit hours; if seeking math or science 7-12 certification, 15 math and science upper division semester credit hours required may apply for the SRSU alternative Post Baccalaureate Initial Certification Program. The SRSU Post Baccalaureate Initial Certification Program may be amended at any time to meet the needs of the program as necessary or to comply with local, state or federal guidelines/laws.
| Dr. Barbara Tucker Dean, Education & Professional Studies Interim Chair, Education Department 432.837.8713 btucker@sulross.edu |
Diana Rodriguez Director of Teacher Education 432.837.8433 drodriguez5@sulross.edu |
Matthew G. Marsh Assistant Director of Teacher Education 432.837.8199 mmarsh@sulross.edu |
Norma Cisneros Education & Professional Studies Administrative Coordinator 432.837.8134 norma.l.cisneros@sulross.edu |
| Madison Owen Department of Education Administrative Assistant 432.837.8170 madison.owen@sulross.edu |
