Step 1
Enter the program
Meet the admission criteria and apply at the appropriate point in your coursework.
At a glance
Teacher certification pathway
Complete each stage with guidance from the Department of Curriculum and Instruction.
Step 2
Build experience
Complete classroom-based field experiences and required district checks.
Step 3
Teach in the field
Apply for and complete clinical teaching or an approved internship.
Step 4
Complete certification
Pass required exams and complete the TEA certification application process.
1
Admission milestone
Admission to the Teacher Education Program
Students must meet both McMurry University and the State Board for Educator Certification requirements. Plan early and complete the following steps in consultation with your faculty advisor.
Demonstrate basic skills in reading, written communication, and mathematics.
Apply for admission to the program at the conclusion of CURR 3300.
File a degree plan with the appropriate major and minor in the Registrar’s Office no later than the sophomore year.
Review the current admission criteria and procedure in the University Catalog.
2
Classroom preparation
Field Experiences and Criminal History Checks
Classroom experience
Many Curriculum and Instruction courses include embedded field experiences in local schools. Required hours vary by course and give students meaningful opportunities to connect coursework with classroom practice.
Required checks
School district criminal history checks are required before clinical teaching and field-based experiences. Texas also requires fingerprinting and a national criminal history background check before educator certification.
Questions about eligibility?
A person enrolled in or considering an educator preparation program, or planning to take an initial certification exam, may be eligible to request a Preliminary Criminal History Evaluation from TEA.
3
Professional practice
Admission to Clinical Teaching or Teaching Internship
Clinical teaching is the culminating classroom experience in the educator preparation program. Students should begin planning well before the semester in which they expect to teach.
Apply in advance
Submit the written application at least one semester before the anticipated clinical teaching semester.
Attend orientation
An orientation is held each semester. Contact the department early to confirm the meeting date, time, and location.
Confirm eligibility
Review the current catalog criteria and verify that all required coursework, exams, and program conditions have been met.
View clinical teaching criteria
Late fall applications: In extreme circumstances, applications may be accepted as late as July 1; placement is not guaranteed.
4
Final requirements
Exams and Certification Application
Complete your certification exams
Students must complete all certification exams required by the State of Texas for their certification area.
Current McMurry guidance states that candidates must wait 30 days before retaking an exam and may attempt each certification exam no more than five times. Confirm current rules with your advisor before scheduling.
Apply for your certificate
Complete your certification application through TEA before graduation. McMurry cannot recommend you for a standard certificate until the application is complete. TEA’s Educator Certification Online System is accessed through a TEAL account.
Program Information
Reports, Policies, and State Resources
Find educator preparation outcomes, licensure information, military guidance, complaint procedures, and official state resources.
Reports, Licensure, and Military Waivers
Review program data, professional licensure disclosures, and military service guidance.
Educator Preparation Complaint Policy
Learn how to resolve a concern or submit a formal complaint related to the program.
Texas Education Agency
Access official Texas educator certification information, systems, and state resources.
Need help planning your next step?
Contact the Department of Curriculum and Instruction or meet with your faculty advisor for guidance specific to your certification pathway.