Stephen F. Austin State University

Becoming a teacher in East Texas is easier now, thanks to grants and stipends worth $5,000 that are available to college graduates, degreed mid-career professionals and paraprofessionals through the Stephen F. Austin State University CERT-Prep program. SFA has partnered with 25 East Texas school districts to make transition to teaching a reality for qualified candidates.

The intent of the program is to place highly qualified teachers into the classroom while they are fulfilling the academic requirements to obtain a teaching certification, said Marie Davenport, program coordinator.

“This program is an outstanding opportunity for area residents because it offers high quality, accelerated, flexible online course work that can be applied to advanced degrees,” Davenport said. “All the certification courses are online, removing the distance barrier for program participants. A strong support system is also provided to the participants by providing each new teacher a district and university mentor.”

In many instances, CERT-Prep candidates earn while they are learn. Selected candidates are placed into the classroom as the teacher-of-record and earn a first year’s teacher salary. Partner school districts also can nominate qualified candidates for anticipated job vacancies.

To qualify, candidates should be nominated by a participating school district and have a passing score on a basic skills test such as the THEA, SAT or ACT. A minimum of 24 credit hours (12 upper level) with a 2.5 grade point average in a core academic subject such as math, science, Spanish, history, English or the fine arts is required. Paraprofessionals must have a minimum of 66 credit hours to qualify for the program.

Partner school districts include Alba-Golden, Alto, Athens, Big Sandy, Center, Chireno, Colmesneil, Crockett, Elysian Fields, Gilmer, Longview, Lufkin, Jacksonville, Jasper, Joaquin, Malakoff, Marshall, Nacogdoches, Newton, Ore City, Palestine, San Augustine, Tyler, West Sabine and Woodville.

For more information about the CERT-Prep program, contact the participating school district or the SFA CERT-Prep office at (936) 468-1851.