Frequently Asked Questions

How is the teachHOUSTON Program different from traditional teacher preparation programs?

• You will gain hands-on teaching experience as early as your first semester.
• You will learn how to teach from some of the finest Master Teachers in Houston.
• You will develop your own teaching portfolio throughout the program.
• The University will reimburse YOUR tuition for the first two field-based STEP courses.

What are the benefits of the teachHOUSTON Program?

• You will discover early on whether you want to pursue a career in teaching
• You will deepen your understanding of science and math concepts as you teach.
• You will meet other students who share a common interest in teaching.

What criteria will be used to select the participants for the teachHOUSTON Program?

Each semester we will enroll 25 new students who have excellent academic records and who demonstrate the potential and motivation to become outstanding teachers. Students who wish to join teachHOUSTON must also meet a minimum GPA requirement of 2.5.

How many professional development hours will I carry each semester?

There are 18 hours of professional development coursework. You will enroll in a one-hour field-based course during your first two semesters in the program. The remaining three-hour courses can be taken one semester at a time. Student teaching will occur during the final semester of your senior year.

What type of certification will I have when I complete the program?

teachHOUSTON will prepare you for certification in Grades 4-8 or 8-12 mathematics, composite science, life science, physical science, or computer science.

How much time will I actually spend in classrooms?

You will begin teaching students your first semester in the program. By the time you reach your student teaching semester, you will have taught as many as 15-20 lessons at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.

Can I join the teachHOUSTON Program if I am a junior or senior?

Juniors and seniors are not eligible for the TeachHOUSTON Program. Currently only Freshmen and Sophomore students who are majoring in a field that has a mathematics, science, or computer science concentration are eligible.

teachHOUSTON Professional Development and Supporting Courses:

CUIN 1101 (Step 1)

CUIN 1102 (Step 2)

Knowing and Learning in Math and Science

Classroom Interactions

Research Methods

Project Based Instruction

Student Teaching in middle and secondary schools

Student Teaching Seminar

teachHOUSTON Course Prerequisites

In order to take CUIN 1102 (Step 2), you must earn a grade of C or better in CUIN 1101 (Step1).

 

In order to take Classroom Interaction, you must earn a grade of C or better in CUIN 1102 (Step 2) and in Knowing and Learning in Math and Science.

 

In order to take Project Based Instruction, you must earn a C or better in Classroom Interactions. Additionally, you must turn in and earn a passing score on the preliminary portfolio before you can enroll in Project Based Instruction.

 

In order to enroll in Student Teaching, you must have completed Project Based Instruction with a C or better and have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.