Career and Technical Education Certification
This page contains information about obtaining teacher certification. The University of North Texas assists future teachers completing certification requirements; however, the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) makes the final decision on all teacher certification in the State of Texas. In most cases this decision is made after you have completed a minimum one-year teaching internship. Please do not consider this website as "the official word." Again, The University of North Texas (and all other Texas institutions) only makes a recommendation for certification to the SBEC; the SBEC makes the final decision on all teacher certification in the State of Texas.
The following four steps are a guideline in your application for teacher certification. For more detailed information please choose your area of certification from the menu on the left.
Step 1 - Career Development Plan
A Career Development Plan lists the required courses and activities you must complete before UNT will recommend you to the SBEC for certification.
A Career Development Plan is needed for a teacher to be hired by a school district in order to teach. You do not have to complete the requirements for certification before you can be hired; however, an official Career Development Plan must be on file with the school district before you can begin teaching. Please note that all new Career and Technical Education teachers are hired in this manner.
The following is needed before a Career Development Plan can be processed:
- Official transcripts of all colleges/universities ever attended
- $25 money order payable to the University of North Texas (non-refundable) indicating your name and social security number
- Photocopies of any relevant certifications or licenses
- Statement of Qualification (SOQ) form with original signature. A copy of the signed form may not be submitted. Please identify your certification program area on the front page.
When you have completed the above packet, mail it to Rebecca How:
University of North TexasRebecca How
Program of Applied Technology, Training & Development
3940 N. Elm, G150
Denton, Texas 76207
(940)565-2057 program office
Email: SOQ@lt.unt.edu
Incomplete submissions will be returned in their entirety to be completed.
What happens once the application has been received?
First, the applicant's work experience and coursework will be evaluated. An unofficial Career Development Certification Plan Worksheet will be completed and sent to the Student Advising Office. During periods of high demand, this may take 1-3 weeks.
Second, the Student Advising Office verifies the application and processes an Official Career Development Plan. The official career development plan is mailed directly to the applicant once the process is complete. The Official Career Development Plan will be completed approximately 6-8 weeks from the time that all necessary paperwork is received. During periods of high demand, it may take longer.
If you have a question about when the application will be completed, please contact Amy Tannehill at:
University of North TexasAmy Tannehill
College of Education Student Advising Office
Matthews Hall 105
P.O. Box 311337
Denton, Texas 76203-1337
(940)565-4947
E-mail: Amy.Tannehill@unt.edu
Step 2 - Complete Career Development Plan Requirements
For details pertaining to your program please choose your area of certification:
Step 3 - Applying for Certification
Upon your completion of all the requirements listed on your Career Development Plan (see Step 2) you are eligible to apply for your teaching certificate.
You will contact the Student Advising Office and supply the documents necessary to demonstrate completion of your Career Development Plan requirements. Please remember that you are responsible for keeping track of certification activities, classes and required paperwork.
University of North TexasJill Denniston
College of Education Student Advising Office
Matthews Hall 105
P.O. Box 311337
Denton, Texas 76203-1337
(940)565-2740
E-mail: Jill.Denniston@unt.edu
The Student Advising Office will verify your completion of the necessary requirements for you certification application. They will then forward a "Recommendation for Certification" to The State Board for Educator Certification for their approval.
The State Board for Educator Certification will review the Certification Officer's recommendation and make the final decision on issuing your certification. This is a five year renewable certificate.
Step 4 - Continuing Professional Development
Continue to Learn! It is an expectation that every teacher in that State of Texas continue to improve their knowledge, skills and attitude throughout their life. The program of Applied Technology, Training and Development (ATTD) will continue to assist teachers in this endeavor as it has during the past three decades. This program offers Career and Technical certification in Health Science Education, Marketing Education, and Trade & Industrial Education.
Even More Information
- Texas Education Agency (TEA) / Career and Technical Education Marketing Education