Frequently Asked Questions
Does Region 5 place teacher interns with school districts?
After acceptance into the Region 5 TCP, each applicant is responsible for securing his/her own employment in Regions 5 public school districts, charter schools or Texas Education Agency accredited private schools. Teacher intern employment information is shared with all Region 5 school districts. With program approval, teacher interns may pursue employment outside of Regions 5. The internship fee is $3,625 for employment in districts outside of Regions 5 to defray staff travel expense.
A list of these school districts is available at the Region 5 ESC website, http//www.esc5.net.
During the teacher internship, am I paid a salary?
Yes, once accepted into the TCP, and hired by a school district, teacher interns are paid a first-year teacher's salary less the balance of the program fee. As with any employment, it is the employee's responsibility to inquire with the employing school district as to salary and benefits. Teacher interns are considered a classroom teacher and an employee of the school district. As such, teacher interns are subject to all rules and responsibilities as outlined in local school board policy. Once teacher interns earn their certification, the teacher internship year counts as the first year of service.
When will I begin receiving my salary?
Teachers, in general, are paid on a monthly basis on the last working day of the month. First-year teachers typically receive their first paycheck at the end of September even though they may have begun working in August. Teacher interns should be prepared for a lean first month.
What kind of salary can I expect to earn?
All school districts pay a minimum state base salary; many districts pay above state base. Please check with individual districts about their respective salary scales and benefit packages.
How do I make application to the Region 5 Teacher Certification Program?
The Region 5 TCP uses an on-line application process. You must have an e-mail address, and credit card or a bank routing number to submit an application. The application process can be initiated from the main page of the TCP web site (http//www.esc5.net) or you may call the TCP office at 409.923.5435 or 409.923.5432 to request a paper application be mailed to you.
Is there an application deadline?
Yes, the on-line application must be completed by the application deadline published for that particular cohort recruitment period. Application fees, official transcripts, TOEFL, THEA (TASP) scores, and professional recommendations must be received in the TCP office as soon as possible after applying to the program.
What if I attended more than one college, but all courses, hours, and grades appear on the transcript of the college where I earned my degree?
We require receipt of all official transcripts from each college or university you attended. Faxed transcripts are not acceptable.
What do I do if my transcripts are from a foreign country?
All foreign transcripts must have official U.S. translations showing degree and grade equivalency. Contact Foreign Credentials Service of America at 512.459.8428 about foreign transcript evaluations. In addition, candidates must complete the THEA (TASP).
Once I complete the application process and meet the academic requirements, am I automatically enrolled in the program?
Submitting an application begins the process of admission to the TCP. Applications and transcripts will be reviewed for eligibility. Additional requirements include:
- A face-to-face interview
- Nelson Denny Reading Test
- Woodcock-Munoz Language Proficiency Test: Spanish
- A review of all program application information
- Notification letter of acceptance/non-acceptance into the TCP program.
- All candidate information is reviewed and selections are made based on program capacity and strength of the candidate in relation to other applicants.
When are reference forms due?
All three reference forms are due as soon as possible or by the specified application deadline.
What is the purpose of the criminal record release?
You’re signing and submitting the Criminal Record Release allows Region 5 ESC to run a criminal record search. Applicants who have a criminal record will be contacted individually by the TCP staff. Criminal records must be reported by the executive director to the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) as per Texas Education Code (TEC) 22.083 and Texas Administrative Code (TAC) 249.14. Region 5 ESC reserves the right to refuse entry to the program based on information reported by the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Will the program require much of a time commitment?
Yes, the Teacher Certification Program is an intense, high quality program. Teacher interns will be expected to attend all training sessions. The program is designed only for highly committed candidates who are able to excel in an intense, fast-paced instruction environment.
