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Frequently Asked Questions

You have two resources:
Dr. Katherine Meraz Center for Student Success
Secondary Education College of Education
College of Science EDU 412
Carl Hertzog Building www.utep.edu/education/css/ 
kameraz@utep.edu 

Traditionally, the word secondary refers to middle and high school and primary means elementary school.  However, students majoring in the College of Science will receive certifications for grades 7-12.

Your College of Science Secondary Education advisor will help you with the following steps:
  • Declare a Major in the College of Science with a Minor in Secondary Education.
  • Be admitted to the Educator Preparation Program
  • Pass four exams
    • Two Practice (Qualifying) exams
      • Content (eg. Math 7-12 or Science 7-12 or Physics/Math 7-12)
      • PPR EC-12 (Pedagogy & Professional Responsibilities)
    • Two TExES Certification exams
      • Content (eg. Math 7-12, Physics/Math 7-12 or Science 7-12)
      • PPR EC-12 (Pedagogy & Professional Responsibilities)
  • Complete a semester of Student Teaching
  • Receive your degree from UTEP with a major in the College of Science and a Minor in Secondary Education
  • Pass a background check (requires a social security number) & apply to the Texas Educator Agency for certification

There are three courses in your minor which are restricted to students who have been admitted to the Educator Preparation Program.  They are BED 4317 (replaces SCED 3317), EDPC 3300 and SCED 4691.  See your Secondary Education advisor for more information.

Passing TSI or THEA test scores are no longer required. The current EPP admission requirement is a completed core curriculum.

You must meet certain requirements to apply:

Start the process in your sophomore year. Go to https://www.utep.edu/science/teach-math-science/Program/timeline-to-teach.html for a sample timeline and schedule.

The CORE advisors for College of Science students with a Minor in Secondary Education are:

CORE-Advisors-Fall-2023.png

The appointment scheduler at  https://www.utep.edu/science/core/

The Qualifying exams were created to help UTEP students better prepare for the State Certification exams.  Currently, we are using 240tutoring.com for the Qualifying or Practice exam.  Contact kameraz@utep.edu for more information

You will take 4 certification exams to become a teacher:
  1. Content Practice Exam
  2. TExES Content Certification Exam
  3. PPR Practice Exam
  4. TExES PPR Qualifying Exam

There are tons of preparation resources on-line. You may also find it helpful to review high school textbooks, released STAAR, AP or SAT test questions. You can check out study materials from the College of Education, Library Circulation Desk or Dr. Katherine Meraz in Carl Hertzog 101.  You can also attend the TExES Boot Camp in Maymester for an intensive, two week long test preparation for Math 7-12 or Science 7-12 exams.  See Dr. Katherine Meraz for more information.

NO!  A student must not only have a passion for teaching, but also must be committed to this career path.  The application process and testing requirements cost time and money as your work towards your degree.

We recommend you take your content first.

No, you must finish all other courses before student teaching.

Life Science only allows you to teach Biology.  Science allows you to teach most sciences.  This is the more marketable certification because you are able to teach any science.

The estimated cost to become a certified Texas teacher:
2 TExES exams  $237
Background check    $50
Certification fee   $77
Estimated total cost   $364
 

Yes.  FEMaS (Future Educators of Math and Science) meets twice a month.  Join them to learn from speakers on topics related to math and science education, meet other future teachers, give back to the community through service, and eat snacks!  For more information look for FEMaS on MineTracker.

No! Nationwide, there is a huge demand for Secondary Math and Science Teachers.

Volunteer, Tutor, work at summer camps.  Show your future employers that you are truly dedicated to improving children's lives.  UTEP has an Upward Bound program, a Community-Based Teaching and Learning program, and several other children focused organizations that you could get involved with.  Also, you can get involved with student organizations that focus on education.   Begin building your resume now.

Connect With Us

The University of Texas at El Paso
COS Secondary Education Program Katherine Meraz, Director
Carl Hertzog Building
500 W University
El Paso, Texas 79902

E: kameraz@utep.edu
P: (915) 747-8469