Teach for America Educator Preparation

A Robust Partnership

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SMU Simmons is pleased to be an educator preparation provider for Teach for America in regions Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio. TFA Corps Members who enter the Southern Methodist University Teacher Preparation Program enjoy a robust and supportive preparation experience as they learn the craft of teaching while serving in districts across Texas. 

Admission to the SMU-TFA Alternative Certification Program

For entrance to the SMU Alternative Certification Program (ACP), applicants must first apply to Teach for America (TFA). Once accepted into TFA, eligible corps members will be instructed to complete the appropriate SMU ACP application.

Requirements for Admission:

  • Bachelor’s degree with an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher. Please note that applicants whose GPA falls below 3.0 must request an exemption to this requirement by attaching a letter explaining why an exception should be made (such as long-term experience, expertise in a related specialized field, or the Graduate Record Examination score).
  • Official higher education transcripts from all institutions attended. Transcripts from countries outside the United States must be accompanied by an official transcript evaluation from a recognized SMU evaluation agency. You may find a list of those agencies here.
  • Meet applicable higher education coursework with grades of C or better within the subject area and grade-levels pursuing to teach.
  • Complete Teacher Preparation Program application, including five short answer interview questions.
  • Essay.
  • Resume.

All candidates pursuing a recommendation for teacher certification must undergo a criminal history background check prior to employment as an educator. If a candidate has any reservations about their criminal background check, a preliminary evaluation can be obtained before applying to the SMU Teacher Preparation Program. For further information, go to the Texas Education Agency sites, Preliminary Criminal History Evaluation and National Criminal History Checks.

Requirements for Program Completion

  • Complete TFA summer training, professional development, and field-based experience equivalent to six SMU credit hours.
  • Preparedness to pass TExES tests required for Intern Certificate and Standard Educator Certificate.
  • Pass 12 credit hours of SMU coursework with a minimum grade of B for each course.
  • Successful year of Internship as teacher of record in a classroom.
  • Review and download the current Timeline and Requirements form.
  • Additional information about certification can be found at Texas Education Agency.

Visit the SMU Teacher Preparation Program webpage for Resources and for Policies and Governance information.

Well-Positioned for a Master of Education Degree

By the end of internship, TFA corps members will have earned nearly half the requirements of a Master of Education degree at Southern Methodist University. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to extend your learning and practice by earning a Master of Education degree.

After completing the Teacher Preparation Program at SMU, TFA corps members will have earned 18 hours of graduate school credit that can apply toward a Master of Education degree. Corps members may begin the program as early as the summer after their first year of teaching. Some degree programs can be completed within one year!

Visit M.Ed. Graduate Programs to learn more about the various specialization opportunities within the Department of Teaching and Learning.

How can I learn more and apply?

The Director of Graduate Studies is available to answer any questions you may have about the Master of Education program. A special application has been created for first year TFA Corps Members. Contact Dr. Quentin Sedlacek (qsedlacek@smu.edu) to request access to the application.

Applicants are encouraged to submit applications by March 1 for acceptance for summer term. All those accepted must meet with the adviser prior to course enrollment.