Dallas ISD Alternative Certification Program

Join Dallas ISD’s Alternative Certification Program and become a certified educator, AT NO COST TO  YOU 

Dallas ISD Alternative Certification Program seeks to help candidates that are passionate about the success of students. We provide a substantial amount of support to assist you along the process.

Dallas ISD is looking for degreed professionals interested in transitioning into teaching for critical areas of need:

• Core Subjects EC–6 with Science of Teaching Reading/ESL
• Core Subjects EC-6 with Science of Teaching Reading/SPED (Self-Contained)
• Core Subjects EC-6 with Science of Teaching Reading/Bilingual
• Special Education EC–12 (Inclusion)
• Math 7–12
• English Language Arts and Reading 7–12/ESL
• Language Other Than (LOTE): Spanish EC-12 (limited availability)

Phase I: Content Examination Preparation & Virtual Video-Based Classroom Observations

February 25, 2025 – May 23, 2025

• Face to Face test prep sessions
• Upon official offer of admission and acceptance, candidates shall participate in all program orientations
• Participate in all standards-based, candidate-focused, performance-based, interactive, rigorous, assessed activities
• Adhere to all requirements outlined in the Dallas ISD Alternative Certification Candidate Guidebook
• Complete all performance benchmarks outlined in the video-based classroom observations syllabus
• Pass state examinations aligned to certification pathways
• Submit for review and approval of in-person and virtual-based video observations reflections for the potential award of 50 observation hours
• Adhere to requirements outlined in the program offer letter, guidebook, and syllabus
• Adhere to the Educator’s Code of Ethics

Phase II: Pre-Service Training

June 10, 2025 - July 11, 2025 

• Face to Face preparation
• Participate in all standards-based, candidate-focused, performance-based, interactive, rigorous, assessed activities
• Completion of all performance benchmarks outlined in training
• Adhere to the Educator’s Code of Ethics
• TExES Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR) EC-12 test preparation
• Pass the state Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR) EC-12 examination prior to internship
• Training focuses on innovative approaches to teaching (in-person & virtual instruction)
• Interview preparation and guidance
• Adhere to all requirements outlined in the pre-service training syllabus
• Adhere to requirements outlined in the program’s candidate guidebook
• Completion of the Dallas ISD fingerprinting and background check requirements
• Secure a teacher assignment in Dallas ISD for the one-year internship once released by the program

Phase III: Classroom Internship

 August 2025- May/June 2026

• Participate in all candidate in-service training aligned to standards-based, candidate-focused, performance-based, interactive, rigorous, assessed activities
• Adhere to requirements outlined in the program’s candidate guidebook
• Adhere to all District and campus policies and requirements
• Interact regularly and positively with assigned field experiences facilitator and program manager
• Participate in all coaching and feedback sessions aligned with the Dallas ISD Teacher Excellence Initiative (TEI) rubric
• Receive a favorable recommendation by the campus principal and program for state standard certification
• Develop and implement lesson plans that fulfill the requirements of the district's curriculum program and show written evidence of preparation as required
• Prepare lessons that reflect accommodations for differences in student learning styles
• Present subject matter according to guidelines established by Texas Education Agency, Board of Trustee policies, and administrative regulations
• Establish efficient classroom management procedures
• Establish and maintain standards of pupil behavior
• Establish a system of student evaluation within the guidelines prescribed in state law or adopted by the school district
• Continually evaluate and record various aspects of students’ progress and report to parents as needed and required
• Teach within the course of study for the subject area at the grade level as prescribed in state law or adopted by the school district
• Understand and plan lessons leading to subject area objectives and assume the responsibility for written lesson plans for substitutes
• Provide a variety of planned learning experiences using a variety of media and methods to motivate students and best utilize the available time for instruction
• Identify pupil needs and cooperate with other professional staff members in assessing and helping students resolve health, attitude, and learning problems
• Be available for counseling with students and parents before and after school
• Share the responsibility of interpreting the educational programs to the community through such activities as open houses and PTA meetings
• Participate cooperatively with the principal to develop the system by which he/she will be evaluated in conformance with the district’s uniform guidelines for evaluation and assessment
• Keep accurate records of student information; compile, maintain and file all reports, records, and other documents required by the school and district
• Performs all other tasks and duties as assigned
• Regular and punctual attendance at the worksite is required for this position

To learn more about Dallas ISD Alternative Certification, please visit: https://www.dallasisd.org/acp