Statistics provided by the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) show that Lone Star College-Kingwood is one of the largest programs of its kind in the State. In 2006, the Lone Star College-Kingwood Teacher Certification Program (TCP) was the largest community college teacher certification program in Texas and it ranked twenty-ninth (29th) out of 141 Texas University and college programs based on the number of standard certifications granted.
Fifty-two percent of all certified teachers in the State of Texas received their certification through an alternative program. Lone Star College-Kingwood began the District’s first Teacher Certification Program in 2002 through a $25,000 grant from SBEC to fund technology applications for grades 8-12. Since that initial seed funding, Lone Star College-Kingwood has actively collaborated with each of its sister colleges to replicate the Program throughout the District.
Lone Star College-Kingwood’s goal is to train qualified individuals to become outstanding teachers. In the last 5 1/2 years, Lone Star College-Kingwood has provided standard certification to 1,139 teachers.
Lone Star College-Kingwood TCP enjoys working relationships with 46 school districts in the Texas Gulf coast area. While they continue to maintain the program’s focus on excellent customer service and high quality outcomes, their tuition remains the least expensive of all alternative certification programs in our geographic region.
Lone Star College-Kingwood offers students have two ways to become certified to teach. All students must take Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities and 20 hours of observation. Additionally, all students must complete Internship I, Internship II and two seminars per semester or 12 weeks of student teaching.
An internship provides teachers with hands-on experience related to every aspect of the teaching profession. Interns are actually working teachers, receiving a salary. The internship will consist of observations in individual, small group and whole-class instruction as well as support through an internet-based course management system called Vista. Throughout the internship experience, the candidate will become a confident and effective practitioner. Internships last one school year.
Student teaching is designed to emphasize the achievement of state specific standards leading to a Texas Standard Certification. The course provides students with an exciting preparation training and field-based experience at the appropriate grade and content level. Student teachers work with a mentor teacher at a K-12 school and with a Lone Star College-Kingwood or participating college supervisor.
Amber Allison stated “This class and program have been amazing! I feel more confident in my abilities.”
Samantha Morgenroth shared similar experiences, “Great teachers to teach the soon to be teachers!”
The fall application deadline is April 20, 2007. Those who are interested in learning more should visit the TCP website at kingwood.lonestar.edu/goto/ce and click Teacher Certification. An information session will be held at 6:00 pm on March 6 in the Student Fine Arts Building. Lone Star College-Kingwood offers certifications in 55 different areas. To see a complete list of the certifications offered and to find out state requirements for becoming a teacher, please visit www.sbec.state.tx.u.
Lone Star College-Kingwood’s continuing education provides affordable, quality education opportunities for the life-long learner. For more information call 281-312-1716 or online at kingwood.lonestar.edu/goto/ce.
For general information about Lone Star College-Kingwood, call 281-312-1613 or visit our Web site at kingwood.lonestar.edu. For information on credit courses call 281-312-1613 and for Continuing Education call 281-312-1660.
The Lone Star College System is among the largest and fastest growing community college districts in Texas. It comprises Lone Star College-North Harris, Lone Star College-Kingwood, Lone Star College–Tomball, Lone Star College–Montgomery, Lone Star College–CyFair, six satellite centers and The University Center. For more information about Lone Star College System and its programs, visit www.lonestar.edu or call 832-813-6500.