School Counselor

Alternative Certification Program
Houston Independent School District

The application submission process is closed.

All applications received on or before the deadline will be processed.
Please check back January 2013.

Please direct all questions and concerns to acp@houstonisd.org.

Program Overview

  • Two-year program
  • Monthly night sessions concentrating on counseling issues and counseling techniques.
  • 12 hours of graduate level coursework (one night a week).
  • 200 hours of Field-based Practicum
  • Portfolio case studies
  • Observations by ACP Certification Trainer and HISD Guidance and Counseling Department


Timeline

  • January 31, 2011-Application deadline
  • February, 2011-Interviews
  • March, 2011-Acceptance/Denial letter mailed
  • April, 2011-Orientation
  • May, 2011-Pre-service training

Eligibility Requirements

  • Valid Teacher Certificate
  • Masters Degree
  • 2 years teaching experience at proficient of exceeds expectation level documented by PDAS or a comparable teacher evaluation system in each year of teaching
  • Overall 2.5 grade point average
  • Demonstrate oral skills through a successful interview
  • Demonstrate written skills through successful response to essay questions
  • Three letters of recommendation, one must be from the candidate’s current supervisor or principal
  • Provide official transcripts conferring all degrees (must be in a sealed envelope)


* Meeting eligibility requirements does not guarantee an interview or acceptance to the HISD/ACP Counselor Cohort. At any time, program requirements may be changed by state law/rule, the State Board of Educator Certification or program.

Program Cost*

* Subject to change

  • Application fee $75.00
  • Probationary certificate $52.00
  • Program Fee (paid over 2 years) $5,000.00
  • Books and materials (approx.) $500.00
  • TExES fee $120.00
  • School Counselor Certificate $77.00