The Texas A&M University System
Mid- Career STEM Teacher Preparation Program
(MC-SteP2)
`iTEXAS SCHOOLS NEED YOU!
Thank you for your interest in the TAMUS Mid-Career STEM Teacher Preparation Program (MC-STeP2). The primary focus of MC-STeP2 is to recruit mid-career professionals with degrees in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology (STEM) to become teachers in Texas schools to address the ongoing and future shortage of science and mathematics teachers.
What is MC-STeP2?
MC-STeP2 is an initiative offered through TAMUS alternative certification programs specifically for those who already have a Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field and want to become a mathematics or science teacher. Funding for MC-STeP2 comes from the TAMUS, the Texas Regional Collaboratives for Excellence in Science and Mathematics Teaching and the Texas Education Agency. This dynamic partnership allows MC-STEP2 to provide you with the very best teacher preparation available in the state.
Why Choose MC-STeP2 Over Other Programs?
There are numerous alternative certification programs in the state of Texas that you can choose from to become a teacher. Each program is unique and you have to decide which one would be the best for you. So why should you choose MC-STeP2? Here is what you will receive from being a part of the
MC-STEP2 program:
- High quality preparation from one of the 11 universities in The Texas A&M University System
- Tuition reimbursement
- Signing bonus (once hired)
- Online course work
- Entire program is completed in 12 months.
- TExES preparation
- Opportunity to continue and receive your masters degree
- Mentoring during your first 3 years of teaching – both online and face to face
- Sustained, high-quality professional development from the Texas Regional Collaboratives for Excellence in Science and Mathematics Teaching
What are the admission requirements for MC-STeP2?
Each university has specific admission requirements into their alternative certification programs. Please contact the specific university of your choice for more details. In general requirements to be accepted into a program are listed below.
- A Bachelors degree or higher from an accredited university
- GPA requirement (see specific university website)
- Passing scores on the THEA exam
- Passing a Criminal Background Check
How much does the program cost?
Each TAMUS alternative certification program costs vary, however, as a participant in MC-STeP2, the cost to you is minimal. MC-STeP2 provides tuition reimbursement and signing bonuses to each participant. Any leftover costs can be covered in a variety of ways. There are several teacher loan forgiveness programs available through the Department of Education and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Make sure you talk to an advisor about your options.
What do I do to get started?
Below is a list of all of the TAMUS alternative certification programs and directors. Click on the link for the university nearest you to be directed to their specific program. You can also contact each director via email by clicking on their name. If you are not for sure which university to choose, or you have any questions, you can contact Dr. Janice Meyer at janice.meyer@tamu.edu or 979-458-6030.
| A&M System Institutions | Alternative Certification Program | Program Director |
|---|---|---|
| Prairie View A&M University | Prairie View A&M University Alternative Teacher Certification Program |
Dr. Lucian Yates, III |
| Tarleton State University | Tarleton Model for Accelerated Teacher Education (TMATE) | Dr. Steve Harris |
| Texas A&M International University | TAMIU Alternative Certification Program | Elizabeth Greninger |
| Texas A&M University | Texas A&M University Accelerate Online Certification Program | Lynn Beason |
| Texas A&M-Commerce | Alternative Certification (AC) Program | Donna Tavener |
| Texas A&M-Corpus Christi | Master's and Certification (MAC) Program | Dr. Linda Kelly |
| Texas A&M-Kingsville | Alternative Certification Program (ACP) | Dr. Mike Desiderio |
| Texas A&M-Texarkana | Alternative Teacher Certification Program | Maya Edwards |
| West Texas A&M | Panhandle Alternative Certification for Educators (PACE) | Susan Dennis, M.Ed. |
| Texas A&M University- San Antonio | Graduate Alternative Certification Program | Dr. Jo Ann P. Gonzalez |
| Texas A&M University- Central Texas | Dorleen Horton |
Updated 7/16/09
