Program Requirements

To enter the program and enroll in UTL 101 (Introduction to the Teaching Profession):

• Overall UT GPA of 2.5 or above
• Attend mandatory UTeach-LA New Student Orientation*

To enroll in UTL 202 (Introduction to Teaching in the Middle School):

• Overall UT GPA of 2.6 or above,
• Competence in major or certification area, and
• Grade of at least B in UTL 101
• Prepare to purchase your laptop per the Laptop Initiative for Future Educators (LIFE)**

To enroll in UTL 303 (Teaching in the High School) and EDC 370S (Advanced Methods):

• Overall UT GPA of 2.75 or above,
• GPA of 3.00 in your certification area,
• Grade of at least B in UTL 202, and
• Successful admission into the Professional Development Sequence (PDS)
• Have your laptop per the Laptop Initiative for Future Educators (LIFE)**

To enroll in EDC 650S (Secondary School Teaching Practicum), and EDC 350S (Practicum Seminar):

• Overall UT GPA of 2.75 or above,
• GPA of 3.0 in your certification area,
• Grade of at least B in both UTL 303 and EDC 370S, and
• Successful evidence of language proficiency in written and oral experiences at UT and in field-based experience

If either your overall GPA or certification area GPA does not meet the above stated requirement, you must raise it to the required level before continuing in the program.

Important note about field placement requirements:
Texas Education Code § 22.083 authorizes a school district to obtain criminal history record information from any law enforcement or criminal justice agency on applicants, employees, or volunteers of the district. All UTeach-Liberal Arts students will undergo a Criminal History Record Information check each semester they participate in a UTeach-LA course that requires field placement (UTL 101, 202, 303, EDC 370S and 650S). School districts may terminate a field placement if offenses on a student’s record do not comply with district or state policy. Students should consult the Investigations & Disciplinary Rules Engagement section of the State Board for Educator Certification website to review a list of offenses that may prevent field placement or certification. Students with questions about their record should contact the TX Department of Public Safety.

*New Student Orientation
Required for all incoming UTeach-Liberal Arts students
UTL 101 students are required to attend the New Student Orientation at the beginning of the UTL 101 semester.  Dates vary per semester.  Your UTL 101 instructor and a UTeach-LA advisor will notify you of the date.

**Laptop Initiative for Future Educators (LIFE)
Required for all students entering the Professional Development Sequence
A Macintosh laptop computer is required beginning in UTL 303, and for the UTeach-Liberal Arts courses that follow. These laptops are available at a discount, and financial aid loan resources are available. Visit the College of Education LIFE webpage for more information.