WEIGH THE PROS & CONS

Certification: Traditional vs. Alternative

Traditional Teacher Certification Program

Provides pre-service teachers with valuable pedagogy

Rich student teaching experience

Connects pre-service teachers to the teaching community

Opportunity to pair with and receive guidance through a strong veteran teacher mentor

Opportunity to learn from experts in the field

Offers time to observe master teachers and put new skills to use in a safe and collaborative environment.

Most traditional programs offer opportunity for pre-service teachers to engage in the components of planning and preparation, classroom environment, and instruction

Alternative Teacher Certification Program

Swift, intensive route to the classroom

Little to no opportunity to practice new skills before being submerged into the classroom

Little to no classroom experience

Little to no training in pedagogy

No student teaching experience

The University of Texas at Austin

College of Education

Reimagining Education

The University of Texas at Austin’s College of Education is transforming lives for the benefit of society and the communities of Texas. Founded in 1891 as the School of Pedagogy, the College of Education has a rich and innovative history, committed to providing research-based, practical programs that train educators and health practitioners alike. As a highly-ranked global university, UT Austin prides itself on the long-standing partnerships with leading research centers and community practitioners allowing graduates of its programs to become changemakers and leaders in their fields.

Visit UT Austin

Ready to Apply?

+500

Students recommended annually for Texas Education Certification

+2,000

Undergraduates with an Education Focus

+900

Doctoral and Master’s Degree Students

Fast Facts

Top 10

Flagship institution of The University of Texas System
One of the world’s leading research institutions
Strong partnerships with research centers and community practitioners
Study abroad programs
Leader in urban education
Offers bilingual education credentials
On campus housing
Online graduate opportunities
Student scholarships and fellowships
40.4% acceptance rate / 81% graduation rate

National Rankings

Best Colleges of Education, Public

U.S. News & World Report, 2023

#16

Best Education Schools, Overall

U.S. News and World Report, 2023

#10

Top Public Schools, National Universities

U.S. News & World Report, 2022

Best Global Universities

U.S. News & World Report, 2018

#31

World University Rankings

Center for World University Rankings, 2018-2019

Best-Value Public Colleges

Kiplinger, 2018

UTeach Programs

Learn more about the UTeach programs offered throughout the UT System.

Interested in completing a degree in ANY field and teaching Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM) in middle or high school? Already graduated and want to learn more about becoming certified?

Learn about UTeach

Learn about UTeach Austin

SEE YOURSELF HERE: UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AUSTIN

Congratulations to the first recipients of the Charles Butt Scholarship for Aspiring Teachers from UT Austin!

Learn about this Scholarship

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