Accelerated Advanced Degree

*Eligible undergraduate students enrolled at SHSU can earn a four-year bachelor’s degree, a two-year master’s degree and the Texas Teacher Certification in just five years!

*to be eligible for the 4+1TEACH program undergraduate students must be seeking teacher certification in PK-3, EC-6, or 4-8.

The 4+1 program helps you get ahead by providing the opportunity to take graduate level courses during your senior year. You will still graduate on time before seamlessly transitioning to the Teaching and Learning M.Ed. program for an additional year of study.

The M.Ed. in Teaching and Learning is designed for students interested in researching, developing and implementing curriculum and instructional changes to support student achievement.

Coursework

Students admitted to the 4+1TEACH program will

take three graduate courses in their final semester as an undergraduate
finish their master’s degree in just 1 more year
Complete a paid internship as a teacher of record in lieu of student teaching
Participate in professional development tailored to novice teachers

Program Admission

Students apply for the program the semester before they plan to student teach.

Admission to the program is competitive.

Students are encouraged to attend an informational meeting prior to applying to the program.

Financial Aid

Students admitted to the program may be eligible to receive financial assistance throughout the program

Loan Forgiveness
Departmental Scholarships
Distance Learning Scholarships
SHSU Online 60x30 Scholarships
District incentives

Program participants are required to secure a full time teaching position within a partner school district and begin teaching the semester after they obtain their bachelor degree from SHSU. The program requires that participants make a three year commitment to the school district, during which time they are supported by a campus mentor and university supervisor.

Spring 2024 Informational Meeting

View the recording of the Spring 2024 informational meeting to learn more about the 4+1 program.

View Recording

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Download Powerpoint

FAQs

Contact Information

The best way to contact the 4+1 office is via email 4plus1@shsu.edu
Admissions
What is the admissions process for 4+1TEACH?
1. Complete the application in TK20
2. Upload a copy of your degree works
3. Provide references as requested
4. You will use a link in the application to send to your references. They will use this link to complete a reference form.
5. Provide a writing sample. The prompt will be provided in the application.
Core Requirements:

Preference will be given to those with a 3.00 GPA overall or in their last 60 SCH. All are encouraged to apply.

Academics

Each required course in the 4+1 program will increase your knowledge and is designed to help you become an effective teacher.

For those that are seeking 4+1, see the table below for the courses that will be taken. Course CRNs will be provided to students prior to registration.

Even Cohorts (Start in Spring; Apply in Fall)

Spring	Summer	Fall	Spring
CIED 5393 Assessment	CIED 5384 Curricular Trends	CIED 5398 Internship 1	CIED 5399 Internship 2
CIED 5390 Classroom Management	CIED 5383 Integrating Technology	CIED 5370 Research 1	CIED 5085 Research 2
CIED 5360 Advanced Techniques of Instruction	CIED 5333 Professional Educator STEM CAMP

Odd Cohorts (Start in Summer; Apply in Spring)

Summer	Fall	Spring	Summer
CIED 5393 Assessment	CIED 5398 Internship 1	CIED 5399 Internship 2	CIED 5384 Curricular Trends
CIED 5390 Classroom Management	CIED 5370 Research I	CIED 5085 Research 2	CIED 5383 Integrating Technology
CIED 5360 Adv Techniques of Instruction STEM Camp			CIED 5333 Professional Educator

What happens if I earn a ‘C’ in a graduate course?

In order to achieve and remain in academic good standing at Sam Houston State University, a graduate student must maintain an overall grade point average of at least 3.0 on all graduate coursework attempted. A 3.0 overall grade point average is the absolute minimum required for graduation. A graduate student who falls below a 3.0 overall grade point average at the close of any semester during which one or more semester credit hours are attempted will be placed on probation. If an enrolled student on probation fails to achieve a minimum 3.0 overall grade point average at the close of the next semester following the starting of the probation, the student will be terminated.

A student who earns a grade of "C" in any course (repeated or distinct course) within the academic program may have his/her graduate status reviewed by a committee comprised of the department or college's graduate faculty. The committee will recommend an appropriate remediation for the student. A student who earns two grades of "C" in distinct or repeated courses within their academic program will be terminated from graduate studies.

What happens if I earn an ‘F’ in a graduate course?

You will be terminated from the 4+1 program and graduate studies.

What should I do if I need to drop a class?

Contact 4plus1@shsu.edu before dropping a course. A member of the 4+1 team will contact you and will help advise on next steps based on the situation.

What happens if I’m unable to complete CIED 5370?

Drop the course on or before the drop deadline published by the registrar’s office.
Continue in Internship I course, including completing required assessments.
Take Internship II in the following Spring semester but not Research II.
Students may choose to continue in master’s coursework if Internship I and II are successfully completed.
If all master’s coursework is successfully completed, students may retake Research I in the following Fall semester and take Research II in the following Spring semester (upon successful completion of Research I).

Additional Concentration Options

Beginning with Cohort 6 of the 4+1 TEACH program, admitted students may elect to choose a concentration area that extends their preparation by 1 year. By selecting a concentration area, the student is eligible for either an additional Texas Educator Certification or an SHSU issued Graduate Certificate.

What concentrations can I choose from?

Admitted students may select from one of the following concentrations: Principal as Instructional Leader Certification, Reading Specialist Certification, Educational Diagnostician Certification, Educational Diagnostician Certification with Bilingual Certificate, Teaching English as a Second or Other Language Certificate.

Why should I choose a concentration?

Students who select a concentration area receive additional training in an area of specialization that may lead to an additional Texas Educator certification. This additional training may qualify students for additional positions within the education system or provide them with the knowledge and skills needed to instruct a specific group of students.

Who should select the Principal as an Instructional Leader Certification? What is the degree plan for this track?

This concentration produces proficient school administrators who are well educated in school leadership and administration; effective leadership strategies; campus business management; and federal, state, and local school regulations. Students who are interested in honing their leadership skills are encouraged to select this concentration. The coursework provides candidates with the academic foundations for Principal as an Instructional Leader certification in Texas. Coursework alone does not lead to certification. To be certified in this area, you must have 2 years of teaching experience and pass the state certification examinations.

Who should select the Reading Specialist Certification? What is the degree plan for this track?

This concentration helps students become reflective practitioners with the knowledge and skills for effective reading/language arts instruction for Early Childhood through Secondary learners. Students who are interested in leadership positions in literacy (literacy coaches, reading specialists) should select this concentration. The coursework provides candidates with the academic foundations for certification as a Reading Specialist in Texas. Coursework alone does not lead to certification. To be certified in this area, you must have 2 years of teaching experience and pass the state certification examinations.

Who should select the Educational Diagnostician Certification? What is the degree plan for this track?

The Educational Diagnostician Certification program is designed for individuals seeking to improve and extend their professional skills in special education. The coursework provides candidates with the academic foundations for certification as an Educational Diagnostician in Texas. Coursework alone does not lead to certification. To be certified in this area, you must have 3 years of teaching experience and pass the state certification examinations.

Who should select the Educational Diagnostician Certification with Bilingual Certificate? What is the degree plan for this track?

The Bilingual Educational Diagnostician concentration prepares educational diagnosticians who have Spanish and English language proficiency to evaluate English Learners (ELs) and students who are monolingual. Candidates determine language dominance and proficiency, conduct assessments, interpret results, and make educational recommendations for learners in school settings. The coursework provides candidates with the academic foundations for certification as an Educational Diagnostician in Texas. Coursework alone does not lead to certification. To be certified in this area, you must have 3 years of teaching experience and pass the state certification examinations.

Who should select the Teaching English as a Second or Other Language Certificate? What is the degree plan for this track?

This concentration prepares exemplary educational leaders in the field of second language teaching and learning. This coursework results in receiving the SHSU Graduate Certificate in Second Language Instruction but does not lead to Texas educator certification.
Certification & Testing
What do I need to do in order to be approved to test?
1. Take the Representative (practice test) through CertifyTeacher.com.
2. If you make less than an 80%, create a study plan that might include, but not limited to:
  1. Working with the Academic Success Center
  2. Study books or online materials
  3. Tutoring
3. Once you feel ready, take another practice exam through CertifyTeacher.com.
  1. If you make at least an 80%, approval will be given by emailing your results to @Hubbartt, Jean and 4plus1@shsu.edu. In a few cases such as History (7-12), departmental approval will have to be given as well.
  2. If you make less than an 80%, repeat steps 3 & 4 until you receive an 80%.
    Note: a score of 240 on a Certify Teacher exam equals 70%. A score of 260 on a Certify Teacher exam equals 80%.
By what date do I need to pass my certification exams?
Preference is given to applicants who have passed their content TExES exams. However, students admitted to the 4+1 TEACH program must pass all content and supplemental certification exams by May 30 of the year in which their residency/internship will take place. Students are strongly encouraged to have their TExES exams passed prior to Spring Break.

How do I apply for a Probationary or Intern Certification?
See this document.

Do I need to take the Science of Teaching Reading exam?
All teachers certified after December 31, 2020 in EC-6 Core Subjects, EC-3 Core Subjects, 4-8 ELAR, 4-8 ELAR/SS, or 4-8 Core Subjects must take and pass the STR in order to receive an Intern, Probationary, or Standard teacher certification.

What is the difference between an Intern Certification and a Probationary Certification?
To receive an Intern Certification, you must pass all relevant content and supplemental exams. To receive a Probationary Certificate, you must also pass the PPR exam. Teachers on an Intern Certification must be observed a minimum of 5 times. Teachers on a Probationary Certification must be observed a minimum of 3 times.

How long can I have an Intern Certification?
One year. Intern certificates are non-renewable. You must pass the PPR before your 2nd year of teaching, or you will be ineligible to be certified.

How long can I have a Probationary Certification?
One year initially, with up to one additional year if your internship is not successful OR if you have not successfully completed your coursework.

What TExES exams do I need to take?
See this chart to determine the exams needed.

When do I receive my Standard Teacher Certification?
Teachers are eligible to receive their standard teacher certification after they have successfully completed their internship and passed all required TExES certification exams (content, supplementals (if applicable), and PPR).
Residency/Internship

What is a Site-Based Mentor?

(SBM) A Site-based mentor is an experienced educator that is employed by a 4+1 partner district that supports a 4+1 residents in their teaching duties and completion of the 4+1 program requirements.

What is a Full-Release Mentor?

(FRM) A Full-release mentor is an experienced educator employed by SHSU that supports 4+1 residents in their teaching duties, assists them in completion of their teaching responsibilities, and assists in the residents’ in meeting the requirements of the 4+1 program.

How do you determine if my internship is successful?

An internship is successful if the resident/teacher is successful in their teaching employment in the district, meets program requirements, submits all documents, has a high standard of excellence in their coursework, meets certification requirements, and is jointly recommended for a standard teaching certificate by the district and SHSU at the completion of the program.

What do each of the years in the program look like?

Each resident must meet the employment requirements of the district during each year of the program. During the 1st year the resident will have regularly scheduled and constant support from their assigned FRM while working alongside their SBM. The SBM gives constant support throughout the school day in their role as a teacher mentor. The FRM will visit the classroom, assist in teaching difficulties, observe the residents teaching per the grant requirements, arrange for out-of-school contacts and give counsel whenever it is needed. During the 2nd and 3rd year of the program the FRM will have approximately half of the established contact with the resident as per the grant requirements however, the FRM is always available to the resident throughout the program.

In which districts can I do my internship?

The 4+1 program has multiple district partners and anticipates adding additional districts for the 2021-2022 school year.

Aldine ISD
Bryan ISD
Clear Creek ISD
Conroe ISD
Crosby ISD
Cy-Fair ISD
Hardin ISD
Huntsville ISD
Humble ISD
Katy ISD
Klein ISD
Madisonville ISD
Magnolia ISD
New Caney ISD
New Waverly ISD
Onalaska ISD
Sam Houston Charter School
Sealy ISD
Splendora ISD
Spring ISD
Tomball ISD
West Hardin ISD
Willis ISD

For how long do I need to commit to my district?

The SHSU College of Education recommends a 3-year commitment between the resident and the district in which they are employed.