If you are about to graduate high school and want to study in El Paso to become a teacher, you can start your coursework at El Paso Community College or UTEP.
These schools have worked together to create a seamless degree plan so that you don’t have to worry about losing credits when you transfer. Both institutions offer opportunities to work and train in schools while you complete your coursework and certification to become a teacher.
Here are additional steps depending on which program you choose:
If you want to become a teacher, EPCC is a great place to start.
The Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT) Degree in EC-6, 4-8, EC-12 Special Education is fully transferable to all Texas public universities. That means you can complete your first 60 credit hours at EPCC and then transfer to UTEP to finish your bachelor’s degree, which includes a hands-on teaching residency. A Bachelor’s Degree is required for Teacher Certification to be awarded.
Just remember that in order to transfer, you will be required to meet all entrance requirements of the receiving university and the educator preparation program, including GPA and/or testing requirements.
If you decide to go straight to UTEP and you are interested in teaching…
Elementary or Middle School (Early Childhood-6th Grade or 4th-8th Grade):
If you know you want to become an elementary or middle school teacher, you would enroll in the College of Education. The UTEP College of Education offers a Bachelor of Science in Education (BSED) for individuals who wish to become early childhood/elementary, middle school, or all-level special education Texas certified teachers.
7th-12th Grade:
If you want to teach in 7th-12th grade (Secondary Education), you would enroll in the college that has the major in the content area you want to teach and minor in Secondary Education in the College of Education. For example, if you want to teach High School English, you would enroll in the College of Liberal Arts, major in English, and minor in Secondary Education from the College of Education.
All Grade Levels (Art, Health, Language, Music, Theater & PE):
If you want to teach Art, Health, Spanish, French, Music, Theater, or PE in any grade level, you would enroll in the college that has the major in the content area you want to teach and minor in Secondary Education in the College of Education. For example, if you want to teach music, you would enroll in the College of Liberal Arts, major in Music, and minor in Secondary Education from the College of Education.
When you are at UTEP’s College of Education, all elementary and middle school teachers participate in the Miner Teacher Residency, a paid year-long teacher residency. This incredible experience pairs you with a highly effective teacher and mentor so that you are trained by the best and are ready to start your career as a teacher when you graduate. You can find out everything you need to know about UTEP’s College of Education HERE.
If your family income is $80,000 or less each year, you may be eligible for free tuition. UTEP’s Paydirt Promise ensures you can go to college!
Established in 2024, CREEED’s Excelencia Scholarship for Future Educators will annually award a one-time $2,500 scholarship to eight local high school seniors planning to pursue a degree in education. Ask your high school counselor, or visit CREEED now.
Talk to your school counselor about UTEP’s Paydirt Promise and other scholarship opportunities!
