Best Teacher Education Programs in Texas/ College Match

State Forums
1

Hi, everyone!
I am currently a senior at a Dallas-based charter school that allows me to graduate with two years of college completed. I plan on majoring in secondary English education (high school English) and elementary ESL education. While I have looked into some out of state schools, I will most likely be attending a public Texas university. Here are my stats:
-3.65 UW GPA
-Top 13% of my class
-31 ACT score (also took the SAT but did not get a good score)
-250+ hours of community service in the last year
-Secretary General of an international Model UN organization
-TA for the head of my college’s English department
-a variety of time-intensive extracurricular activities, internships, and work experience.
-Capstone research project (25 page research paper and presentation based on improving ESL programs for refugee students)

  • 16 hours of clinical student classroom observation (in the same vein as student teaching)
    I have done research into Texas (and out of state) education programs, to mixed results. I am still confused as to which Texas schools have the best teacher education programs.
    I am open to both Texan and out-of-state suggestions. Could someone college match me? Also, what are my chances of getting into (and getting financial aid/scholarships at) UT Austin? My family is solidly middle class, however, my brother is also in college, so I need financial support from whatever school I go to.
    TL;DR: Can someone college match me, and can I get into UT?
    (also please do not suggest UTD; I will not be applying)
    Thank you!
2

Your best shot is to stay in Texas and get your certification. It’s a lot cheaper that way relative to the salary. Of course, you have UT and Texas A&M. Both are hard to get into, but you have competitive stats. Another top education school is Texas State University.

3

The first question you need to answer is what state will you be teaching in. If it is Texas than Texas is were you need to concentrate your search. If merit aid is important you can scratch UT off the list. Texas State has a great education program and I betting you would get some merit aid. Texas Tech, UofH and UNT would also be good choices. Texas A&M at Commerce produces alot of teachers in the DFW area but it is in a very sleepy town. I only suggest that you not pay a premium price for a elementary education degree unless you have plans to go into administration. Your pay will be the same regardless of what school you get a degree from.

4

Just boosting this in case anyone else has feedback!

5

I’d recommend you definitely apply to Texas State. It’s cheaper than the big schools such as A&M and UT, which is a better return of your investment in the long run for a education degree. In addition I have known quite a few people who have studied education at TXST and all have found jobs after graduating. Based on your stats i’d almost guarantee you’d get in so if it’s not your first choice it’s a great safety.

6

Texas State! It used to be called Southwest Texas State Teachers College.