Building on Angelo State’s established legacy of graduating high-quality teachers, the Texas 2-Step certification program focuses on assisting paraprofessionals reach their goal of becoming a classroom teacher.
What is the Texas 2-Step?
The Texas 2-Step program is a partnership between Howard College and Angelo State University to provide paraprofessionals with the foundational coursework and intensive field experience to become a classroom-ready teacher, with coursework delivered 100% online.
This happens in two steps:
Completion of 60 semester credit hours (SCH) of coursework, leading to an Associate of Arts in Teaching (A.A.T.) degree from Howard College, and then a seamless transition to ASU.
If you do not have any previous college work, request your official high school transcript be sent to the address above.
After we evaluate your transcripts, we will determine if you need to take the TSI Assessment. The TSI Assessment is designed to help determine your skill level in the areas of reading, writing and mathematics. It provides detailed information regarding your academic strengths and weaknesses. We will work with you on what sections of the assessment you will need to complete.
You may have heard paraprofessionals referred to as “aides” or “educational aides” who work in schools, alongside a classroom teacher. They can take on a variety of roles depending on the needs of the districts.
High-quality, engaging coursework is delivered and completed online. There are no required trips to the Angelo State University or Howard College campuses, although we welcome you to our campuses any time!
Yes! Students in the Texas 2-Step program are eligible to apply for financial assistance and scholarships like all other students. Your financial aid request will begin at Howard College, and you can find information about completing your FAFSA here.
Howard College Attn: Ashley Harper 3501 US Hwy 67 San Angelo, TX 76905
If you do not have any previous college work, request your official high school transcript be sent to the address above.
Yes! You will begin working toward your Associate in Applied Teaching (A.A.T.) degree at Howard College if you are beginning the program with no college credits.
Both Howard College and Angelo State are committed to your success in the online program and have multiple sources of support for your technology needs. We strongly encourage you to communicate your specific needs to your advisor and instructors.
You should be employed or seeking employment as a paraprofessional to be eligible for the Texas 2-Step program. Contact us and we can help you begin that journey.
After Howard College evaluates your transcripts, we will determine if you need to take the TSI Assessment. The TSI Assessment is designed to help determine your level of skill in the areas of reading, writing and mathematics. It provides detailed information regarding your academic strengths and weaknesses. We will work with you on what sections of the assessment you will need.
In Texas, all teacher candidates must take the same certification exams called the TExES, regardless of preparation route. Since you will be preparing for teaching grades Early Childhood-Sixth Grade, you will need to take three TExES exams: Core Subjects EC-6, Science of Teacher Reading (STR), and Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR).
Your time in the Texas 2-Step program will help prepare you for these exams; however, you must dedicate time and resources outside of the classroom to adequately prepare. It is never too early to start preparation for the exams, and we will lead you every step of the way. Your contact and support for certification testing will come directly from ASU’s Educator Preparation Information Center.
Student teaching may look a little different as a paraprofessional. While me must stay compliant with state of Texas regulations, there are some exceptions to the student teaching requirement if all conditions are met. Please contact your advisor for more information.
