TEXAS TEACHERS OF TOMORROW REVIEW: alternative certification

I'm finally a certified Texas teacher! yay This was my experience becoming certified through Texas Teachers of Tomorrow, an alternative certification program. This video is 100% my own opinion and my own experience with the program. If you have any questions or if there is anything I did not address in this video, please comment below!
I am currently certified to teach grades 7-12 English Language Arts & Reading, ESL (English as a Second Language), and Journalism in the state of Texas.
My timeline of becoming a teacher:
➡️ May 2018: I got my bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Texas at Austin. I aspired to be a newspaper reporter and had no intentions of ever becoming a teacher.
➡️ February 2019: I quit my job as a newspaper reporter and had no clue what career I wanted to pursue.
➡️ April 2019: I signed up for Texas Teachers of Tomorrow and also began substitute teaching.
➡️ April 2019-March 2020: I worked as a substitute teacher for grades 5-12 while slowly working on becoming certified. I lost my job in March 2020 when schools shut down due to COVID-19.
➡️ May 2020: I accepted my first job as a teacher.
➡️ August 2020: I began my first year as a 9th grade ELAR teacher.
➡️ May 2021: I finished my first year as a teacher and finished the Texas Teachers of Tomorrow program.
➡️ June 2021: I received my Standard Teaching Certificate and made my last payment to the Texas Teachers program.
The website I used to help study for my content exams: www.certifyteacher.com
➡️ TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Intro
01:36 What is an alternative certification program & what are the benefits of doing one?
03:05 My timeline of becoming a teacher & completing the program
06:15 Quick FAQs about the program (salary, costs, order of completion)
08:09 169 hours of required teacher courses
10:11 30 hours of field-based experiences (observing a classroom)
11:08 Passing the content exams & applying to jobs
15:32 Getting hired & completing the intern year
17:40 29 hours of electives
18:05 60 hours of projects
20:17 Your assigned field supervisor & observations
22:32 Applying for the Standard Teaching Certification & finishing the program
24:22 My overall thoughts on the program
#TexasTeacherofTomorrow #TexasTeachers
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[@byBriannaStone]

➡️ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro 01:36 What is an alternative certification program and what are the benefits of doing one? 03:05 My timeline of becoming a teacher & completing the program 06:15 Quick FAQs about the program (salary, costs, order of completion) 08:09 169 hours of required teacher courses 10:11 30 hours of field-based experiences (observing a classroom) 11:08 Passing the content exams & applying to jobs 15:32 Getting hired and completing the intern year 17:40 29 hours of electives 18:05 60 hours of projects 20:17 Your assigned field supervisor & observations 22:32 Applying for the Standard Teaching Certification & finishing the program 24:22 My overall thoughts on the program

[@cyndetv]

I v

[@jeansmith8969]

First of all, I want to say congratulations on finishing the program and getting your certification. Next, I want to thank you for a very thorough walk thru of what the program entails. The program coordinators couldn't have done a better job. You really did break it down step by step in an easy to understand way. Again, thanks so much and I wish you much success and satisfaction as a teacher.

[@byBriannaStone]

Thank you so much!

[@MuERtOvLoGS]

I am really really thankful that you made this video, I am planning on getting mine through the same program, but it was way to cheap from how I saw other programs before and so good to be true that I needed to corroborate if someone else had gone through it. And you didn't just verify this is a real program but also a great deep info about your experience

[@randymitchell1348]

Considering this program and this was the most helpful video I've found about it. Thank you!

[@byBriannaStone]

Thanks for watching!!!

[@katelynnstarkey3517]

I’m sure you are an awesome teacher with how thorough you are when explaining things. Your students are definitely blessed! Congrats on completing certification and many blessings to you on your journey as a teacher.

[@byBriannaStone]

💖

[@kevinbautista1970]

I’ve been watching a few of your videos and your channel is legit. Time stamps, and straightforward useful information. Thank you.

[@byBriannaStone]

Glad you like them!

[@Kassandraa_]

Thank you so much for this! I am currently enrolled in the Texas teachers program and it is so overwhelming trying to figure out the pace at where I should be! I’m currently working on completing my coursework before I can prep for content exams and it’s so helpful to hear you share your experience! ❤️

[@byBriannaStone]

Thank you so much for watching!☺️

[@NiCKTaNGeNT]

This is just what I needed before diving in. I appreciate the heads-up about the unsavory aspects of the program. Let's go!

[@byBriannaStone]

😊

[@philpeterson5]

Awesome video! Super informative and very well-paced!

[@aydenandrews8765]

Thank you so much for sharing this! I applied to the program. I got my Bachelors in business admin back in May and I’ve been in my field for one year and I can’t do it anymore lol. My passion has always been teaching so I’m so excited to start this process!

[@sumabarnes7950]

I am in the same situation. What area are you thinking of getting certified in?

[@dotdot_8003]

I have my BBA in Accounting and applied to get my certification. I was approved to teach Math but I’m so nervous for the test

[@realestatewithlilianayepes5121]

Did you do the program?

[@blahblah162005]

I have my bachelor's in business as well 🙈 think I might want to teach math.

[@geraldduhon5142]

Thinking about going from the Criminal Justice field to teaching. I see that a lot of young black men never had a great role model and I would like to be that for these kids.

[@dianerivamartinez1009]

Hello there Brianna. You really inspire me because we're somehow the same in terms of our 'career'. I also took journalism in college and 2 years after graduating, I took certificate of teaching (quite similar with your Teachers Texas Program here in the Philippines). Like you, I'm also allowed to teach in Grades 7-12. Kudos to you and more power!

[@byBriannaStone]

That's awesome! Thanks so much for watching!

[@essencej.4793]

This is really good and detailed. This has helped a lot!

[@paulcampion2833]

Thank you so much Brianna. I was recently laid off and feel led to pursue a career in teaching so have applied to be a substitute in RISD and starting to look into alternative certification. I am so excited about this journey but also nervous and watching this video was helpful. Hook em Horns!

[@Stephen_A.]

Thank You for putting this video together Brianna ! Wow, that was a tough two years !! 😟

[@byBriannaStone]

Thanks for watching!

[@Stephen_A.]

@@byBriannaStone ❤️

[@ladyblackbgb]

Back in 2018 I took the content exam twice and failed twice. Back then you didn’t need to attend a program first so I was just walking off the street hoping to pass. That’s probably why I failed the first time by four points the second time by one! I just didn’t want to quit my current job and jump head first into the program. The program just seemed so complicated, thanks for breaking this all down. Your video helps a lot! I’m going to start the program soon and this was a great overview, because the website is so confusing like you said.

[@shellymouton1347]

THANK YOU SO MUCH for this feedback, so helpful!!!!!! Congrats to you!!

[@byBriannaStone]

Glad it was helpful!

[@08whaley]

Thank you so much or sharing!! This was very helpful!!!!

[@tamulasmith8696]

Thank you so so much for posting your experience with us. This information really helps me on my journey on becoming a teacher. I do have one question. Is there a study guide on the PPR exam?

[@andrewkang2697]

This is extremely helpful. As someone who is doing a certification program through iTeach, I think this review also gives a good idea of what I should be expecting when applying to jobs in the DFW area.

[@jessicaelliott9385]

Brianna I thank you very much. Dr. Elliott

[@NiaRenay]

I’m at the SOE stage and now applying for jobs! I’ve had one interview for an English teacher position, which is outside of my content area, so now I am now working on getting through 240 tutoring to get approved by my program to take that content test in order for them to be able to give me a job offer. Hoping one of the jobs in my content area (dance 6-12) reaches out to me soon though!! Thank you for this informative video, Brianna! I’ve been watching your stuff since I became a sub in March and your journey has been inspiring to watch. Both as a teacher and KZbinr, as I’m also trying to do both! ☺️

[@byBriannaStone]

Thanks for much for watching! Good luck on your journey as a teacher! 😊😊😊

[@brightonchou1393]

they can still hire you. you can get ur eng exam after that

[@MarcoCastilloVideos]

Thank you, really helpful.

[@Overit1975]

Seems Texas makes it ridiculously hard and expensive to teach.

[@ShalomBeautiful]

I completely agree

[@d.rabbit7276]

They need to make it easier as the enormous shortages and mediocre pay. Moreover, christian conservatives in Texas working overtime to usurp science and history.

[@Nikki-mh4lu]

Thank you for this!

[@byBriannaStone]

Glad it was helpful!

[@miyadock8129]

Also I love your videos and I think you’re amazing!!!! Xoxoxo

[@byBriannaStone]

Thank you so much!

[@aundreymosley1979]

Great video! Did you have to pay more for pursuing 3 certifications or was it a flat rate? And did you complete all 3 certifications at once? If so, how long did it take you to complete?

[@json9368]

Also congratulations on finishing!

[@byBriannaStone]

Thank you!

[@iris_ivory]

could you please let us know what study guides you purchased from amazon? I am also interested in becoming an english teacher. Thanks for all the info! 🙂

[@walkaholic3998]

Very helpful thank you!

[@byBriannaStone]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kandicedraper7305]

thank you for this info!! would you say doing this & graduate school for social work is possible or too much? other words, did classes take long to do or did you have a good amount of free time?

[@vincentwu8855]

I'm so happy for you to finally get your full paycheck!!! Do you think if you studied college to become a teacher, your life you have been easier?

[@byBriannaStone]

Mmmm I’m not sure if it would have been easier or not, but I believe everything happens for a reason so if I could go back I wouldn’t change anything. The friends I made/experiences I had studying journalism in college shaped who I am now!🙂

[@ChrisRod78]

Brianna, this video was really helpful! I've been substitute teaching for the last seven months and really enjoy being in the classroom. I understand being a full-time teacher involves A LOT more than I’m currently responsible for, but I think I’m ready to take the plunge into certification. My main question is this: Would you see a benefit to completing as much as I can of the program while still substitute teaching? You mentioned how overwhelming things were as a first-year teacher. I wonder if I might complete as much of the program as possible before applying for a teaching position to allow more of my first year of teaching to focus on on the job training? Thanks for your work on this video!

[@Queeshandle]

Have the same question

[@json9368]

I’m in the program right now! I’m studying drama currently (it’s always been my dream to be a drama teacher) but I’m considering some of the high needs areas like special education or science!

[@byBriannaStone]

Good luck on your teaching journey!

[@laticiacook883]

Great video! Can you also teach without any other requirements in the other participating states? Ex. Florida or North Carolina.

[@ClarabellaHoney]

Thank you for all of the help Brianna! I'm very curious, what was the cheaper program that your friend was using? $1000 is a lot!

[@byBriannaStone]

She was using iTeach

[@YankeezFan4Lyfe]

Hi. This is a great video. Thanks! You mentioned Canvas. Is that where you obtained your learning material from? I've been teaching Music now for a year, but I have yet to certify. Teachers of Tomorrow doesn't provide any training, only testing prep. For instance, I don't know how to read music or identify certain aspects of sound when listening to music. I can't teach this if I don't know it. Does Canvas provide that kind of training or do I have to enroll in a separate music theory course somewhere? Please help me. Thank you.

[@mashailfatima7746]

Hey, I have some questions. Was residency worth it? Did you feel like the courses prepared you well for residency or did you feel like you did not have enough experience before starting it? I am scared because I do not want to be thrown in the classroom without knowing what I should be doing. However, I do need the money thats why I really want to do residency instead of clinical teaching.

[@melaniem828]

Hi! Thank you for the information video! I have a question. Do you think it would be possible to finish this program while working full time? I’m about to graduate with my bachelors in communication and I really need a new job in the meantime.

[@korabsyla2156]

Hi Brianna! Thank you for your video. I am only looking into physical education teaching. How many exams or content exam would I need to take for it? Also hypothetically speaking lets say after signing up for I decide that I do not want to continue with the program anymore, would I owe anything?

[@janasettler9403]

When can you begin teaching in the classroom? Do you have to past the test first? How fast do you believe the coursework can be done ?

[@nathan.valdez13]

I noticed that the projects pop up in the required course section. Can I hold off on doing them later, or do I have to do them before getting an SOE?

[@chezcorpman4438]

The ambiance is on point

[@byBriannaStone]

Thank you 🥺

[@sabrinay9430]

The webpage won't load for me sometimes either, and I always use Chrome. I am halfway through the modules, and a lot of it is redundant and unnecessary I feel. I am starting to struggle with some of it.

[@annarincon6534]

Thank you very much for this video. It was the most helpful that I have seen so far. Question: In my approved exams I have listed 391 EC-6 and the new STR exam, would the "content exams be these listed"? Like these are the actual TexEs exams just broken down to different names? So I believe these 2 exams are what I need to pass to get hired along with everything else of course. TIA!!!

[@byBriannaStone]

When I say content exams, I'm talking about the Texes!

[@annarincon6534]

@@byBriannaStone so TexEs is not the same as what's listed in the TT portal of approved exams.

[@airgunningyup]

How does the placement work as far as location and difficulty of landing the full time internship ? Im also in Texas and like you , I dont want want to commute too far.

[@pamburis6818]

My name is Pam what other program do you recommend? What was the program your friend used? But do you think this program was worth it and all the money you spent out. This is my first time using Teachers of Tomorrow. I graduated with my Bachelor’s in Sociology and have always wanted to teach. I love your video.

[@samwells522]

Hi there! I am currently a sub and wanting to become a teacher. I have been looking into Indiana Teachers of Tomorrow and although a different state, this video was so helpful! I do have one question, were you able to keep subbing while completing this program? Thank you!

[@byBriannaStone]

No because part of the problem if you have to teach a year so I was actually a full time teacher while doing this program!

[@tiarasheeler7881]

@brianna stone did you have to pass the Texas teachers pre test first before taking the actual content? Can you share what book you studied that was beneficial? Thank you

[@Slyberonnie]

Hey I am in the program now. Did you have to do the edTPA to get certified?

[@justinbrown1696]

I’m thinking about going through this program. Could I take my exams first and then complete the courses and observations? Or do I have to take the exams last?

[@sandy7399713]

All the journalism graduates trying to be teachers now like this comment lol 👍

[@Katiekatie0099]

Hahahahahahha me

[@zeltzingonzalez62]

Hello , I had a question. Did you work during any of this while you did the program before working in the classroom?. Can this be done with a part time job

[@yobro1115]

Do you know how I can contact someone from Texas teacher to talk about my specific needs? I have a degree in education and have passed all 4 of my exams, however I didn’t pass them before the deadline at my school so I was unable to student teaching, and because of that I graduate uncertified. Will the program differ any because I have completed all my test and I’ve already observed 30 hours in a school?

[@paolasalazar4660]

What was the name of the other teacher certification program that is similar to your friends? I am still doing more research, but I did noticed Texas Teachers is the most popular program.

[@austinkeough5717]

What was the name of the cheaper program you friend did?

[@ashleylaflor22]

I’m from texas and currently in my 5th year teaching English in China. Have you’ve met any teachers in San Antonio who have taught abroad? I really wanna go back home and find a teaching job.

[@KellyRyanRanch]

I'm a retiring teacher who is applying to work for a school district to support alt cert teachers. I've coached and supported teachers, but I don't know what it's like to be a teacher in the alt cert situation day-to-day. I had no idea how much you also had to do at the same time you were teaching. I am wondering what kind of support you wish you had in your classroom your first year. Were there tricks-of-the-trade you wish you'd known earlier? What would have made that year easier for you? If you want to call or email to make it easier to share, please let me know, I'll give you that information.

[@immonienarcisse3558]

How many courses did you take to equal 169 hours and do you need that before intern teaching

[@saaggar2612]

Hi, what kind of salary can one expect.? And does the agency help in finding the job?

[@plentifulteaching]

if you fail one part of the ec-6 for instance the math part, would you have to retake the entire test or just that part?

[@byBriannaStone]

Entire test

[@Momylawn]

Hello Brianna I recently started following you because i am interested in becoming certified teacher in Texas I was checking program by teacher of tomorrow so I came across this video.I have done my degree in chemistry from overseas.I got done my degree evaluation from USA though .So my question is how challenging it would be to complete teacher certification for overseas students can I able to do it or it’s really hard.

[@oruwilfred1838]

Hello did she reply you

[@andreak4739]

So basically u can get hired n a position as teacher as soon as u are enrolled in this teaching certification program?

[@NiaRenay]

I’m going through iTeach Texas and I chose the payment plan where I paid $99 a month for a few months and then when I get my first job for field experience, they will take out about $350 or something. There was another plan where I could wait until I got a job but they would take out over $400 a month, so I went with the the first option.

[@byBriannaStone]

That's good that they have options available!

[@brandonodle7817]

I’m trying to decide between teachers of tomorrow and iteach….🤔

[@NiaRenay]

@@brandonodle7817 I liked iTeach. I can’t vouch for teachers of tomorrow but iTeach was very simple and nice to use.

[@QamarAdnanBH]

@@NiaRenay hello.. I’m thinking about iteach. Do u think is it worth it ? Did u pass ur exam ? Currently I’m in Texas.

[@NiaRenay]

@@QamarAdnanBH yes, I passed on my first try. I got free access to 240 Tutoring while I was participating in the program which helped. Not sure if that’s still included.

[@teriveee]

Got my test coming up in a few days, thanks for the heads up! How difficult was it to actually find jobs?

[@byBriannaStone]

It’s super easy now because every school is short teachers

[@luisvilla799]

I haven’t been able to pass PPR exam in 8 years stopped teaching completely

[@miyadock8129]

So I’m in TT now and I am having a hard time getting in touch with someone from the program to add an additional content exam. I have emailed them like 3 weeks ago. And I have tried calling them a few times a week. I’ve never gotten to talk to someone. I literally just need someone to add an exam to my account. Nothing crazy. How long did it take you to get the additional ESL exam added to your account?

[@byBriannaStone]

I don't remember how long, but I would keep emailing/calling. Contact your field supervisor as well.

[@wayneb1597]

I applied and sent transcripts to TT two weeks ago and haven't heard anything. I called a week ago and left a message, still no call back. Makes me think I shouldn't use TT. I applied to iTeach and submitted my transcripts and got a response within an hour.

[@jordynbridge7058]

Yep, this is my beef with TT. They do not respond to questions in a timely manner.

[@mercedesely-saldana4823]

How long do you think it will take from starting the courses to staring the intern year (first year teaching?

[@wadner8119]

It's self pace program it's up to you when you want to start & finish

[@user-en7jd4qf4z]

What program did your friend do?

[@samanthadavila2480]

Have you heard about getting a job mid year? If I start now, I hope to get a job by January.. thoughts on starting mid year?

[@byBriannaStone]

Teachers are hired year round! Mid semester, mid year.

[@katrishamitchell5861]

Hi. I was watching your video last night and it was very informative. & I have a question that I hope you can answer. With Texas teachers taking about $400 or so out of your check during your first year of teaching, Approximately how much did you have remaining after? I’m asking cause I was wondering how much approximately that’ll be left to survive and live on until the next check… I’m thinking about going through this process

[@byBriannaStone]

Depends on what the salary is. Different parts of Texas/the U.S. pay differently. In North Texas, the avg salary is 50-56K starting. My starting was 56,500. After taxes, health insurance & dental, and Texas Teachers taking out $425 I was left with about $3200/month

[@jayhawksku88]

@@byBriannaStone at what point in the process did that salary you listed begin for you? At the beginning of your internship? Also, what was the process to find an internship near you?

[@tinalily9984]

@@byBriannaStone is that getting paid every month thru the summer or 10 months?

[@tinalily9984]

Did the Field Superviser give you constructive criticism after the observations? How long did they observe for? Did the principal ever come in to observe?

[@alrajul3ziim]

​@@byBriannaStonehow much was the pay during the internship?

[@poloctical9454]

Is the enrollment fee included in the amount that is taken out from the first year pay?

[@byBriannaStone]

No it's not

[@dubbxgaming7632]

Just to be sure it’s not required to complete the coursework before taking the content exam ?

[@byBriannaStone]

You do have to complete some of it.

[@nathan.valdez13]

Is Texas Teachers of Tomorrow available in SA, or is it only available in DFW area?

[@byBriannaStone]

All of Texas

[@Stephen_A.]

So here is a big question. What do you have to do to maintain your certification from year to year ?

[@byBriannaStone]

Just teach and stay within good standing!

[@Stephen_A.]

@@byBriannaStone Ahhhh, that’s good. 😋

[@BriAntRich]

Does Texas teachers require you to pass a practice exam before being approved to take the real exam?

[@byBriannaStone]

No.

[@natr72]

Is the content exam the same thing as a TExES exam?

[@byBriannaStone]

Yes! Those are the ones that I took

[@mercedesely-saldana4823]

What was your friends program?? And congrats!! 🍾🎉🎊

[@byBriannaStone]

Thank you!! iTeach

[@tinalily9984]

@@byBriannaStone did she have a good experience with that one? Do you know if certain schools prefer one over the otherv

[@ms_tellito]

Brianna, which program did your other friend do? The intern that was getting deducted $100 less than you?

[@yovanny6200]

For the program, does the bachelors degree matter in order to become certified?

[@byBriannaStone]

you need a bachelors

[@kaleighwaskow1754]

did you have to take the STR before being in the classroom?

[@byBriannaStone]

I never had to take that.

[@ericafarley2850]

Did they help you find a teaching position. If not how did you find your teaching position? Thank you!

[@byBriannaStone]

No I just searched on my own. If you look at school district websites they have job postings

[@ericafarley2850]

@@byBriannaStone Thank you!

[@valley1243]

could i start this my junior year in school?

[@byBriannaStone]

I believe so! I would check the Texas teachers website!

[@shuntaupshaw1320]

I did the first 40 hours no problem and then Boom The modules changed and got harder and I lost motivation lol did this happen to you?

[@byBriannaStone]

I am a chronic procrastinator and I really didn’t focus and get through my modules until about 6 months after signing up😭😭 I would say try to set aside a certain number of hours per week to work on them and create a plan for when you can finish.

[@bellaatkins2956]

Good afternoon! I have a bachelor’s degree from University in South Korea. Am I qualified to be a teacher?

[@byBriannaStone]

I’m not sure. It would depend on what state

[@bellaatkins2956]

@@byBriannaStone Thank you for letting me know.

[@1kamikaze2]

Can you transfer your certification to a state like CO?

[@byBriannaStone]

No, it depends. Every state has its own teaching requirements

[@jerohamortega7543]

Hey! Around how much where you getting paid while getting your certification?

[@byBriannaStone]

Full salary minus cost of the program. Depends on your school district. I was getting about $420 taken out of each paycheck for the program

[@jerohamortega7543]

Awesome, at what point during your certification did you start gettting jobs ? im about to graduate and I’m looking Into teaching certifications, also do you think it is easier to find regular corporate jobs with a bachelors degree?

[@YankeezFan4Lyfe]

I need help.

[@VolleyballNBT99]

can you pay the 4000 all at once?

[@byBriannaStone]

I'm not sure, that would be a question to ask Texas Teachers!

[@Troubleshoot400]

Do they help you to get a job?

[@byBriannaStone]

No lol

[@jmemixx]

You get certified to teach before you actually do internship and all that right?

[@byBriannaStone]

No you’re not fully certified until after your internship year/first year of teaching

[@byBriannaStone]

But you are the full teacher of record and get a regular salary