VOICE -
Victoria Online Initial
Certification for Educators

Frequently Asked Questions

Listed below are some of the most common questions asked by our students and those who are considering Online Accredited Texas Teacher Certification in the School of Education and Human Development's VOICE program. If you do not see your question here or if our answer does not address your concerns, please contact the webmaster.

  • Do I have to have a bachelor's degree in the area in which I wish to become certified?
      • No, VOICE candidates must have bachelor's degrees, however since ours is a No Child Left Behind approved program, students seeking Secondary (Grade 8-12) certification can demonstrate mastery of their content areas with 24 semester credit hours (12 of which are upper division) in their chosen areas. All candidates, including EC-4 and 4-8 Generalist candidates, will take a diagnostic assessment tool to help them determine whether they require additional content area study.

  • How can I take advantage of diagnostic tools and study sessions when I live on the other side of the state?
      • The School of Education and Human Development offers study sessions and practice tests here in Victoria and in Katy at the UH System at Cinco Ranch. Many of our study sessions are also offered online through a program called Breeze, which allows those with earphones and microphones to interact with each other and the instructor in real time. Due to restrictions imposed by NES, we are unable to place our practice tests online.

  • Do I have to do my internship or practice teaching in Houston or Victoria?
      • The VOICE program is designed to allow students anywhere in Texas to participate. Whether you live in El Paso or Texarkana, you can do your internship or practice teaching at a location convenient to you. Interns are responsible for finding paid teaching positions in accredited Texas schools. The practice teaching application submitted in the semester before students take the Practicum in Teaching asks for the names of two schools where the candidate would like to practice teach. UHV has been very successful in placing practice teachers in the past.

  • What grade point average is required of VOICE students in their undergraduate degree programs?
      • The minimum grade point average requirement for the VOICE program is a 2.75 cumulative average or 2.75 overall from the last college you attended. Candidates are required to have bachelors' degrees from accredited colleges. They must also maintain 2.75 grade point averages in their VOICE courses throughout the time they are in the program.

  • I was exempt from the TASP/THEA because my grades or test scores were high or because I had already taken the prescribed number of hours for exemption. Do I have to take the THEA?
      • The State of Texas requires all teacher certification programs to obtain candidates' scores on a test of basic reading, writing, and mathematics skills. UHV has chosen the THEA for its teacher candidates, so all students must submit passing scores.
      The exception to this rule is that those who wish to apply VOICE courses toward masters' degrees can take the GRE and skip the THEA. If you have already taken the GRE, but not the TASP or THEA, you will need a total score of 800 on the GRE to enter the VOICE program.

  • I went to the THEA website and it says the next test isn't offered until two or three months from now and I need to take the test within the next month to qualify for admission. What can I do?
      • The THEA is offered regularly several times a year, but it may not always coincide with your schedule. The test is offered more frequently at locations across Texas. Information about the Quick THEA tests is available on college and university websites. The test is administered at UHV on a regular basis. Contact the Academic Center for details. Click here for more information about the THEA.

  • I have had problems passing one or more sections of the THEA. How can I prepare so that I pass it this time?
      • On the THEA website, they have a Quick Reference Guide to help you prepare for the test. many junior or community colleges also offer courses or seminars to help you improve your scores. Contact your local junior college to find out what kind of services they offer. The Victoria College in Victoria offers free test preparation sessions through their Educational Opportunity Center.
  • How long does it take to complete the program?
      • The program is designed to be completed in one year, taking two courses per semester, but we will allow students taking the practicum route up to three years. Those on internships will have to complete the program in two years as the probationary certificate is only good for two years.

  • If I live outside of Texas and/or the U.S., can I sign up for VOICE?
      • The University of Houston-Victoria is approved by the Texas State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) to prepare teachers for certification only in Texas. SBEC requires that our students take the TExES exam, which is offered only in Texas, and that they complete internships or practice teaching in accredited Texas schools. Students who can arrange to meet those requirements are welcome to enroll in the program.

  • I am currently in the military and on active duty overseas. Can I enroll in VOICE, and if so, how do I arrange to take the THEA and content TExES tests?
      • Yes, troops and spouses stationed in areas served by Federal Express can enroll in the program. Troops to Teachers and Spouses to Teachers can coordinate testing for active military personnel in areas services by FedEx. Tests will be administered at Military Testing Centers on the base. Contact Meryl Kettler at Troops to Teachers or Spouses to Teachers at (800) 810-5484 to determine the level of funding available to you.

  • I am an international student living in Texas. Can I enroll in VOICE?
      • Your eligibility for VOICE will depend on your status. If you have received approval for your F-1 visa from the Immigration Service, and you have received the original I-20 with the immigration stamp applied, you are eligible to enroll at the University of Houston-Victoria as an F-1 student. However, as an F-1 visa holder, you would not be eligible to participate in the VOICE program since the VOICE program is totally online. There are no face-to-face classes available for this program. Therefore you would not be able to maintain your F-1 status, because as an F-1 visa holder you are allowed only one online class toward your full course load each semester.
      I suggest that you contact our International Student Coordinator, Elois Kraatz, for additional information about enrollment at UHV. You can email Elois at kraatze@uhv.edu, phone her at 361-570-4112 or fax: 570-4114.

  • Do I have to wait until the fall to enter the program?
    • You can enter the program in the spring, summer, or fall as long as you have met the entrance requirements: a bachelor's degree, passing scores on the TASP/THEA or GRE and a 2.75 GPA.)

  • Will I qualify for financial aid if I'm in the VOICE program?
    • All degree-seeking students at UHV are eligible for financial aid. Those seeking certification only are welcome in the VOICE program, however they are not eligible for financial aid.

  • How do I get started?