Info Sheet
IMPACT Program Information Sheet
What is IMPACT?
- IMPACT is a one-to-two-year rigorous alternative route to certification for qualified individuals who wish to become special educators.
- IMPACT is not a "back door" approach or a "short-cut" to teacher certification.
- IMPACT is a collaboration among UNT faculty and partnering school districts who agree to hire and support IMPACT candidates in a variety of ways during the year they are completing course work.
Why enter IMPACT?
- Teaching is a critically important and rewarding profession.
- The overall demand for special education teachers is high.
- The teaching profession needs highly qualified individuals willing to dedicate their lives to serving individuals from special populations.
What does the IMPACT program look like?
- Qualified candidates may enter the program in Fall, Maymester or Spring.
- Coursework consists of 24 hours that can be counted toward teacher "certification only" or toward graduate credit that can be applied to a Masters Degree.
- Candidates must be employed during a fall and spring semester of their program.
- Distance learning is offered for students to take online and web-enhanced coursework.
- Candidates are provided with a qualified mentor and university coaching and supervision to support them during the teaching semesters.
What Courses Are Required?
Recommended Course Sequence
| Maymester / Summer I Semester | Fall Teaching Semester | Spring Teaching Semester |
| Maymester EDSP 5710: Special Education Programs and Practices (3 hours) | EDSP 5330 Behavior Management (3 hours) | EDSP 5240: Collaboration with Parents, Paraeducators and Professionals (3 hours) |
| Summer I EDSP 5510: Educational Appraisal of Exceptional Learners (3 hours) | EDSP 5430: * Advanced Practicum and Mentorship in Special Education (3 hours) | EDSP 5430: * Advanced Practicum and Mentorship in Special Education (3 hours) |
| Summer EDSP 5740: Learning Strategies for Promoting Proficiency in Reading and Language Arts (3 hours) | ||
| Summer EDSP 5750: Learning Strategies for Promoting Proficiency in Math and content areas (3 hours) |
| * EDSP 5430 * EDSP 5430 courses must be taken during the fall and spring while working in a special education classroom. Course fees of $750 are attached to the EDSP 5430 course to support coaching and mentor support activities. |
* NOTE:* Many of these courses are also offered during fall and spring semesters. An individual IMPACT plan will be developed dependent upon a candidates point of entry into the program. |
What are the IMPACT Program Entry Requirements?
Candidates must meet the following academic requirements to enter the program:
- Hold at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher learning
- Meet criteria for acceptance into the Toulouse School of Graduate Studies and Teacher Education (2.8 Overall GPA or 3.0 on the last 60 hours.)
Candidates must submit a complete IMPACT program application packet that includes each of the following documents:
- An IMPACT Application is available below.
- Two Letters of Recommendation from individuals who can give evidence of the candidate's critical thinking ability in order to successfully engage in graduate coursework.
- Submission of Test scores (Reading, Math, and Writing) for admission to Teacher Education. A GRE or THEA score is acceptable. Minimum GRE scores are: Verbal = 345; Quantitative = 368; Writing = 3. Minimum THEA scores are: Reading = 240; Math = 230; Writing = 220.
- Résumé or Vita that includes the candidate's previous work and/or educational experiences, including teaching certifications and degrees held.
- Personal Statement from the candidate stating his or her goals and rationale for applying to the IMPACT program and a brief description of his/her career and expectations with regard to teaching and further education. Candidates should describe their current reading, critical thinking, and writing and mathematical skills; and their relevant education experiences and strengths. Candidates should also assess their own ability to work independently, and discuss their educational philosophies and future goals.
What Costs are Associated with IMPACT?
- $50.00 application fee to the Toulouse School of Graduate Studies
- $29.00 application fee to Teacher Education
- Books, tuition and student fees for 24 hours of university coursework
- $50.00 application fee for a Probationary Teaching Certificate
- TEXES examination fees
Click here for the The IMPACT Application for Admission.