Wayland launches fast-track certification pathways for future teachers
PLAINVIEW —Wayland Baptist University’s Don A. Williams School of Education is opening new doors for individuals who want to enter the teaching profession through innovative fast-track pathways.
Responding to a statewide shortage of certified teachers, the university is offering both an Alternative Certification Teacher Program (ACP) and flexible degree-based pathways designed to help future educators quickly move into classrooms.
“These programs give people who may never have considered teaching a clear path to certification,” said Dr. James Anderson, Interim Dean of the School of Education. “Whether you’re a recent graduate or someone with a degree in another field, Wayland has an option that can help you become a fully certified teacher.”
Two clear pathways
The ACP program provides a one-year route to teacher certification. Candidates complete 50 hours of classroom observation, online coursework, and supervised teaching experiences while working under an intern certificate. The program is structured in modules and can be completed entirely online, making it accessible across the state.
Wayland also offers a master’s degree pathway, which combines certification requirements with graduate coursework. Students complete 19 hours of education classes in the first year—more than halfway to a Master of Education degree—while earning certification. By continuing for a second year, participants finish the full master’s degree.
“This option has been especially popular,” Anderson said. “Instead of just paying for certification, students are investing in a graduate degree that qualifies for financial aid and even TEACH grants. It’s a tremendous value.”
Flexible options for all backgrounds
The School of Education also provides fast-track undergraduate programs that allow paraprofessionals, transfer students, and others to earn bachelor’s degrees in education while working full-time. Flexible online and evening classes make these programs accessible to a wide range of students.
“Many of our students are paraprofessionals already serving in schools or athletes planning to coach,” Anderson said. “These pathways let them complete the requirements for certification without putting their careers on hold.”
Meeting the need
All programs are designed to be completed online, with Wayland faculty and certified mentors providing statewide support. Candidates are observed in their own classrooms, receive feedback from university supervisors, and take the required state exams. Upon completion, they become fully certified teachers ready to meet the demand across Texas.
“Our goal is simple,” Anderson said. “We want to equip more certified teachers for classrooms across Texas, and we want to do it in a way that works for people’s lives and careers.”
How to get started
Interested candidates can learn more about Wayland’s teacher pathways by scanning the QR codes on program flyers, visiting wbu.edu, or contacting the School of Education directly.
About Wayland Baptist University
Established in 1908, Wayland Baptist University exists to educate students in an academically challenging, learning-focused, and distinctively Christian environment. Wayland operates campuses in Plainview, Lubbock, Amarillo, Wichita Falls and San Antonio, Texas, as well as Arizona, Hawaii, and online.
