HOUSTON – [Sept. 30, 2025] – Rice University’s Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Studies has launched a new EC-3 alternative teacher certification program to prepare the next generation of early childhood educators in Houston. The program equips candidates to teach children from prekindergarten through third grade, a critical developmental period for literacy and learning.
The 15-month program combines rigorous coursework with hands-on experience. Candidates complete 315 hours of professional education coursework, 50 hours of classroom observation and serve as full-time, salaried teachers of record in Houston-area schools. With small class sizes (6-1 ratio), faculty mentorship and robust field support, participants graduate ready to impact classrooms immediately.
“By equipping passionate individuals with the skills and confidence to create engaging, developmentally appropriate classroom environments, we are directly addressing Houston’s critical need for highly skilled early childhood educators,” said Brenda Rangel, assistant dean for the school’s Center for Education. “This program is more than a pathway to certification — it’s an investment in the future of our city’s youngest learners.”
Research underscores the importance of early literacy. A landmark Annie E. Casey Foundation study found that children not reading proficiently by third grade are four times more likely to drop out of high school. A 2024 Rice study further showed that students who attended pre-K in Houston were better prepared for kindergarten and less likely to be chronically absent. The new certification program ensures educators are prepared to meet these critical benchmarks.
Program highlights include:
- Comprehensive certification: EC-3 credential to teach pre-K through third grade in Texas.
- Proven success: Near 100% pass rate on state TExES exams; 100% program-to-hire placement.
- Hands-on preparation: Full-time teaching placement with personalized coaching.
- Expert instruction: Courses cover child development, early reading, STEAM, ELAR, social studies, diverse learners and instructional methods.
- Careerlong support: Access to Rice’s School Literacy and Culture programming and alumni educator network.
- Scholarship opportunities: Tuition reductions for founding cohort members and additional scholarships for qualifying candidates.
The program builds on the Glasscock School’s more than 50-year legacy of educator preparation, which includes its Master of Arts in teaching, principal certification and long-running School Literacy and Culture program.
This initiative is supported by Houston Endowment Inc., whose commitment to educational excellence in the region makes it possible to prepare more highly qualified teachers for Houston classrooms.
“Every child deserves a strong start with a teacher who knows how to nurture their learning and support their growth,” said August Hamilton, program director at Houston Endowment. “We’re supporting Rice University’s EC-3 certification program because it creates a practical path into the classroom for people who want to serve their communities, and it helps school districts hire and keep great early childhood educators.
“These future teachers will be trained not just in what to teach but how to meet young children where they are, with respect, compassion and a deep understanding of early literacy and child development.”
Applications, due Dec. 10 to begin in spring 2026, are now open to aspiring educators with a bachelor’s degree and a minimum 2.75 GPA.
Learn more and apply at education.rice.edu.