During Phase II of the program to qualify for a standard certificate, interns must receive a positive principal recommendation.  


An intern's principal is emailed 40 days prior to their certificate expiring (during the active school year) up to 5 times.  


Every 10 days another email is sent to the principal requesting their recommendation until it is received.  

  • It is important to verify the principal's email address with the intern by checking the notes for the last principal recommendation email.  

  • If the email address is incorrect, collect the correct email address from the intern and email our Certification department to notify them of the change.  See Whom to Reach Out To



Principals are given 3 options when we email them for their recommendation. 

  1. Option A: Certify
  2. Option B: Extend
  3. Option C: Do Not Certify 


An intern must receive Option A: Certify, to qualify for a standard certificate.  


If an intern receives Option B: Extend, See Principal Extensions


If an intern receives Option C: Do not Certify, this will end their teaching career.  It will not allow the intern to continue to teach here in Texas, and we will discharge them from the program.  Only the principal can reverse or change their recommendation.