The LEAP Program: Leading Educators through Accelerated Pathways at Wiley University is a flexible, accelerated bachelor’s degree program designed for working adults, paraprofessionals, instructional aides, transfer students, associate degree holders, and individuals with prior college credit who are ready to complete their first bachelor’s degree and pursue Texas teacher certification.
LEAP combines hybrid coursework, accelerated terms, year-round scheduling, and required clinical experiences in TEA-approved Texas schools to prepare future educators for meaningful service in the classroom.
Program Overview
The LEAP Program is a bachelor’s degree program that leads to Texas teacher certification preparation. Designed specifically for working adults, paraprofessionals, and individuals with interrupted educational journeys, LEAP provides an accelerated pathway toward earning a first bachelor’s degree while completing professional educator preparation requirements.
LEAP is not an alternative certification program or a post-baccalaureate pathway. It is a comprehensive bachelor’s degree program that combines general education, content knowledge, professional educator preparation, and clinical teaching requirements, leading to a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and eligibility for Texas teacher certification.
Program Highlights
Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education
120 total credit hours
Hybrid delivery format
Online coursework with required in-person clinics and clinical experiences
Year-round scheduling designed for working adults
Six accelerated five-week terms
6–9 credit hours per term
Required 16-week clinical semester
490 hours of field-based teaching and clinical experience
Preparation for Texas teacher certification
Designed for paraprofessionals, instructional aides, transfer students, associate degree holders, and adult learners
Admission Pathways
Standard LEAP
The Standard LEAP pathway is designed for students with a minimum of 24 transferable college credit hours.
LEAP Accelerate
The LEAP Accelerate pathway is designed for students with 60 or more transferable college credit hours or an associate degree.
Admission Requirements
Students interested in the LEAP Program must meet Wiley University admission requirements and applicable educator preparation program requirements.
Admission requirements include:
Minimum overall GPA of 2.5
Minimum Wiley University GPA of 2.75
Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions
Transfer credit evaluation
Criminal background check
Admission essay
Standard LEAP: minimum of 24 transferable college credit hours
LEAP Accelerate: 60 or more transferable college credit hours or an associate degree
Additional requirements may apply based on certification area, transfer credit evaluation, and clinical placement eligibility.
Program Structure
LEAP uses an accelerated, year-round structure designed to help adult learners make steady progress toward degree completion and certification preparation.
The program structure includes:
Six accelerated five-week terms
A required 16-week clinical semester
6–9 credit hours per term
Online coursework
Required in-person clinics
Clinical teaching in TEA-approved Texas schools
Credit distribution includes:
General Education: 42 credit hours
Educator Preparation Coursework: 48 credit hours
Content/Subject Matter: 30 credit hours
Certification Pathways
LEAP graduates earn a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and may be eligible for Texas teacher certification pathways, including:
EC–6 Elementary Education serves as the primary pathway. Additional certification areas may require supplementary coursework or additional content-area hours.
Clinical Teaching Requirement
All LEAP students must complete 490 hours of supervised clinical teaching and field-based experience in a TEA-approved Texas school.
This requirement cannot be waived or substituted with prior learning credits. Out-of-state students may be welcome; however, clinical requirements must be completed in a TEA-accredited Texas school system.
Built-In Off-Ramp Pathways
LEAP is designed to help students continue moving forward, even if their pathway changes. Candidates who begin LEAP but choose not to complete the certification track may still have opportunities to leave with a meaningful credential.
Possible off-ramp pathways include:
B.A. or B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies
Child Development Associate credential
Fitness Trainer Certification
These options help reduce the risk of starting the journey and support students in continuing their academic and professional progress.
The Wiley University Difference
At Wiley University, LEAP reflects the institution’s commitment to access, service, leadership, and community impact. As a historically Black college and university with a legacy of preparing scholars, leaders, and changemakers, Wiley University is creating pathways for adult learners to complete their education and serve the next generation of students.
LEAP supports Wiley University’s mission by helping adult learners transform prior experience, classroom commitment, and community service into a pathway toward degree completion and educator preparation.
Cost and Financial Aid
Students are encouraged to review current tuition, fees, and financial aid options when considering the LEAP Program.
For information about tuition, fees, and financial aid, please visit the Office of Financial Aid or contact Wiley University for assistance.
LEAP Candidate Handbook
Students should review the LEAP Candidate Handbook for detailed information about admission requirements, track selection criteria, clinical placement policies, certification milestones, program expectations, and student responsibilities.
LEAP Candidate Handbook
[Insert Handbook Link]
Regulatory Compliance
The LEAP Program is approved by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) under 19 TAC §228.
The program complies with Texas Education Agency Administrative Code requirements, including applicable standards under 19 TAC 227, 228, 229, and 230.
Supply and Demand Information
The LEAP Program helps address teacher workforce needs in Texas, including shortages in areas such as elementary education, science, social studies, and health education.
LEAP is designed to support the preparation of qualified educators, including paraprofessionals, instructional aides, and adult learners who are ready to move into certified teaching roles.
Program Performance Data
The following program performance data is provided in accordance with Texas Education Agency public information requirements:
80% of applicants admitted
40% of candidates completing the program
55% passing TExES PPR exams
56% passing TExES content exams
66% employed as teachers within 12 months
Formal Complaints Procedure
Students and candidates may submit formal complaints through Wiley University’s established complaint process.
Complaints should include the student’s name, contact information, program of study, a description of the concern, and any supporting documentation.
Formal complaints may be submitted at https://www.wileyc.edu/about/wildcat-report-it
Students may also access the Texas Education Agency Educator Preparation Program complaints process at:
https://www.complaints.tea.texas.gov/en-US/
Contact Us
Program Contact
Prof. Marsanell D. Butler, M.Ed.
Director of Educator Preparation Programs
Email: mbutler@wileyc.edu
Phone: (903) 927-3300
Office: Thirkield Hall, Room 202
Graduate and Online Programs Contact
Dr. Brandon Lacey
Dean of Graduate Programs and Online Studies
Email: blacey@wileyc.edu
Phone: (903) 923-1657
Admissions Contact
Email: admissions@wileyc.edu
Phone: (903) 927-3311
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