Sharon Fikes
Founder and Educator
Helped establish an early Texas alternative certification program and founded ECAP with Carroll Fikes in 2001
WHY ECAP
A clearer path to teaching starts with people who know the classroom.
Since 2001, ECAP has helped aspiring Texas teachers understand their options, prepare for the classroom, and move through certification with experienced educators by their side.
Founded in 2001Texas educatorsSupport through internship
Your next chapter starts with a plan.
MEET THE PEOPLE
Experienced educators behind your next step.
ECAP’s team brings experience in teacher training, curriculum, testing, compliance, and day-to-day candidate support.
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Micah Fikes
Educator and Program Leader
Facilitates daily operations and manages the ECAP business office
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Scott Fikes
Educator, Certification Officer and Program Leader
Helps the ECAP team navigate the details of certification and candidate questions
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Rachel Fikes
Educator, Compliance Officer and Social Media Director
Supports program compliance and the requirements candidates must meet
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Leslie Natarelli
Educator and Operations Manager
Keeps the ECAP office running by handling everything from program enrollment through final certification
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Danielle Oakley
Educator and Director of Curriculum and Training
Specializes in curriculum and training design, and individualized test preparation for all candidates
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Amanda Castan
Testing Coordinator
Facilitates test preparation and guides candidates through a successful testing experience
OUR STORY
Built by educators to prepare educators.
In 1988, Sharon Fikes helped open and direct one of Texas’s first alternative certification programs. She and Carroll Fikes founded ECAP in 2001 as a privately owned teacher certification program. That experience shaped a practical approach: listen to each candidate, explain the requirements, and prepare teachers for the work they will do in a real classroom.
The best certification plan begins with understanding where you are starting.
SUPPORT AT EVERY STAGE
You’ll know what happens next—and who can help.
From your first questions through your classroom internship, ECAP helps you move forward with guidance that fits the stage you are in.
Before you enroll
A consultant reviews your background, helps identify certification options, and explains the records and requirements you need.
As you prepare
Complete initial training, prepare for required exams, and get guidance as you work toward eligibility for a teaching position.
When you get hired
An experienced teacher advisor visits your classroom, observes your teaching, and offers practical feedback throughout the supervised internship.
WHAT MAKES ECAP DIFFERENT
A program that sees the person behind the application.
There is no single starting point for becoming a teacher. ECAP helps you understand the route that applies to your education, experience, and goals.
A plan for your background
Your degree can be in any major. Certain career and technical education fields may also recognize qualifying industry experience.
Training with classroom purpose
Preparation focuses on what you need to know and practice before leading a classroom.
People who stay with you
Talk with ECAP consultants during evaluation and an assigned advisor during your internship.
Transparent next steps
Understand application, training, testing, employment, and fees before you decide to enroll.
STRAIGHT ANSWERS
You can explore your options before you commit.
Applying to ECAP is free. Tell us about your background, submit your records, and let an educator help you understand your next steps. Training and internship fees follow the stages of the program; review the pricing page for current details.
Your future classroom starts with one free application.
Tell us where you are starting. ECAP will review your background and help you understand the path ahead.
Same mission. A stronger Texas.