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To become a teacher in Texas, aspiring educators first need a bachelor's degree. They must complete an approved educator program and pass certification exams. They can then submit an application to the state. Some teachers complete an approved education program during their bachelor's program. Others attend an alternative certificate program or post-bachelor's program.
Prospective educators do not need state certification to start a teaching career in Texas private schools. For example, teachers at private religious schools may or may not be certified by Texas.
This page explains how to become a teacher in Texas. Read on to learn about certification steps and continuing education requirements. The last section features helpful resources for teachers.
Questions About Teaching in Texas
Private schools can choose to hire teachers without Texas certification. Public schools can only hire state-certified teachers.
Certification length depends on whether teachers hold a bachelor's degree. Exams and applications typically only take a few months to complete.
Texas welcomes out-of-state teachers, but they must apply for reciprocity. Educators have a one-year grace period to get formal certification from Texas.
Public school teachers in Texas earn a median $59,670 annually, according to Salary.com. Teachers' experience level and school district influence pay.
What Are the Requirements to Become a Certified Teacher in Texas?
Becoming a teacher in Texas public schools requires obtaining licensure. Teachers who plan to move from Texas may need to apply for a license in their new state. Licensure requirements vary by state. The information below pertains specifically to Texas teaching requirements.
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Bachelor's Degree
Teachers need a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution to become a teacher in Texas. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board must approve the accrediting agency. Accreditation proves that the school operates under a standard shared by other institutions and that enrollees gain the skills to enter their respective fields. Students do not need an education-related bachelor's degree to start a teaching career in Texas.
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Educator-Preparation Program
Educator-preparation programs (EPPs) prepare students to take their certification exams to become a teacher in Texas. Some bachelor's programs build EPPs into their curriculum. Students who did not earn a bachelor's degree in education can complete an EPP after graduation.
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Certification Exam
In Texas, teachers must pass a certification exam in the type of teaching they hope to pursue. For example, aspiring educators who want to teach third grade must take a certification exam covering core subjects from early childhood through grade six. Applicants cannot fail the exam more than four times. Prospective teachers can register for the exam through the Texas Education Agency (TEA).
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State Application
After passing the exam, aspiring teachers must submit a state application to become a teacher in Texas. They can do so by using the state's Educator Certification Online System. Applicants should confirm their eligibility before submitting the application.
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Background Check
All first-time applicants must undergo a criminal background check and fingerprinting. The TEA can provide a preliminary criminal history evaluation for a non-refundable fee. This option may prove helpful for those who are unsure how their backgrounds might impact their eligibility.
Alternative Certification for Aspiring Teachers in Texas
Alternative certification programs (ACPs) typically enroll students who are changing careers or those with a bachelor's degree in a subject other than education. The section below lists the steps to complete an ACP in Texas.
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Choose a Subject and Grade Level to Teach
Prospective educators should consider the subject and grade level they want to teach. The answers determine which program they complete and which certification they need. Some EPPs can help teachers pick their path.
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Select an Alternative Certification Program
Students can typically complete an ACP in 12 months. They can search for alternative programs on the TEA's website. ACPs let students teach in classrooms or intern in schools, sometimes for pay.
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Meet With an Advisor
An advisor from the ACP of an applicant's choice can meet with prospective educators to discuss application requirements. These typically include GPA, basic skills, and demonstration of content knowledge.
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Get a Teaching Assignment
Once a prospective teacher has gained admission to an ACP, they will receive a statement of eligibility. They must then find a teaching assignment. Some ACPs help place aspiring teachers at a school. At the school, candidates work alongside a mentor.
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Apply for a Probationary Certificate
In order to complete a teaching internship, ACP students must apply for a probationary certificate through the state. The certificate remains valid for one year. Prospective teachers must apply online, pay the application fee, and undergo a criminal background check.
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Complete Requirements for Standard Certificate
In order to apply for a standard certificate, prospective teachers must complete their ACP training and internship. They must also take the certification exam. Aspiring educators must complete these requirements within the year their probationary certificate is valid to become a teacher in Texas.
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Apply for Your Standard Certificate
After completing the requirements, prospective teachers can apply for their standard certificate online. Their ACP program will recommend them to the state. Aspiring educators undergo the same standard certificate application process as any other applicant in order to begin their teaching career in Texas.
Texas Out-of-State Teacher Certification
Educators with a license to teach in other states can obtain certification to teach in Texas without starting from scratch. The National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification facilitates the interstate agreement, which allows teachers to more easily obtain licensure when they cross state lines. This teacher license reciprocity applies to 50 states and Canadian provinces.
Out-of-state teachers must apply with their TEA login (TEAL) and include copies of their state's standard certificates and official transcripts. If approved, they receive a one-year certificate that lets them teach while they finalize their Texas certifications. Some teachers opt out of Texas' certification tests based on their credentials.
Continuing Education Requirements for Teachers in Texas
Teachers must renew their standard certificates every five years. In order to renew, educators must show they have completed 150 hours of continuing professional education (CPE). Teachers with an administrative or student services certificate must complete 200 CPE hours. Teachers can renew online through the TEAL system.
CPE must relate to the teacher's certification area. Of the 150 hours, teachers must dedicate a certain amount of hours to specific CPE areas. Some examples include digital teaching and educating diverse student populations. Acceptable CPE activities include workshops, institutes, and independent study. Taking graduate-level classes also counts toward CPE hours.
Texas Teaching Shortages
As of the 2020-21 school year, TEA submitted the following shortage areas to the U.S. Department of Education:
- Bilingual/English as a Second Language – elementary and secondary levels
- Special education – elementary and secondary levels
- Career and technical education – secondary levels
- Technology applications and computer science – elementary and secondary levels
- Mathematics – secondary levels
Schools and school districts can use these shortage areas to recruit and hire certified teachers in these subjects. The Texas Workforce Commission projects that demand for teachers in Texas will increase 11% from 2018-2028. Comparatively, demand for teachers is projected to grow 4% nationally.