Aspiring teachers in Texas now have the unique opportunity to pursue a teaching career without the traditional requirement of a four-year degree. The alternative certification pathway offers a route for individuals passionate about education who may not have taken the traditional academic route.
Unlike the traditional pathway that mandates a bachelor’s degree in education or a related field, the alternative certification method allows aspiring teachers to enroll in a certification program with proven wage-earning experience or with a bachelor’s degree in any major.
The traditional route provides a theoretical foundation in education. On the other hand, the alternative certification pathway focuses on practical experience and competency-based learning.
The ACP approach offers a flexible route for career changers and those wanting to become teachers later in their careers.
In this guide, we’ll give details of how to embark on this journey and highlight its distinct advantages compared to the traditional teacher certification method.
Career In Technical Education (CTE) Certification for Trade and Industrial (T&I) Teachers
CTE teachers help students develop practical skills in various occupational fields. In most cases, teachers seeking to instruct in CTE programs often have working experience in these fields.
Career and Technical Education (CTE) teachers in Texas follow the standard teacher certification process focusing on the specific subject area they plan to teach.
For Trade and Industry (T&I) occupations, teachers can enroll in an educator preparation program without a degree. However, they need to prove wage-earning experience for the subject area they want to teach in.
Teacher Certification / Subject Areas
The information below is a list of specific CTE or T&I subject areas you can teach with no degree.
For more information regarding these teacher certification areas, please contact Texas Teachers.
- Advertising Design
- Air Conditioning & Refrigeration
- Aircraft Mechanics
- Aircraft Technology
- Audio, Video Technology
- Auto Collision Repair & Refinishing
- Auto Specialization
- Automotive Technician
- Building Trades
- Business Machine Repair
- Cabinetmaking
- Cement Laying & Finishing
- Cleaning and Pressing
- Commercial Photography
- Computer Maintenance Technician
- Computer Programming
- Construction Carpentry
- Culinary Arts
- Diesel Mechanics
- Drafting
- Electrical Trades
- Electronics
- Engineering & Technology
- Floriculture
- Forensic Science
- Fundamentals of Fire Protection
- Graphic Arts
- Health Science Occupations
- Hydraulics & Pneumatics
- ICT for Law Enforcement
- ICT for Petrol-Chemical
- Industrial Electronics
- Industrial Equipment Repair
- Instrumentation
Teacher Certification Requirements (Non-Traditional)
| Rank | State | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | $ 94,600.00 |
| 2 | New York | $ 92,660.00 |
| 3 | Massachusetts | $ 85,360.00 |
| 4 | Washington | $ 85,260.00 |
| 5 | Connecticut | $ 79,530.00 |
| 6 | New Jersey | $ 79,260.00 |
| 7 | Virginia | $ 76,430.00 |
| 8 | Oregon | $ 76,090.00 |
| 9 | Maryland | $ 75,840.00 |
| 10 | Pennsylvania | $ 73,800.00 |
| 11 | Alaska | $ 73,730.00 |
| 12 | Rhode Island | $ 72,270.00 |
| 13 | Illinois | $ 71,690.00 |
| 14 | Ohio | $ 71,180.00 |
| 15 | Georgia | $ 69,430.00 |
| 16 | Delaware | $ 68,780.00 |
| 17 | New Hampshire | $ 65,770.00 |
| 18 | Vermont | $ 64,920.00 |
| 19 | Hawaii | $ 64,880.00 |
| 20 | Utah | $ 64,350.00 |
| 21 | Florida | $ 64,120.00 |
| 22 | Minnesota | $ 63,970.00 |
| 23 | Wyoming | $ 63,820.00 |
| 24 | Nevada | $ 63,370.00 |
| 25 | Nebraska | $ 63,370.00 |
| 26 | Michigan | $ 63,120.00 |
| 27 | Colorado | $ 61,970.00 |
| 28 | Wisconsin | $ 61,440.00 |
| 29 | New Mexico | $ 60,770.00 |
| 30 | Texas | $ 60,470.00 |
| 31 | Iowa | $ 57,890.00 |
| 32 | Maine | $ 57,520.00 |
| 33 | Kentucky | $ 57,300.00 |
| 34 | Kansas | $ 56,320.00 |
| 35 | Tennessee | $ 56,260.00 |
| 36 | South Carolina | $ 56,120.00 |
| 37 | North Dakota | $ 56,090.00 |
| 38 | Oklahoma | $ 55,950.00 |
| 39 | Indiana | $ 55,250.00 |
| 40 | Arizona | $ 55,180.00 |
| 41 | Alabama | $ 54,630.00 |
| 42 | Louisiana | $ 53,950.00 |
| 43 | Idaho | $ 53,820.00 |
| 44 | Montana | $ 53,660.00 |
| 45 | Arkansas | $ 53,570.00 |
| 46 | West Virginia | $ 53,540.00 |
| 47 | North Carolina | $ 52,280.00 |
| 48 | Missouri | $ 48,900.00 |
| 49 | South Dakota | $ 48,620.00 |
| 50 | Mississippi | $ 48,030.00 |
*Occupation must be approved by Texas Teachers and TEA
Occupations
The following are the teaching occupations you can pursue without a degree in Texas.
Health Science Occupations
- Health Science 6-12
- Athletic Trainer, ATC
- Chiropractor, DC
- Dental Hygienist
- Emergency Medical Services,
- Medical Technologist, MT
- Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Optometrist, OD
- Pharmacist
- Physical Therapy Assistant
- Physician, MD
- Psychologist, PhD
- Radiologic Technologist, RT
- Registered Nurse, ADRN or BSN
- Respiratory Therapist, CRT or RRT
- Speech-Language Pathologist,
- Veterinarian
Trade and Industrial Occupations
- Advertising Design
- Air Conditioning & Refrigeration
- Aircraft Mechanics
- Aircraft Technology
- Audio, Video Technology
- Auto Collision Repair & Refinishing
- Auto Specialization
- Automotive Technician
- Building Trades
- Business Machine Repair
- Cabinetmaking
- Cement Laying & Finishing
- Cleaning and Pressing
- Commercial Photography
- Computer Maintenance Technician
- Computer Programming
- Construction Carpentry
Don’t see the occupation you’re interested in on our list? Please contact us to receive information regarding additional qualifying occupations.
Steps to Becoming a Certified Teacher with No Degree in Texas
The traditional teaching career often begins with a bachelor’s degree, however, there is an alternative pathway to get certified in Texas without a degree for those passionate about becoming certified teachers.
Let’s look at the steps next.
1 – Get a bachelor’s degree.
Before you can teach in a public school, you must first earn your bachelor’s degree through the alternative certification program.
In Texas, you can opt for a Bachelor’s Degree in Education or a degree in the subject area you wish to teach.
If you already have a degree in another field other than education, you can enroll in the teacher preparation program without a bachelor’s degree in education or a degree in the area you plan to teach.
2 – Complete an educator preparation program.
If you want to be a certified teacher in Texas without a degree, you must enroll in an approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP).
The program equips aspiring teachers with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the classroom. It covers topics such as pedagogy, classroom management, and teaching methodologies.
The duration depends on your preferred learning pace and includes a combination of coursework and hands-on classroom experience.
3 – Pass certification exams.
Prospective teachers must pass the required certification exams before they’re licensed. These exams evaluate candidates’ knowledge in relevant subject areas and teaching practices.
In Texas, candidates must take specific Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES) exams to demonstrate their proficiency, depending on the intended teaching area.
4 – Submit a state application.
After completing the Educator Preparation Program and passing the certification exams, you must submit an application to the Texas Education Agency (TEA) for teacher certification.
This application includes documentation of degree completion, program participation, and exam scores.
5 – Pass the background check.
As part of the teacher certification process, you must undergo a thorough background check.
This check ensures that individuals entering the teaching profession meet the ethical and professional standards set by the state.
You will undergo fingerprinting, criminal history overview, and misconduct review to ensure that students can be safe around you. If you pass, you will be awarded a teaching license by the Texas Education Agency.
Teaching Occupations: Salary and Job Outlook
Teaching jobs in Texas are in high demand due to the increase in student population and the need for smaller class sizes. This presents aspiring educators with promising career opportunities and a chance to make a meaningful impact in education.
The average salary for a Public School Teacher in Texas is $56,412. However, the figure can vary significantly based on years of experience, school district, and level of education.
Different cities and school districts may offer different compensation packages, and teachers with specialized certifications or advanced degrees often command higher salaries. The salary ranges typically fall between $47,104 and $68,804.
According to the Texas Workforce Commission, the demand for educators in the state is anticipated to surge by an impressive 11%. This growth rate outpaces the national average, which stands at 4% growth expected nationwide by 2028.
Texas is committed to maintaining strong and effective education systems. This makes it an excellent opportunity for individuals considering a career in education.
You Can Make a Difference
According to experienced teachers, the sense of fulfillment derived from making a positive impact on students’ lives is one of the most rewarding aspects of a teaching career.
Teachers nurture intellectual and personal growth by inspiring, motivating, and imparting knowledge to their students.
They help students develop critical thinking skills, creativity, and a love for learning. The positive influence of a dedicated teacher has a lasting impact on a student’s future.
Besides that, being a teacher has numerous other benefits:
- Building a responsible society: Teachers prepare students to become informed and responsible citizens. Through education, they equip students with the skills to contribute positively to their communities.
- Vacation and off days: A teaching career comes with the advantage of scheduled breaks like summer vacations, winter holidays, and spring breaks. During these periods, teachers rest, rejuvenate, and attend to personal and professional development matters.
- Retirement plans: Once you’re licensed to teach in the public school system, you’re enrolled into a retirement plan as part of your benefits package.
- Job Stability: Teaching jobs provide educators with a secure career path that assures them of long-term financial security.
- Professional development opportunities: A teaching career offers endless career advancement opportunities through continuous professional development. Educators can attend workshops and conferences and pursue advanced degrees to enhance their teaching skills and move up the career ladder.
- Supportive relationships: Teachers have the chance to build lasting relationships with students, colleagues, and parents. Such connections contribute to a supportive and work environment.
- Fun work environment: Teaching involves a variety of tasks that bring new challenges and opportunities for creativity daily. For instance, developing lesson plans, engaging with different students, and outdoor educational activities.
Our online teacher preparation program is proven to help you feel confident as a first-time teacher. Once you’re licensed, we will provide mentorship throughout your first year in the classroom.
Meet the Requirements! Apply for Free Today
Complete our free and easy online application. A Program Advisor will be in touch to discuss your personalized path to earn your teaching certification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Choose Teachers of Tomorrow for Your Teachers Certification?
Teachers of Tomorrow offers a supportive path to teacher certification, providing programs with a focus on practical skills.
With a commitment to flexibility, affordability, and district partnerships, Teachers of Tomorrow is an accessible and innovative choice for aspiring educators.
What is the fastest way to become a teacher with no degree?
The fastest way to become a teacher without a degree is to become a Career in Technical Education (CTE) teacher.
In Texas, CTE covers many areas that we’ve mentioned above. For example, criminal justice, veterinarian, culinary arts, fire technology, and more.
Can you become a teacher without a bachelor’s degree in Texas?
You can become a teacher without a bachelor’s degree in Texas. The alternative pathway involves:
- Completing an approved Educator Preparation Program
- Passing certification exams
- Passing a background check
Can you become a teacher with an associate’s degree?
Generally, a bachelor’s degree is the minimum educational requirement for teacher certification. However, in an alternative certification program, you can be enrolled with an associate’s degree.
Do Substitute, Emergency, or Non-Profit teachers need a teacher’s degree?
In Texas, substitute teachers need a high school diploma or its equivalent. They are not required to have a traditional teaching degree.
Emergency certification in Texas is also referred to as “probationary,” and it is available for certain individuals who do not meet the standard certification requirements. For instance, individuals with a bachelor’s degree but not in education.
The probationary certificate is valid for one year and is non-renewable.
For non-profit teachers, it all depends on the organization and the nature of the teaching role. Non-profit organizations have different requirements for their teaching positions.
Can I get a Texas teaching certificate online?
Alternative certification programs and online teacher preparation programs allow individuals with a bachelor’s degree to complete the required coursework and training to become certified teachers.
Many universities also offer online teacher preparation programs that allow individuals to complete coursework and training requirements remotely. However, ensure that the online program you choose is accredited by the Texas Education Agency.
Can you teach in Texas while getting certified?
In an alternative certification program such as Teachers of Tomorrow, you can teach while working to obtain your teaching certification.
The state of Texas allows prospective teachers with a bachelor’s degree to teach in a classroom while completing the coursework and training to earn their teaching certification
