If you’re passionate about education, becoming a teacher in Texas might be the perfect path for you. Texas offers a welcoming environment for aspiring educators like you to embark on a rewarding career.
With a notable teacher shortage, the state’s educational system is actively seeking passionate teachers to fill classrooms and inspire students.
Becoming an educator in Texas involves completing specific requirements. There are many paths, whether you want to transition from another career or you’re just starting out—even if you don’t have a degree yet.
If you are passionate about education, enjoy working with young minds, and want to contribute to society, we’ve got you covered.
This guide will cover everything you need to know about the Texas teacher certification process, alternative routes for certification, and how to meet Texas teaching requirements.
Texas’s Teacher Situation
Texas is on a mission to empower its education system by employing more teachers. Currently, the state has approximately 370,000 teachers.
Here’s why Texas may be a better place to start your teaching career: The starting salary for Texas teachers is $33,600. With dedication and experience, it can grow over 20 years to $54,540.
Additionally, Texas has access to over 120 Texas Education Agency-approved educator preparation programs ranging from traditional routes to alternative certification programs.
Whatever you choose, these programs are your starting point to obtaining licensure and joining the ranks of Texas educators.
Currently, Texas is facing a critical shortage of educators in the following areas:
- Bilingual/English as a second language: As a bilingual/ESL teacher in Texas, you’re responsible for bridging the language gap in students whose primary language is not English. You’ll deliver instructions in both English and a student’s native language, create a culturally inclusive classroom, and plan a curriculum that supports English language development.
- Career and technical education (secondary level only): As a CTE teacher, you’ll prepare students with the skills necessary for immediate entry into the workforce. You develop lesson plans and assignments, instruct students on practical skills and knowledge, and supervise hands-on activities and safe use of equipment.
- Computer science/technology applications: These teachers are at the forefront of driving innovation by teaching students the digital skills required for tomorrow’s challenges. You plan lessons that facilitate the acquisition of computer skills and teach programming, coding, computer graphics, and web design. You also help them understand internet safety and cybersecurity and drive innovation by teaching tomorrow’s digital skills.
- Special education: As a Special Education teacher, you’ll assess students’ abilities and craft individualized teaching plans, adapt learning materials to students’ needs, and monitor special needs students’ progress.
Steps to Become a Teacher in Texas
Different people enjoy different aspects of teaching. You may like the stability and benefits that come with the role, while your colleague values building rewarding relationships with their students.
Let’s look at the steps you need to take to begin teaching in Texas:
1. Obtain a bachelor’s degree
The first step to becoming a teacher in Texas is to earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a 2.5 GPA or higher in your education program.
If you aim to teach at the kindergarten or elementary school level, a general degree in early childhood or elementary education can be sufficient.
For teaching middle or high school students, you need to pursue a bachelor’s degree in the subject you plan to teach.
If you fail to attain the required GPA, or you’re yet to complete at least 12 semester credits in your specific subject area, you must pass the Pre Admissions Content Test (PACT) through the Texas Education Agency to get your teacher certification.
2. Get student teaching experience
Texas requires you to complete 300 clock hours of coursework, training, and 30 hours of field-based experience before leading a classroom.
The state accommodates different learning styles and schedules, so up to 15 of these hours can be obtained through video or virtual experiences.
Most bachelor’s degree programs and all Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs) emphasize this hands-on experience. If you enroll in an EPP, you must complete at least 350 hours of student teaching.
3. Pass required certification tests
You must pass the necessary certification tests for your desired teaching subject, grade level, or specialization.
| Exam Name | Purpose | Applicable Grades |
|---|---|---|
| TExES | Tests subject knowledge & teaching skills | Varies by subject |
| PACT | Pre-Admission test for alternative certification | Grades 4-12 (various subjects) |
| Science of Teaching Reading (STR) | Assesses foundational literacy instruction | Early Childhood-Grade 6, Grades 4-8 |
In Texas, the common exam categories are TExES (Texas Examinations of Educator Standards) and PACT (Pre-Admission Content Test), which assess your knowledge and readiness to teach.
However, if you meet the 2.5 GPA and have completed at least 12 or 15 semester credit hours of coursework, you don’t need to sit for PACT.
The Pre-Admission Content Test (PACT) assesses your knowledge of the subject matter you want to teach and not your teaching skills. It examines the following areas:
- Core Subjects: Early Childhood-Grade 6, Grades 4-8
- Math/Science: Grades 4-8, Grades 7-12
- Social Studies: Grades 4-8, Grades 7-12
- Physical Education: Early Childhood-Grade 12
The TExES (Texas Examinations of Educator Standards) is a series of tests for aspiring teachers in Texas. It evaluates both your content knowledge of the subject you intend to teach and your teaching strategies.
The TExEs cover the following areas:
- Early Childhood: Pre-K through third grade
- English, Language Arts, and Reading: Grades 4-8, Grades 7-12
- Core Subjects with Science of Teaching Reading: Early Childhood-Grade 6, Grades 4-8
- Bilingual Education Supplements: Spanish, American Sign Language Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese.
4. Apply for certification
Once you’ve completed the required steps, your educator preparation program will recommend you for a standard teaching certificate.
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) charges $78 for the standard teacher certification application.
Here’s a quick procedure for applying for your certification:
- Log in to your TEAL account: First, log in to your TEAL (Texas Education Agency Login) account. If you don’t have an account, you can create one on the TEA website and undergo a criminal background check, including fingerprinting. Once logged in, click on “View My Educator Certification Account” to access your ECOS (Educator Certification Online System) account.
- Complete the online application: In your ECOS account, you’ll find the option to complete the appropriate online application for teacher certification. Provide accurate information and follow the instructions carefully. Pay the required application fee.
- Check your certification status: After your application, you can check the status of your certificate through your TEAL account.
- If you are a candidate in a Texas-approved educator preparation program (EPP), go to the “Application/Fee Status” section.
- Confirm that your status has changed from “Applied” to “Recommended.”
- If your status is not “Recommended,” contact your EPP directly to determine when they will provide TEA with the online recommendation for certification.
- If you are a certified teacher applying to add a new classroom certificate area, go to the “View Certificates” tab to see if your certificate has been issued.
- Print your certificate: You can now print your certificate from your ECOS account. Go to the “View Certificates” tab and use Internet Explorer to view and print your certificate correctly. TEA does not issue specific numbers for educator certificates. Your records are maintained in ECOS based on your TEA ID number.
5. Start applying for teaching jobs
Once you’ve completed all the above steps, you can start looking for employment opportunities.
Craft your first CV and highlight your educational background, student teaching experience, and any additional skills or courses that may set you apart.
Remember to include any past experiences or volunteering in your CV to demonstrate your commitment and passion for teaching.
Additionally, keep your CV concise and use strong action verbs to describe your accomplishments and responsibilities. You also want to proofread it carefully to remove any typos and grammatical errors that can create a negative impression.
Career Outlook for Certified Texas Teachers
The teacher shortage in Texas presents a unique opportunity for aspiring educators. There are numerous positions available and waiting to be filled by new educators.
Texas offers higher salaries to attract educators. On average, a public school teacher in Texas earns $56,857 annually. However, salaries can vary widely, ranging from $47,469 to $69,361, depending on experience, education, and location within the state.
For example, if you’re just starting, the entry-level salary is around $33,600 for a 10-month contract—a solid starting point for a career in education.
Some schools offer sign-on bonuses to first-year teachers. If you’re certified in subject areas with shortages, such as special education, math, science, and bilingual education, you may receive higher salaries.
Additionally, you can get a $1,000 stipend if you have a master’s degree. After 3 years of teaching, you’ll be eligible for tenure, which provides job security and the promise of gradual salary increases.
Become a Teacher in Texas
Teaching is a calling to inspire and educate the next generation.
| Pathway | Requirements | Time to Completion |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Route | Bachelor's in Education + Educator Preparation Program (EPP) + Exams | ~4 years |
| Alternative Certification | Bachelor's in any field + Alternative EPP + Exams | 6 months - 1 year |
| No Degree Route | Enroll in an EPP while earning a degree | Varies |
To teach in Texas, you need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution focusing on early childhood, elementary education, or a specific subject for secondary education.
If the traditional route to certification isn’t for you, you can try the alternative teacher certification options to get into the classroom sooner. These programs are designed for individuals who may not have a degree in education but have a degree in another field and a passion for teaching.
At Teachers of Tomorrow, we offer alternative certification teacher certification programs for aspiring educators in Texas. We’ve empowered over 80,000 educators to become certified teachers, making a positive impact in classrooms.
Sign up today and begin your journey to become a certified teacher in Texas.
FAQs
How long does it take to become a teacher in Texas?
It typically takes around four years to become a teacher in Texas. You need to earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school. Additionally, you must complete an Educator Preparation Program (EPP), pass certification exams, and apply for certification12.
However, alternative certification programs take less time.
What are the requirements to teach in Texas?
To teach in Texas, you need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and complete an Approved Educator Preparation Program. You also need to pass the appropriate teacher certification exams, submit a state application for certification, and complete fingerprinting as part of a national criminal background check.
Are teachers in high demand in Texas?
Yes, teachers are in high demand in Texas. The state faces a teacher shortage, particularly in areas like Bilingual/English as a Second Language, Special Education, and STEM subjects. This high demand is expected to continue to grow in the coming years.
