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
Can I teach in Texas without certification?
Private schools can choose to hire teachers without Texas certification. Public schools can only hire state-certified teachers.
How long does it take to get a teacher certification in Texas?
Certification length depends on whether teachers hold a bachelor's degree. Exams and applications typically only take a few months to complete.
Can you teach in Texas with an out-of-state license?
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.
How much do teachers make in 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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1
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.
Resources for Teachers
Online Teaching Courses
Student Loan Forgiveness for Teachers
FAQs
What is the fastest way to become a teacher in Texas? ›
What is the fastest way to become a teacher with no degree? Completing an alternative teaching certificate in Texas through Teachers of Tomorrow typically takes most individuals 9-12 months to complete.
What are the requirements to become a teacher in Texas? ›- Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. You must earn a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. ...
- Complete an Educator Preparation Program. ...
- Pass Certification Exams. ...
- Submit a State Application. ...
- Complete Fingerprinting.
The TExES has a passing rate of about 92%. Candidates should keep in mind that each subtest is different and will vary in difficulty. Preparation is the best way to avoid intimidation and achieve success on the TExES Exam.
Can I just take the Texas teacher certification test? ›Typically, you take a TExES content test after earning a degree. You can take the test when: You're enrolled in your certification program. You need permission from your certification program to do this.
How fast can you complete Texas Teachers of tomorrow? ›Completing an alternative teaching certificate in Texas through Teachers of Tomorrow typically takes most individuals 9-12 months to complete. This is because the curriculum for the online certification program happens at your own pace with the support of mentors and an online community.
Do Texas Teachers get paid well? ›As of May 17, 2023, the average annual pay for a Teacher in Texas is $27,715 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $13.32 an hour. This is the equivalent of $532/week or $2,309/month.
Can I teach in Texas without certification? ›Since 1995, Texas law has allowed school districts to issue a school district teaching permit (SDTP) to someone who does not hold a teaching certificate (Texas Education Code §21.055). A teacher employed on a school district teaching permit is not certified by the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC).
How long does Texas teacher certification take? ›To teach in the state of Texas, the certification process can take 4 to 6 months if you have a bachelor's degree. If you do not have a bachelor's degree, your work experience may still qualify you for an educator preparation program in which your timeline to certification would remain the same.
How long does it take to get a teaching license in Texas? ›It takes roughly five years for aspiring teachers in Texas to achieve the certification they need to enter the field. This covers the time it takes for students to earn a traditional bachelor's degree (four years) and complete an educator preparation program (one year).
How many times can you fail a TExES exam? ›Number of Retake Attempts for TExES Exam
Each TExES exam, including the TExES PPR exam, which is a required test for all students, allows for five total attempts. This means that after the initial exam, the student can attempt up to four retakes, for a total of five attempts.
What if I fail the TExES exam? ›
What happens if you fail the TExES exam? If students fail the TExES exam, they are allowed to retake the exam after 30 days. Students are allowed up to 5 total attempts to pass a certification exam.
What happens if you fail the TExES exam 5 times? ›Waiver: If you do not pass an exam within FIVE (5) attempts, you may appeal for a waiver. This is processed through the State Board of Educator Certification (SBEC) for approval. Instructions are on the Texas Education Agency (TEA) website.
How much is the TExES test fee? ›TExES Test Fees
The TExES exam cost for most TExES exams is $116. For test codes 801-809, the fee is $58. Cash and check payments are not accepted.
Each TExES exam costs $116. Depending on your certification, you may need to take more than one exam, so it's important to know that every exam costs $116. Some certification areas require that you take both the $116 exam and a CORE Subject exam for $58.
How many times can you take teacher certification test in Texas? ›Candidates are limited to a total of 5 attempts to pass a certification examination under Texas Education Code §21.048. Beginning September 1, 2018, all attempts of the same examination, no matter when they occurred, will count toward the 5-attempt testing limit regardless of when the examination was first attempted.
What is the 15-minute teacher rule? ›When this situation occurs, students find themselves glancing back and forth at a clock and counting down the minutes until they're “allowed” to leave. The so-called 15-Minute Rule claims that students are allowed to leave class 15 minutes after the start of the period if the teacher doesn't show up.
What is the 15-minute teacher school rule? ›The 15-minute rule is a widespread rumor stating that if a teacher is 15 minutes late to class, students are allowed to leave with no repercussions. Though it's specific origins are unknown, this so-called rule most likely stemmed from the terminology of college students.
Can I get a Texas teaching certificate online? ›Yes, you can get your teachers certificate online! If you want to receive your online teacher certification, you can either have a bachelor's degree, the equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree, or 2-7 years of full-time work experience.
How much do first time teachers make in Texas? ›How much does an Entry Level Teacher make in Texas? The average Entry Level Teacher salary in Texas is $41,902 as of May 01, 2023, but the range typically falls between $34,992 and $51,101.
What is the lowest teacher salary in Texas? ›Percentile | Salary | Location |
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10th Percentile Public School Teacher Salary | $38,031 | TX |
25th Percentile Public School Teacher Salary | $46,367 | TX |
50th Percentile Public School Teacher Salary | $55,523 | TX |
75th Percentile Public School Teacher Salary | $67,713 | TX |
Which city pays teachers the most in Texas? ›
- Mansfield ISD.
- Crowley ISD.
- Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD.
- Lackland ISD.
- Deer Park ISD.
- Grady ISD.
- Draw Academy.
- Academy for Academic Excellence.
According to reporting from Dallas Weekly, the rate at which teachers are leaving their jobs is the biggest problem for the Texas teacher shortage. They report that the state has experienced 8,600 teachers retiring since fiscal year 2021.
How much do subs make in Texas? ›The average salary for a substitute teacher in Texas is $20,500 per year.
What tests are required for Texas teacher certification? ›All teachers in the state of Texas are required to pass the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR) exam to receive a Standard Certificate. Texas Teachers will give you access to the online PPR review coursework, once you begin teaching on the Intern Certificate.
How fast can you become a teacher? ›Becoming a certified teacher usually takes between four to five years. But, if you already hold a bachelor's degree, you could enroll in an accelerated teacher certification program, become licensed in as little as one year (some programs are longer), and start teaching as quickly as possible.
What is a one year teaching certificate in Texas? ›After a credential review, the Texas Education Agency may issue a One-Year teaching certificate, which is non-renewable. During the year the certificate is valid, teachers must complete the Texas teacher certification exams. For additional information on reciprocity refer to the Texas Education Agency website.
How many questions are on the Texas teacher certification Test? ›The TExES PPR test contains 90 questions; 10 of which are field test questions. The remaining 80 questions will count towards your final score.
How much do Texas elementary teachers make? ›The average salary for a elementary school teacher in Texas is $48,500 per year. Elementary school teacher salaries in Texas can vary between $19,500 to $61,000 and depend on various factors, including skills, experience, employer, bonuses, tips, and more.
What skills are needed to be a teacher? ›Some qualities of a good teacher include skills in communication, listening, collaboration, adaptability, empathy and patience. Other characteristics of effective teaching include an engaging classroom presence, value in real-world learning, exchange of best practices and a lifelong love of learning.
What is a passing grade for TExES? ›All TExES exams are scored on a scale of 100-300 points. The minimum score that you need to pass a TExES test is 240 points. (Yes, this passing score is where our name comes from!)
What is a perfect score on the TExES exam? ›
TExES Passing Score
TExES exams are reported on a scaled score from 100-300, with 100 being a 0% and 300 being a perfect score (100%). The TExES passing score for most exams is 240.
The Texas TExES exams are designed to test the competency of aspiring teachers in Texas. Multiple-choice and selected-response questions are the standard in the series; all TExES exams contain these questions.
How do I study for the TExES exam? ›- Review the Preparation Manual (1-3 hours) ...
- Review the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) ...
- Seek Advice. ...
- Study Groups. ...
- Use a Study Manual or Program. ...
- Flash Cards.
It is our commitment to you. The 240 Tutoring Guarantee is if a user scores 90% on our Practice Test at the end of the study guide but fails the exam, then they are eligible for a money-back refund of up to two months of their subscription (see our Terms of Use for full details).
How long should you study for the TExES exam? ›However, a good rule is that you should start prepping for the TExES examination about 8 weeks before you walk into the test center. With an 8 week TExES exam preparation schedule you should review approximately 2 hours each day on a Monday through Friday schedule.
How long does it take to get the results of a TExES test? ›How Long Does It Take to Get TExES Scores? Most exam scores are reported back in 7 days. However, as we detailed above, some exams with constructed-response questions take longer to score and will be reported within 28 days. On the score release date, students will be able to access their scores by 10 pm Central Time.
How many questions are on the TExES? ›The TExES for the PPR (Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities) exam contains 100 multiple-choice questions, 90 of which are scored.
How long before I can retake the TExES exam? ›You must wait 30 days after taking the TExES Core Subjects (211 or 391) or TX PACT Essential Academic Skills (700) exam before you can retake the overall exam or an individual subject exam.
What is the pass rate for TExES 163? ›Scoring: The test scores range from 100 to 300 and the passing score is 240. Pass rate: According to TEA, the passing rate for first time test takers in 2020-2021 was 85%.
How long does TExES certification last? ›If you hold a standard educator certificate you must renew it every five years.
How many questions can you miss on the PPR to pass? ›
How many questions are on the PPR Exam? The Texas PPR exam consists of 90 questions, including 10 field test questions. The questions on the PPR exam are scored a cross a variety of categories and you must receive at least a score of 240 in order to pass it.
How much is the teacher shortage in Texas? ›In Texas, the proportion of annual teacher demand due to prior year attrition from the state workforce is now even higher than the national average; 99.7% of statewide hires in 2021-22 were to replace teachers who left teaching in Texas public schools the year before.
How fast can you finish Texas teachers? ›Time to complete this education training ranges from 7.5 days to 1 year depending on the qualification, with a median time to complete of 3 months. The cost to attend Texas Teachers of Tomorrow ranges from $2,500 to $6,000 depending on the qualification, with a median cost of $4,000.
How long does it take to get Texas teacher certification test results? ›Please allow approximately three weeks for processing. You may submit an online request or submit the request form below through the TEA Help Desk.
How long does it take to become a teacher in Texas? ›How long does it take to become a teacher in Texas? It takes roughly five years for aspiring teachers in Texas to achieve the certification they need to enter the field.
What is the fastest degree to become a teacher? ›An accelerated bachelor's in education, like a traditional four-year education degree, is a great first step toward a career as an educator. Depending on your state's requirements and whether you're interested in teaching at a public or private school, you may be ready to begin teaching at the K-12 level.
How fast can you get a Texas teaching certificate? ›To teach in the state of Texas, the certification process can take 4 to 6 months if you have a bachelor's degree. If you do not have a bachelor's degree, your work experience may still qualify you for an educator preparation program in which your timeline to certification would remain the same.
How long does the Texas Teachers program take? ›Full access to teacher training is provided after you have met all admission requirements and are admitted into the Texas Teachers program. Candidates in our teacher training program engage in a rigorous, research-based curriculum encompassing of 300 hours of professional training.
What is the easiest teacher to become? ›- Math. Math is a subject that is mainly conceptual. ...
- Physical Education. If you're like most people, you probably dreaded having to go to gym class when you were in school. ...
- Art. ...
- Music. ...
- Language Arts. ...
- Science. ...
- Health. ...
- Spelling.
English, math, and science teacher shortages are concentrated at the middle school level, while special education teachers are needed across all grade levels and specializations.
What teaching degree pays the most? ›
Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2021) | Job Growth Rate (2021-2031) |
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1. School Superintendents | $127,310* | N/A |
2. Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals | $98,420 | 5% |
3. Postsecondary Education Administrators | $96,910 | 7% |
4. Postsecondary Teachers | $79,640 | 12% |
There are five requirements to become a certified teacher. Obtain a Bachelor's Degree - You must earn a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Complete an Educator Preparation Program - You must complete an Approved Educator Preparation Program.
Do teachers get paid once a month in Texas? ›Teachers are paid monthly . Twice a month.
What is the total cost of Texas teachers? ›HOW MUCH IS THE TOTAL COST OF THE PROGRAM? The total cost of the program is $4,350*. Your enrollment fee grants you access to your online teacher training to become eligible to teach. Once hired, you will then pay the remaining program balance of $4,350*.