How to become a teacher in Texas is very similar to how to become a teacher in other states. The exact things you need to become a certified teacher in Texas will depend on your backgrounds, such as your previous education and any teaching experience that is relevant.
But if you have never taught before and want to become a certified teacher for the first time, this guide will give you an idea of what you need to do.
How to Become a Teacher in Texas – A Guide
Texas, like every other state, has its own requirements for people who want to become teachers. Some of these are the same as in other states, but others are only found in this one.
To become a teacher in Texas, you have to get a certain amount of education and training and pass a state test and background check.
In order to teach in Texas, prospective teachers must first get a bachelor’s degree. They must pass certification exams and complete an approved educator program.
After that, they can apply to the state. During their bachelor’s degree programs, some teachers finish an approved education program. Others enroll in a post-program bachelors or an alternate certificate program.
For prospective teachers to begin a career as teachers in Texas private schools, no state certification is required. For instance, Texas may or may not accredit teachers at private religious institutions. The requirements to become a teacher in Texas are discussed below.
1. Decide the Students You Want To Teach
To teach a certain subject or children who are in a particular set of grades, you must be certified, according to the Texas Education Agency.
Since each certification region has its own set of exams that you must pass in order to teach in the state, having a teaching credential in Texas is crucial. You can have a few different certification alternatives to select from, depending on the grades you want to teach.
For instance, you may obtain a certification for Pre-K through 6th grade or a certification for 4th through 8th grade if you wanted to apply for teaching positions that involved dealing with fourth graders.
Your decision will depend on whether you want to teach elementary school students or students more in the middle school years.
Furthermore, keep in mind that you can further your study and earn more endorsement credentials as your career progresses. Start straight away with the certification that covers the grade levels and, if necessary, the subject areas you desire to teach.
2. Do well on certification tests
You’ll need to ace the relevant teacher topic examinations, as was already explained. To ensure you take the appropriate certification examinations and understand how to prepare for them, it is best to engage with your program.
Before taking a mock content exam at ECAP, 40 hours of training are required. We advise our interns to focus on the areas where their practice exam results show they still need more practice in order to reach a score of 270.
You can take your content examinations if you receive a score of 270 from ECAP. Although you are not restricted to a single content area, you must take and pass one content exam in order to receive your intern or probationary credential.
If you take more than one curriculum exam, elementary, middle, or high school principals may find you more appealing when hiring. These exams assess your knowledge of the subject you want to teach as well as your readiness and teaching abilities.
3. Finish your Program Requirements and Take PPR
The purpose of the Texas Examinations of Educator Standards Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities is to determine whether test takers possess the knowledge and abilities necessary for an entry-level educator in this field in Texas public schools,
While your intern certificate enables you to complete the necessary internship, in order to obtain your regular certification to teach, you MUST pass the PPR. The main focus of the exam is on your ability to:
- Create lessons that encourage student learning
- Make the classroom a positive, productive space.
- Implement efficient, receptive training and evaluation
- Fulfill your obligations as a professional
The PPR can be passed with success if you are prepared. The top training programs will get you ready for the PPR by including exam preparation in their core curriculum rather than charging extra for it.
4. Apply For Your License
Following completion of the aforementioned prerequisites, you will then submit an application for a Texas teaching certificate.
Before applying, it’s a good idea to check with your acquiring a teaching certificate in Texas preparatory program to make sure all qualifying requirements have been satisfied.
You must create a Texas Education Agency Login (TEAL) account in order to apply. By doing so, you will have access to your profile in the Educator Certification Online System (ECOS).
Important information: Ensure that your first and last names exactly match those on your Texas driver’s license or state ID card. Your name on your identification must match the name on your educator certification profile in order to register for a test with a vendor.
Visit the TEA’s Educator Certification Online System page for further details on setting up an account and applying for your Texas teaching certificate.
Summary
A satisfying occupation that allows you to directly influence a student’s life is teaching. However, numerous school districts throughout the state report teacher shortages every year and are in need of instructors who are enthusiastic about teaching.
Texas provides four routes that can get you started on your path to earning a teaching credential, regardless of whether you have a bachelor’s degree or not.
No matter where you are in your profession or life, you can become a teacher by combining the aforementioned methods.
