The State of Texas is facing a major educational challenge—a growing shortage of qualified teachers. Whether you are a recent college graduate, a mid-career changer, a teacher from another state/country, or someone who does not yet have a college degree, the information below outlines how to become a teacher in Texas.
What are the basic requirements for becoming a teacher in Texas?
You must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Texas institutions do not offer a degree in education. Every teacher must have an academic major, as well as teacher training courses. The only exemption from the degree requirement is for individuals seeking Career and Technology certification to teach certain courses, such as welding or computer-aided drafting.
You must complete teacher training through an approved program. These programs are offered through colleges and universities, school districts, regional service centers, community colleges, and other entities.
You must successfully complete the appropriate teacher certification tests for the subject and grade level you wish to teach. For a list of the certification tests and information on which tests are required, click here.
A teacher who holds an appropriate Texas classroom teaching certificate and a bachelor’s degree may add classroom certification areas by successfully completing the appropriate certification examination(s) for the area(s) sought.
Certification by examination is not available for:
– Initial certification
– Career and technology certification based on skill and work experience
– A class of certificate other than classroom teacher (e.g. School Counselor, Principal, Superintendent, Learning Resources/School, Librarian, Educational Diagnostician)
– A certificate for which no certification examination has been developed
The first step toward additional certification by examination is passing an appropriate subject matter test. To access the appropriate websites for test registration, click here.
To apply online for additional certification based on examination after you have passed a test, click here.
Whom may I contact for additional information?
You may contact the SBEC Information and Support Center toll free at 1 (888) 863-5880 or by e-mail. Or you can contact a teacher training program or school district in your area.