{"id":46455,"date":"2024-07-13T12:52:54","date_gmt":"2024-07-13T17:52:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/?p=46455"},"modified":"2025-03-09T17:46:38","modified_gmt":"2025-03-09T22:46:38","slug":"how-to-become-a-teacher-in-texas-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/blog\/insights\/how-to-become-a-teacher-in-texas-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Become a Teacher in Texas – What to Know in 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"
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.<\/span><\/p>\n With a notable teacher shortage, the state’s educational system is actively seeking passionate teachers to fill classrooms and inspire students.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Becoming an educator in Texas<\/span><\/a> involves completing specific requirements. There are many paths, whether you want to transition from another career or you’re just starting out\u2014even if you don’t have a degree yet.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If you are passionate about education, enjoy working with young minds, and want to contribute to society, we’ve got you covered.<\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/span><\/p>\n Texas is on a mission to empower its education system by employing more teachers. Currently, the state has approximately <\/span>370,000 teachers<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n Here’s why Texas may be a better place to start your teaching career: The starting salary for Texas teachers is <\/a><\/span>$33,600<\/span>. With dedication and experience, it can grow over 20 years to $54,540.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Additionally, Texas has access to over <\/span>120 Texas Education Agency-approved educator preparation programs<\/span><\/a> ranging from traditional routes to alternative certification programs.<\/span><\/p>\n Whatever you choose, these programs are your starting point to obtaining licensure and joining the ranks of Texas educators.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Currently, Texas is facing a critical shortage of educators in the following areas:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/span><\/p>\n Let\u2019s look at the steps you need to take to begin teaching in Texas:<\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/span><\/p>\n If you aim to teach at the kindergarten or elementary school level, a general degree in early childhood or elementary education can be sufficient.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n For teaching middle or high school students, you need to pursue a bachelor’s degree in the subject you plan to teach.<\/span><\/p>\n 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 <\/span>Pre Admissions Content Test<\/span><\/a> (PACT) through the Texas Education Agency to get your teacher certification.<\/span><\/p>\n Texas requires you to complete 300 clock hours of coursework, training, and\u00a0 30 hours of <\/span>field-based experience<\/span><\/a> before leading a classroom.<\/span><\/p>\n The state accommodates different learning styles and schedules, so up to 15 of these hours can be obtained through video or virtual experiences.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/span><\/p>\n You must pass the necessary certification tests for your desired teaching subject, grade level, or specialization.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n<\/p>\n
Texas\u2019s Teacher Situation<\/b><\/h2>\n
\n
Steps to Become a Teacher in Texas<\/b><\/h2>\n
1. Obtain a bachelor\u2019s degree<\/b><\/h3>\n
2. Get student teaching experience<\/b><\/h3>\n
3. Pass required certification tests<\/b><\/h3>\n