If teaching in the Lone Star State is your goal, then you can start by earning a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. You will also need to attend an approved teacher preparation program and pass any assessment exams as required. An alternative route to certification is available in certain schools whereby a prospective teacher with a Bachelor’s degree who has not attended a teacher preparation program can work with the school under a mentor and may require professional development activities or college coursework.

To obtain your certification with a teacher preparation program under your belt, you will also need to submit passing scores to the appropriate Texas-specific assessment tests and submit your fingerprints for a criminal background check. Texas requires all applicants, no matter which route to certification you choose, to apply online for their certification. Once approved, you will receive a Standard Certificate which is valid for five years.

Upon receiving your certification, you will want to find a teaching position in Texas. Houston Independent School District is the largest district in Texas and the seventh largest in the nation. HISD is well known for the high quality of both its bilingual education and its numerous magnet schools available at every grade level. Dallas Independent School District offers a diverse population with a focus on innovative programs to ensure student success. DISD has a uniform policy in all elementary and middle schools. San Antonio is covered by 17 different school districts in a city with access to numerous colleges, universities, and medical schools. This area celebrates its diversity amidst plenty of opportunities for education. Austin Independent School District offers several quality neighborhood schools in addition to magnet, charter, and focus academies. This district enjoys the benefits of the University of Texas and the state capital for resources to which other communities may not have ready access.

After teaching with your Standard Certificate for five years, you will need to renew it. In order to do so, you will need to successfully complete a criminal history review, not be in arrears for a student loan or child support, and complete 150 clock hours of Continuing Professional Education.