"Becoming a teacher in Texas is a process that will differ from person to person, depending upon many variables. In this website, we try to describe the main Routes to Certification and encourage you to contact our office for more information on your specific situation."
If you have completed a bachelor's degree, but have never held a standard teaching certificate:
You will need to complete a state approved Texas teacher certification program. This can be accomplished by participation in any of the types of programs listed below:
- Alternative Teacher Certification Programs (ACP) ... learn more
- Post Baccalaureate Programs ... learn more
- Master's and Certification Programs ... learn more
If you do not yet hold a bachelor's degree:
You will need to complete a Bachelor's degree in order to become a teacher. You may wish to complete the degree and teacher certification together in a college of education at a Texas university or college. Or you may choose to complete a degree and then achieve the certification later through a university post-baccalaureate or masters program or through an alternative certification program. Learn more...
If you currently hold or previously held a standard out-of-state or out-of-country teacher certification
(Reciprocity Process):
You may be eligible for the reciprocity process that Texas extends to certificate holders from other states or foreign countries. The reciprocity process is under the control of the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC). Individuals with a standard (unconditional) certificate initiate the process by going on-line to the SBEC website (see below) and registering. You will submit your certificate and transcripts to SBEC for Review of Credentials. If approved, SBEC will issue a One-Year Certificate in the same subject or teaching field as your out-of-state credential. You are then given one year in which to take the Texas certification examinations required for the teaching certificate. While you hold the One-Year Certificate, you may be hired and teach in Texas, just like any other certified teacher. Learn more...
To initiate the process on-line, go to the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) website.
Other Routes to Certification:
Vocational Certification Procedures:
Many servicemembers leave the military with advanced technical skills in areas where the public schools offer vocational education to their students. The process for certification in a vocational area is very different from standard subject area certification and can sometimes be accomplished even without a bachelor's degree. ... learn more
Texas Approved Teacher Certification Subject Areas:
Teacher certifications in Texas, as established by the State Board for Educator Certification - SBEC are based primarily on five certification levels. ... learn more
