Education in Texas is a big thing, and the state government strives to ensure that all educators get the best resources to kick-start their careers. Traditionally, most aspiring Texas teachers would have to go to school and acquire a degree before landing a decent job.
Thanks to new developments, you have multiple options that will lead to the same result, depending on your experience and education. So, what are these ways you can take advantage of to hop onto this bandwagon? Here are the main options at your disposal.
Traditional Bachelor of Education
A bachelor’s degree in education is the most common option most aspiring educators utilize to delve into the world of teaching. Texas teachers of tomorrow can take up an education major specializing in math, sciences, language, or arts and humanities.
This will take four years to complete if they take a full-time student option. However, they can reduce the time spent in school if they take up three semesters a year instead of two. Aspiring Texas teachers taking this route must graduate and go through a teaching practice period before applying for a job.
Texas is home to some of the most respectable universities with stellar education programs, so choosing one wouldn’t be a problem. If anything, you’d be spoilt for choice. You can join a university or college fresh from high school or transition to another career and apply for an educator’s degree.
Texas Teacher Certification Programs
If you have a bachelor’s degree in another field but would like to transition to being a classroom teacher, a certification program is what you need. Most universities would require you to have a degree related to the education subject you want to teach.
You must work under a certified certification entity during your preparation period. This organization will provide you with material for subject areas you’re interested in and facilitate learning. Once you’ve completed the coursework, you’ll have to go through a teaching experience before becoming a certified teacher.
The importance of passing the tests can’t be overemphasized, considering you do not have substantial education knowledge. If you want to work with special needs children, you will also get material to help you understand how to teach them and make the learning experience worthwhile and as bearable as possible.
For this option, applicants will take assessment tests every so often to ascertain they have a concrete mastery of education content and are ready to hit the job market.
Transfer Your Certification from Another State
Are you moving from Ohio, New Jersey, or any other US state and wanting to keep working as a Texas teacher? Do you have the proper licensure and certificates allowing you to teach particular subjects or even handle children with special needs? If this describes your predicament, you can transfer your certification from your state, get the Texas stamp of approval and find work. The Texas Education Agency is responsible for providing credits to approve your certification as legit in this state.
Suppose your credentials correspond with the educator requirements in Texas. In that case, this organization will provide you with the relevant certification requirements to work in the state for a year as you wait for the official license to teach. If not, additional tests and alternative certifications await you once you start the application.
Alternative Certification in Career and Technical Education
So, you’re a technical engineer or vocational practitioner and would like to transition to teaching? You can do this without going back to the drawing board and starting from scratch. However, you must have experience in business, agriculture, IT, and health sciences.
So instead of a bachelor’s degree, the state allows you to trade your experience as leverage. An associate’s degree or technical educator’s license will be required to jump-start the process. At least five years of experience in the field you intend to teach is another requirement.
This route allows you to find a job with these requirements, but you must complete the teaching preparation program and apply for alternative certification while teaching.
Pro Tip: Whether you’re taking a bachelor’s degree in education or want to utilize alternatives, it’s vital to ensure Texas Education Agency approves the education program you’re enrolling in. If you’re unsure what entities are accredited, this Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board list will show you where to start.
Final Take
Texas is among the American states that are heavily invested in offering top-notch education. And to ascertain they keep this standard at the top, they only allow the most qualified individuals to take center stage in teaching learners.
Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to take advantage of if you want to be an educator in this state. However, you must complete the requirements and comply with all recommendations for alternative certification options.