Did you know you can become a teacher in Texas without a typical degree? So, if you are certified in a trade such as plumbing or cosmetology, you can become a Texas teacher.
Owing to a rise in demand for Career and Technical Education teachers, aspirants can now become teachers in Texas without a bachelor’s degree.
Traditionally, a candidate needs to fulfill either of these two criteria to qualify: Typically a bachelor’s degree and certification program is required. However, there is an exception.
For example, if you are licensed in the trade occupations below and have worked 5 years full time earning wages within the past ten years, you can earn a CTE certificate in that field by enrolling in an Alternative Certification Program in Texas.
Become a teacher in Texas with a Career, Trade or Industrial License
| Statement of Qualifications | Degree Minimum | Wage Earning Experience | Within |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marketing | Bachelors | 2 years full time experience | Past 10 years |
| Health Science | Associates | 2 years full time experience | Past 10 years |
| Other: CTE (Career, Trade & Industrial | High School Diploma | 5 years full time experience | Past 10 years |
| Ad Design Advertising Design Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Aircraft Mechanics Aircraft Technology Audio, Video Technology | Engineering and Technology Floriculture Forensic Science Fundamentals of Fire Protection Government and Public Administration Graphic Arts | Plumbing Public Safety Public Safety Quality Control Security Systems Sheet Metal |
| Auto Collision Repair Auto Specialization Automotive Technician Barbering Brick/Stone Masonry Building Trades Business Machine Repair | Hydraulics and Pneumatics Industrial Equipment Repair Instrumentation Law Law Enforcement/Criminal Justice Leather Trades Machine Shop | Small Engine Repair Stationary Energy Sources Truck Driving Upholstery/Furniture Repair Welding Welding / Construction |
| Cabinet Making Cement Laying and Finishing Cleaning and Pressing Commercial Photography Computer Maintenance Technician Computer Programming | Major Appliance Repair Marine Engine Marine related Occupations Meat Cutting Media Technology Needle Trades | |
| Construction Carpentry Cosmetology Culinary Arts Diesel Mechanics Drafting Electronics | Painting and Decorating Petro Chemical Lab Technician Photography Piping Trades/Plumbing Plant Maintenance Plant Processing |
Welders, barbers and mechanics are becoming Texas teachers
To begin with, a great number of people become teachers for the hours and the health and retirement benefits. A career change is necessary at some point sometimes.
So, if you are a licensed welder, you can become a CTE teacher. A career change may help maintain lifelong benefits after retirement. It’s a win-win solution. Texas needs teachers and people need benefits. The state of Texas is dynamic and has a teacher shortage.
More and more, the desire to maintain excellent health benefits and lifelong retirement benefits guides Texans to the world of teaching. It is a quality of life initiative.
Perhaps during the weekends and the summers off from teaching you can use your other skills to maintain employment. A welder can use a license to enroll in an alternative certification program.
The welder must meet all other requirements, become a teacher in that field and work part time during the summer and weekends as a welder. It’s a win-win for Texas and a win-win for you.
Compare Top 5 Alternative Certification Programs in Texas
iteachTexas
Enrollment Fee:
$99
Online
Self Pace or 6 weeks
2.5 min GPA
$4250
Pay $99 a month until you begin 2 semester field experience. Remaining balance is divided into 10 interest-free monthly payments.
240 Certification
Enrollment Fee:
$249
Online
Self Pace or up to 1 year
Deferred Flex pay during paid internship
$3999
WCAC
Enrollment Fee: $149
Online
Self Pace or 14 weeks
2.5 min GPA
Deferred Flex Pay during paid internship
$3750
ECAP
Enrollment Fee:
$400
Online
3 to 12 months
2.6 min GPA
Deferred Flex Pay during paid internship
$4300
Texas Teachers of Tomorrow
Enrollment Fee:
$295
Online
Self Pace or 12 weeks
2.5 min GPA
Deferred Flex Pay during paid internship
$4350
Enroll in an Alternative Certification Program in Texas with a CTE License
1. Create a Texas Education Agency Login (TEAL) account. 2. Submit original course-wise evaluation by a foreign evaluation service recognized by the TEA. 3. Submit a written statement from the foreign country’s licensing agency. 4. Submit proof of English language proficiency, both oral and written. 5. If an aspirant holds a degree from a country outside of the United States and its territories, they need to first apply for a review of their degree and other credentials. See the list of foreign credential evaluation which are recognized by the a Texas Education Agency.
1. iteachTexas * minimum GPA 2.5 required 2. 240 Certification * minimum GPA 2.5 required 3. Web-Centric Alternative Certification Program * minimum GPA 2.5 required 4. ECAP – Education Career Alternative Program *Minimum 2.6 GPA posted on official transcript from accredited institution *Minimum 2.5 GPA in all coursework associated with the area of certification applied. This program provides certification from ONLINE and IN CLASSROOMcoursework. 5. Texas Teachers of Tomorrow * minimum GPA 2.5. Alternatively, if your GPA is 2.3-2.49, you can take a Pre-Admission Content Test (PACT) to qualify.
Spanish language teachers looking to work in elementary, middle, and high schools across the state of Texas undergo the following processes: 1.Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish: The school chosen by the candidate must be accredited with a state-recognized body. 2. Educator Preparation Program (EPP): To enrol with an EPP, candidates have to qualify the PACT, having a minimum GPA of 2.5. 3. Teaching internship: Teaching internships, which are usually a part of EPP, form a crucial aspect of the process. 4. Meet exam requirements: Before candidates apply for the TExES, they have to fulfil all criteria put forth by the state body administering the test, the TEA. 5. Qualifying the certifying exam: In order to become a Spanish teacher in the state of Texas, candidates need to take two exams: TExES PPR and LOTE. 6. Fingerprinting: After first-time candidates pass the test, they need to go through a background check.
According to the Texas Education Agency, candidates applying to become a substitute teacher must have 60 college hours (or more) or a bachelor’s degree from a TEA recognized institution. This may vary with Independent School districts. Spring ISD’S requirements include a bachelor’s degree or at least 48 college credit hours. The applicant may also submit a Substitute Teacher Certification from an accredited Texas entity or Service Center. A certification to substitute teach in Texas is not a general requirement.
In order to become a high school teacher in the state of Texas, a candidate needs to obtain a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college and then finish an appropriate state approved teacher preparation program. Additionally, they need to qualify the certification exam(s) for Texas, in the subject areas they will be teaching. After the successful completion of these, the candidate can apply for a certificate to the state, undergo required background check, and subsequently apply for jobs in schools.
To be an elementary teacher in the state of Texas, a candidate needs to hold a bachelor’s degree in any discipline. They must also graduate from a TEA approved teacher preparation program. Once these requirements are met, they need to pass an exam for elementary instruction and for the subjects they will be teaching. Lastly, the candidate must complete the Texas application for certification and undergo a national criminal background check.
Learners Edge – This provides a wealth of information regarding Online Continuing Education Programs for Texas teachers. ReadWriteThink.org – this link provides lesson plans and classroom activities for Texas teachers. Crash Course – this link provides popular and relevant animated educational videos for Texas teachers. Teaching Channel – links to 1400 videos for teachers.
School Spring – this link provides all areas of Texas educator positions. Filter by zip code, type of educational position, grade level and keywords TeachingJobs.com – this awesome link provides quick links to STEM, SPECIAL ED and SUBSTITUTE jobs in Texas Indeed.com – this world famous link is filtered for teaching jobs in Texas K12Jobspot – this user friendly site allows you to filter by position area (area of teaching), grade level and job type (full, part time or seasonal) in Texas
Yes. TAC Rule 228.35 (4) requires all candidates completing an Educator Preparation Program must receive instructions.
Currently the most in demand are Bilingual (English as a second language), STEM and Special Education.
Complete an Educator Preparation Program in Texas
To begin with, the amount of time it takes a candidate to obtain a teaching certificate is unique to everyone and is based on their transcripts and test scores. Prior teaching experience and similar internships are also an essential part of the process. On average, getting a teaching certificate in the state of Texas takes around 5 years which includes the time to complete one’s bachelor’s degree.
Usually, a bachelor’s degree is of four years. However, the candidate does not require a degree focused on education. They can choose to get their bachelor’s in any field of choice and then apply for an alternative teacher certification program. It is only after the completion of education, the candidate will be able to apply for a teaching certificate. First, they have to pass the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR)exam and then submit the required documentation. After a review of the application by the board, the candidate’s certificate is issued.
Complete an EPP Educator Preparation Program – The candidate is first required to complete a TEA Approved Educator Preparation Program.
Pass Certification Exams – The candidate has to pass the required teacher certification exams.
Submit a State Application – They are then required to apply to be certified, granted all requirements are met. However, It is not advisable to apply until one has verified with their program that they are eligible.
Complete Fingerprinting – Every first-time applicant has to mandatorily be fingerprinted as part of their criminal background check.