Becoming a Teacher Certification Candidate
To become a teacher certification candidate in Texas, you must have a bachelor's degree, complete a state-approved educator preparation program, pass the required TExES exams, and then submit an application to the Texas Education Agency (TEA). You will also need to undergo a criminal background check, which includes fingerprinting.
1. Education Requirements
- Bachelor's degree: You must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college.
- GPA: Some programs require a minimum GPA of 2.50
2. 四虎影视 Educator Preparation Program (EPP)
Traditional path:
- If you have a bachelor's degree in education, the EPP is part of your degree program which includes pre-service field experience and residency or clinical teaching experiences.
Alternative path:
- If you have a bachelor's degree in a field other than education, you can enroll in a state-approved alternative certification/M.A. in Teaching program. These programs include coursework and field experience.
3. Certification Exams
- You must pass the required Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES) exams.
- At a minimum, this typically includes a content test for your subject area and the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR) exam.
4. Application & Background CheckSubmit an Initial Teacher Certification application:
- After completing the program and passing the exams, your program will recommend you to the TEA. You will then need to submit an online application.
Background check:
- You must complete a criminal background check, which includes fingerprinting prior clinical teaching, residency or internship (alternative certification/M.A. in Teaching path).
5. Receive Your CertificateReceive your certificate:
- Once all requirements are met, the TEA will issue you a standard or enhanced (residency) teaching certificate that can be accessed online by employers.