With over 119,000 secondary teachers in Texas, you can be sure there are many teaching opportunities available. In the following article, we'll take a look at the steps required to become a high school teacher in the Lone Star State.
Requirements for Texas High School Teachers
| Average Salary for High School Teachers in Texas (2019)* | $58,000 |
| Required Degree | Bachelor's Degree |
| Required Field | Education or Teaching Subject |
| Testing Requirements | TExES subject-specific exam |
Source: *Bureau of Labor Statistics
Step 1: Complete Education Requirements
Texas requires students to have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. There is no specific program-type requirement, but it is wise to select a program that is related to the subject or grade level you want to teach. In this case, earning a secondary education degree or a degree in one of the subject areas, such as history, English, biology, math, etc., is also an option. Consider looking for a program that includes child development, teaching methods, and advanced topics in your subject of study.
Step 2: Complete a Teacher Preparation Program (TPP)
While some college programs in education may include the requirements needed to complete a teacher preparation program, degree programs in a specific subject will likely not. It is very important that you complete a Texas-approved TPP. Many colleges, including community colleges, in Texas offer certificate and degree programs to help you meet the TPP requirements. During this program, you'll likely study courses on the learning environment, pedagogical practices, technology in education, curriculum design, and child development. You will also complete teaching internships, also known as student teaching, during this time.
Step 3: Complete Testing Requirements
High school teachers need to be tested in the subject areas in which they plan to teach. For instance, history teaching requires the TExEs History 7-12 (233) exam, while the mathematics 7-12 (235) exam works for future high school math teachers. The term 'TExES' stands for the Texas Examinations of Educator Standards. Most of these tests must be completed in five hours or less, and most are computer-delivered. The score you must earn and the content and structure of every exam is different, so be sure to check the specific exam page you want to be certified in.
Step 4: Complete Other Requirements
Other requirements in Texas include applying for certification. Along with applying and providing proof of education and passing exams, you'll need to be fingerprinted. This is a common step for many state teacher licensing approvals. You must be fingerprinted and then a background check is run on you to look for any criminal behavior. Depending on what is found, this could affect your chances of being licensed.
Texas High School Teacher Certification Resources
There are several subject exams that facilitate the certification of high school teachers in Texas. Below is the link to the main TExES page where you can find courses, study guides, and practice exams to prepare.
- Prepare for the TExES Exam
