The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that in 2019, there were 88,330 teachers' aides in the Lone Star state. If you'd like to learn how you can better help teachers in the classroom, the article below will show you the path to becoming a certified educational aide in Texas.
Requirements for Teachers' Aides in Texas
| Average Salary for Teachers' Aides in Texas (2019)* | $23,220 |
| Required Degree | High School Diploma or GED |
| Required Field | N/A |
| Testing Requirements | ETS ParaPro |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Step 1: Find Work in a School District
The first step to becoming a teacher's aide is to find a position as a teacher's aide. This may seem like an obvious step, and one that would come later, but teachers' aides have different requirements depending on the school district. These requirements are set by each school district, so the hiring practices may differ. Once you have secured a position as a teacher's aide, the school district will then be responsible for recommending you to the Texas Education Agency (TEA) for initial certification.
Step 2: Complete Education
Being an educational aide may require different education levels depending on the school district. The TEA requires all students to have at least completed high school. If you have not completed high school, you will need to complete your diploma by earning your GED. There are many options for earning your GED, including online classes and tests. As technology improves, there are no reasons that can keep you from reaching your educational goals.
Step 3: Gain Experience
There are three levels of educational aides in Texas: I, II, and III. The first step you'll need to be eligible for the level I certification is to have some form of experience working with students and/or parents. This experience must be approved by the school district's superintendent. Experience can be completed in a number of settings, including daycare, private schools, youth groups, or even camps.
In order to attain level II, you must have two years' experience as a level I aide or have completed 15 semester hours of college-level courses in child development. Finally, level III can be reached by having three years' experience as a level I or II aide or completing 30 semester hours of college work.
Step 4: Complete an Exam (Optional)
The final step is not required but will open your job opportunities for other states and several districts. This step is to pass the ETS ParaPro exam, which can be taken at any time during the process, and it may help you to get a position with a school district initially. The exam must be completed in 2.5 hours. There are 90 multiple-choice questions that look at several subject areas.
Certification Resources for Teachers' Aides in Texas
Though there are no required exams, it is helpful to have resources that you can fall back on for information. Below, we've included the links for the ParaPro study guide, GED classes, and all the TExES study prep guides.
- Prepare for the TExES Exam
- Praxis ParaPro Assessment: Practice & Study Guide
- GED Study Guide
