Explore Featured Degree Options in Education
| University Name | Type of Program | Learn More | Program Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Southern California | Master of Arts in Teaching | Learn more about USC Rossier | The online Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) from the University of Southern California Rossier School of Education prepares you to become a transformative K–12 teacher. Through live online classes and enriching field experiences in your community, you can earn your MAT in less than 18 months without relocating. |
| Fordham University | Master of Science in Teaching | Learn more from Fordham University | Fordham University’s online Master of Science in Teaching program prepares aspiring teachers (grades 1-6) for initial teaching certification or dual certification in teaching and special education. |
| Vanderbilt University | Master of Education in School Counseling | Learn more about Vanderbilt Peabody | Vanderbilt University's Peabody College offers an online Master of Education in human development counseling with a specialization in school counseling for students interested in becoming school counselors and making a meaningful difference in K–12 settings. |
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Steps to Becoming a Teacher in Texas
Important Note: Education licensure requirements, statistics and other information are subject to change. Teach.com makes its best effort to keep content accurate; however, the official sources are the state education departments. Please confirm licensing requirements with your state before applying for licensure or renewal. (Last update: 02/21/2019)
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Prerequisite Coursework in Texas
In order to become certified to teach in Texas, teachers must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Many states require that a specific number of credit hours be earned in the teaching specialty area. Texas, however, does not have specific requirements for undergraduate credit hours and courses.
Texas does have certain requirements that teacher preparation programs must meet to be accredited. A program must involve at least 300 clock hours of coursework and training, including at least 80 clock hours of coursework and at least 30 hours of field experience prior to student teaching.
The coursework must cover a range of teaching skills, as dictated by the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) standards, including the following: reading instruction; code of ethics and standard practices for Texas educators; instructional planning and delivery; knowledge of students and student learning; content knowledge and expertise; learning environment; data-driven practice, professional practices and responsibilities; instruction in detection and education of students with dyslexia; and instruction in detection of students with mental or emotional disorders. Each teacher preparation program will also have its own set of requirements. Contact your program for more information.
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Texas Teacher Certification Programs
To teach in Texas, teachers must complete an educator preparation program approved by the state’s education agency. For a full list of approved educator preparation programs within Texas, see the agency’s website.
If you have already received your certification to teach in Texas, but want to teach in a subject area other than the one you were certified in, you must pass the corresponding Content Test. For a full list of the specific tests educators must pass according to their subject area, see the Texas Education Agency’s website.
The Texas Education Agency also offers Master Teacher Certificates in reading, mathematics, technology and science. The Master Teacher Certificate is a supplemental certificate and is not required for teaching the aforementioned subjects, but is an extra certification which can enable teachers to mentor other educators and become more competitive in their field.
Requirements to earn a Master Teacher Certificate vary by subject, but teachers must generally hold a Texas teaching certificate, have a minimum of three years of teaching experience, successfully complete an approved Master Certificate program from an approved educator preparation program, and pass the relevant Master Teacher Certification exam.
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Required Tests for Texas
Texas law requires that educators pass particular tests to become certified. While these tests differ according to subject area, they generally include a test in Pedagogy & Professional Responsibilities and one or more Required Content Tests. The Texas Education Agency maintains a list of the specific tests educators need to pass according to their subject area on the agency’s website.
You can learn more about the Praxis exams by visiting Teach.coms' Ultimate Guide to the Praxis Exams and read more about teacher certification tests on Teach.com.
Initial Teaching Certifications
The Texas Education Agency is responsible for certifying teachers in the state. The agency offers Initial Certification for first-time teachers, Standard Certification for educators with in-state teaching experience, and Out-of-State Certifications for those who hold an educator credential from another state or country. Initial Certification and Out-of-State Certification are valid for one year, following which educators must apply for their Standard Certification. Standard Certification must be renewed every five years. Renewal requires the completion of 150 continuing professional education hours.
Read more about getting your teaching credential in general on the Teach and Certification Map websites.
Discover an 8-week Online Teaching Short Course from Harvard's Bok Center
Earn recognition of your ability to develop and deliver a memorable teaching experience when you receive a premier certificate from Harvard’s Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning, in association with HarvardX, upon successful course completion.