Become a Teacher in Texas

• Texas Teacher Certification - Program Information
  
  
• Step by step instructions - Texas Teacher Certification, Certification Renewal and much more

If you're planning to become a teacher in Texas, all you need to do is look up a few statistics to see that educators in Texas have a lot to be proud of. According to the Texas Education Agency, the Lone Star State led the nation in 2010 with the largest jump in graduating public school students taking the SAT. Also, more students graduated on time than ever before, more high school students are taking advanced placement classes, and more teachers are bringing exciting learning technologies into the classroom.

And as if that weren't enough to get you excited about becoming a Texas teacher, the pay is pretty good too. According to the National Education Association, the average pay for Texas teachers was $47,157 for the 2009-2010 school year.

With 8,322 schools and over 4.7 million students in Texas,* potential teachers will find a lot of job opportunities. And when you factor in the high employment growth rate in almost every major metropolitan area, you end up with encouraging news for anyone looking to become a teacher in Texas. In particular, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts above-average growth for special education teachers, preschool teachers and elementary school teachers.

But before you apply for a teaching job in Texas, teacher certification is a must. And to become a certified teacher, in most cases you need to have completed an accredited bachelor's degree and an approved teacher training program.

If you're already a teacher in Texas, there are numerous opportunities for you to build on your expertise, either by adding certifications in different subject areas or grade levels, or taking courses on how to become an administrator. Those who are already school administrators often benefit from professional development as well—continuing education can help you stay up to date on current best practices, and state and federal educational standards.

Texas offers a number of resources and incentives that make it attractive to become a teacher. The State Board for Educator Certification lists several incentives, including the Teach for Texas conditional grant program; the Certified Educational Aide Exemption Program, which offers tuition exemptions for educational aides who want to earn Texas teacher certification; and the Teacher Loan Forgiveness program.

Request information about the accredited teacher training programs below, and become a teacher in Texas!

Source: *Texas Education Agency