In order to become a teacher in Texas, you need a bachelor’s degree. You must also complete an educator preparation program and take content exams in the subject area you wish to teach. This is the basic procedure. If you want to become a history teacher in Texas, ideally, you should have a degree in history or a related subject and take two content exams.

If you love history and enjoy teaching, turn that passion into a career by becoming a history teacher. History is an integral part of the school curriculum in the state of Texas and that is no surprise. We have a lot to learn from history. It teaches us how we reached where we are today.

It also equips us with enough knowledge to avoid making the same mistakes that our forefathers did. A decent knowledge of history is essential for everyone to make better sense of the world they live in. For this reason, history teachers play a crucial role in shaping the thoughts of the future generation.

Students must read literature to grasp historical events and timeframes. For example, “An Angel in Disguise” by T.S. Arthur reveals the ideals, beliefs, and experiences of the time. Students can learn about political, economic, cultural, and philosophical changes in different eras by studying such literary classics. Thus, teaching history and literature can enrich and engage young learners.

In Texas, certified history teachers can teach classes 7-12. Their academic syllabus covers topics related to world history, US history, and Texas history. In order to get certified as a history teacher, you have to fulfill certain educational requirements. You have to take some exams too.

History teaching basics

A history teacher should have a bachelor’s degree preferably in history. They have to complete an educator preparation program approved by the state of Texas. There is also a Web-Centric Alternative Certification Program (WCACP) for aspirants who want to become a history teacher in Texas.

This is an online certification program. The main advantage of completing an online certification program is that you can access it anytime from anywhere and receive the required training by learning from your home. As you can study at a time convenient to you, your job or daily schedules will not be impacted.

On average, high school teachers in Texas earn $58,190 per annum. It is also estimated that between 2016 and 2026, there will be a 20.6% increase in the number of job opportunities available for high school teachers. That means teachers are in huge demand and if you have the required qualifications, this is a great opportunity to not only earn a stable income but also make a difference in society by molding the future of young people.

Educational requirements

The minimum educational requirement is a bachelor’s degree. If a prospective history teacher majors in history or a subject related to history from an accredited university or college, they will already have a decent understanding of world history, US history, and Texas history. A major in history also gives students opportunities to complete advanced coursework. They also have the option to specialize in a topic like Medieval European History, U.S. Women’s History, and the History of Mexico.

Aspiring teachers also have to complete an educator preparation program approved by TEA. Your degree program will usually include this training. While doing your educator preparation program, you have to complete coursework covering topics like diverse populations, classroom management, and effective instruction. You also have to work as a student teacher in a neighborhood school to complete fieldwork experience. The educator preparation program will also contain coursework that prepares prospective teachers to identify and teach students having learning disabilities like dyslexia.

How to Become a history teacher in Texas

Once you have earned your bachelor’s degree and completed your educator preparation program, you have to pass two exams before you can get certified and become a history teacher in Texas. These are the TExES Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC-12 and TExES History 7-12. Before you can take these exams, you must receive approval from your educator preparation program.

You have to take TExES Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC-12 test on a computer. It contains a hundred selected-response questions. General teaching topics like classroom management, curriculum development, and instruction are the areas from where you will be asked questions. The TExES History 7-12 is also a computerized exam and includes 100 questions on U.S. history, world history, and Texas history. In each test, you have to score at least 240 marks to pass.

Submit the Application

After taking the content exams, you have to submit your application to Texas Education Agency. Do not apply until you have verified with your program that you are eligible. The last step to becoming a teacher in Texas is the criminal background check and fingerprinting.

The standard teacher certificate that you receive is valid for only 5 years. To renew your certificate, you have to complete 150 hours of CPE (continuing professional education). You can attend conferences, workshops, or professional development courses conducted by approved providers to fulfill this requirement. You also have the option to complete this coursework at an accredited college. Or you can mentor other educators. TEA offers a list of different ways to fulfill your CPE requirements. Make sure that every CPE hour completed is documented. In order to renew your certificate, you have to submit an application and pay the required fee.

 

Disclaimer

This article does not contain legal, educational, or government advice. As regulations can change from time to time, readers are advised to check with their local education departments to receive up-to-date information.