So, you are a certified teacher in Arizona and now you want to move to Texas and teach there. Or maybe you have a Texas certification and want to teach in Arizona. Can you transfer your teaching certificate from Arizona to Texas or vice-versa? This article gives all the information you need about Arizona teacher reciprocity with Texas.

Can you transfer your teaching certificate
from one state to another state?

Well, yes and no. Teaching certificates are certainly transferable; however, there are usually some additional requirements to fulfill.

If you are certified in one state, it does not mean that you are automatically eligible to receive standard certification in another state. Of course, many states have reciprocity agreements with other states. This, however, does not mean that your teaching certification in one state will automatically be accepted in another state.

That said, you do not have to start the process from scratch either. Your Texas certification will be accepted by most states through the reciprocity agreement they have with Texas. However, you will still have to meet some additional requirements.

What is Teacher Reciprocity

Reciprocity is something that teachers, especially those moving to other states, often discuss. It is essentially an agreement that allows teachers certified to teach in one state to earn their certification in another state. It is a boon for teachers because when they move from one state to another state, they can start teaching almost immediately.

Also, using these agreements, states that face a shortage of teachers can invite certified teachers in other states to teach in their state. However, very few states offer full reciprocity. That means you will still have to fulfill some additional requirements when you move from one state to another state. Generally speaking, teachers moving from one state to another state are given an initial license valid for one year. Using this license, they can start teaching.

However, if they want to continue even after one year, they have to fulfill some additional requirements. For example, they may have to do a teaching preparation program or take some tests.

Moving from Arizona to Texas

Texas does not have teaching reciprocity with other states. This, however, does not mean that teachers moving to Texas have to get a new degree and do another teaching program. In most cases, this is not required.

What you need to know about Arizona teacher reciprocity with Texas

If you are a teacher moving from Arizona to Texas, the first thing you need to do is to get your credentials reviewed. If your Arizona credentials are considered equivalent or comparable to Texas credentials, you will be issued a one-year initial certificate.

During this year, you can teach in Texas. Before your license expires, you have to submit additional documentation to prove that you are eligible for test exemption. Alternatively, you can take those tests and earn your standard certificate.

Some things to remember

Arizona has a reciprocity agreement with Texas but Texas has no reciprocity agreement with any other state. That means, your Arizona certificate does not automatically make you eligible to teach in Texas. If you want to teach there, you have to first apply for a review of your credentials.

You have to pay a non-refundable fee of $164 to get your credentials renewed. You have to create a TEAL account for this purpose. If your credentials are approved, you may be exempted from taking exams.

To qualify for test exemption, you have to have a standard teaching certificate issued by another state and it should be equivalent to the Texas standard certificate. Even if your out-of-state certificate is not currently valid, it will be considered for review if it was a standard level certificate when it was issued.

If you do not have a standard teaching certificate issued by Arizona, you are not eligible for a review of your credentials in Texas. In this case, if you want to teach in Texas, you have to enroll in an educator preparation program approved by the state of Texas.

Note that even if you have a master’s or a doctorate, you cannot get your credentials reviewed if you do not have a teaching certificate. Texas does not accept out-of-state educator preparation programs if the applicant does not have a standard certificate in the state they are moving out of.

What should I do if I am moving from Texas to Arizona?

If you are moving to another state and exploring teaching positions available there, the first thing you need to do is to approach the state licensing board and get the most up to date information regarding reciprocity rules.

Teachers moving to Arizona can qualify for a Reciprocal Provisional Teacher Certification if they have previous experience working as an administrator or a professional teacher. Certification requirements depend on the amount of teaching experience you have and the subject area you want to teach in Arizona.

Most states do not offer standard certification to teachers certified in other states. There are usually some additional requirements you have to fulfill to earn your standard certificate. According to the Education Commission of the States, Arizona will offer a teaching license to teachers certified in Texas.

If you are moving from Arizona to Texas and want to teach there, you should get your credentials renewed by Texas Education Agency. You have to submit transcripts obtained from the colleges you attended and a copy of your standard certificate. You may also have to submit the results of the content tests you took to obtain your current certificate.  After reviewing your credentials, TEA will inform you if you have to take any additional tests. They may also ask you to submit additional documentation.

In order to teach in Arizona, you need a bachelor’s degree. You must also have completed a teacher preparation program and passed the AEPA / NES exams. An associate’s degree is sufficient to teach in preschool or to become a teacher assistant. Those who want to teach at higher levels need at least a bachelor’s degree.

Ref:

https://bestaccreditedcolleges.org/articles/careers-and-education/what-states-have-teaching-certification-reciprocity-with-texas.html

https://blog.ecapteach.com/which-states-accept-texas-teacher-certification/