So, you love physics, and you’re considering a career in teaching? That’s fantastic! Texas is in desperate need of passionate and knowledgeable physics teachers, and if you’re up for the challenge, you’ll find plenty of opportunities waiting for you. Plus, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of helping young minds grasp the laws of the universe (and maybe even get excited about Newton’s laws!).

This article walks you through every step of earning a certification as a physics teacher in Texas—from getting the right education to landing your first teaching job. Whether you’re a recent graduate or thinking of switching careers, we’ve got you covered.

Step 1: Earn a bachelor’s degree

To teach physics in Texas, you’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Ideally, your degree should be in physics, but related fields like engineering or mathematics can also work. If you already have a degree but didn’t focus on physics, don’t worry—there are alternative pathways for you.

Why a Physics Degree Matters

A physics degree gives you the foundational knowledge necessary to teach the subject effectively. It provides you with expertise in mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, and quantum physics—concepts that form the core of high school physics curricula. If you have a degree in another STEM field, you may need to take additional coursework or demonstrate proficiency in physics through exams like the Pre-Admission Content Test (PACT).

Keep in mind that Texas requires a minimum GPA of 2.5 in your coursework. If your GPA is lower, you might need to take a PACT to prove your knowledge. The test assesses your grasp of physics topics and ensures you are prepared to teach the subject effectively.

Step 2: Enroll in an Educator Preparation Program (EPP)

Texas requires anyone who wishes to become a certified teacher to complete an Educator Preparation Program (EPP) to ensure they’re ready for the classroom. These programs provide the pedagogical skills necessary to become an effective teacher, including lesson planning, student assessment, and classroom management techniques

Types of EPPs Available

There are over 120 approved EPPs in Texas, and they come in two main types:

• University-based programs – Integrated into a bachelor’s degree for those who know early on that they want to teach in Texas.
• Alternative certification programs – Designed for career changers who already have a degree in a related field. Programs like TeacherBuilder allow you to get certified while working as a teacher.

What to Expect in an EPP

EPPs usually take 12-16 months to complete and involve both coursework and practical experience. The coursework covers:

• Teaching methods specific to physics
• Student psychology and learning styles
• Classroom management techniques
• Lesson planning and assessments

The most important component is hands-on teaching experience, where you’ll either:

1. Complete a student teaching assignment, working alongside an experienced teacher to gain classroom experience.
2. Work as a paid intern, which allows you to teach full-time under supervision while completing your program.

Once you are enrolled, you can apply for a one-year probationary certificate, which allows you to teach in Texas while finishing your certification requirements.

Step 3: Pass the Required Exams

To earn your teaching certification, you’ll need to pass two important Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES) tests:

1. TExES Science 7-12 (236) – Covers general science with a strong emphasis on physics.
2. Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR) Exam – Tests your understanding of effective teaching strategies and professional ethics.

How to Prepare for These Exams

These exams require thorough preparation. Some of the best ways to get ready include:

• Studying official TExES guides – These provide breakdowns of test topics and sample questions.
• Taking practice exams – These simulate the actual test experience and highlight areas where you need improvement.
• Joining study groups – Collaborating with other aspiring teachers can help you stay motivated and reinforce your learning.
• Using online prep courses – Many certification programs offer additional resources to help you succeed.

Step 4: Apply for your teaching certification

Once you’ve completed your EPP and passed your exams, it’s time to apply for your Texas Standard Teaching Certificate. This is the final step in becoming a certified physics teacher, and it involves a few important administrative tasks. Here is a detailed breakdown of the process:

1. Create a TEA Login (TEAL) account

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) manages teacher certification in the state, and all applications must go through their online portal. You’ll need to create a TEA Login (TEAL) account, which serves as your central hub for submitting applications, checking your certification status, and managing future renewals.

2. Submit an online application

Once your TEAL account is set up, you’ll need to complete an online application for your Standard Teaching Certificate. This application requires you to provide details about:

• Your educational background (degree and coursework details)
• Your completion of an EPP
• Your exam results from the TExES Science 7-12 and PPR exams
• Any teaching experience or internships completed during your EPP

3. Complete a background check & fingerprinting

To ensure student safety, the state requires all teachers to undergo a criminal background check and submit fingerprints to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). The fingerprinting process is handled through a third-party service, which will guide you through setting up an appointment at an approved fingerprinting location.

Cost: Expect to pay a small fee for fingerprinting services.

Processing time: Background checks typically take a few weeks, so it’s best to complete this step as early as possible.

4. Pay the certification fees

Texas charges a $78 application fee for a Standard Teaching Certificate. This fee is payable through your TEAL account. Keep in mind that certification fees may be subject to periodic changes, so always check the TEA website for the latest updates.

5. Await EPP Recommendation & TEA Approval

Once you’ve submitted your application and completed all necessary steps, your Educator Preparation Program (EPP) must formally recommend you for certification. This recommendation verifies that you’ve met all requirements and are ready to teach.

After receiving your EPP’s recommendation, the TEA will review your application. If everything checks out, you’ll receive your Texas Standard Teaching Certificate, officially granting you the ability to teach physics in the state!

Processing time: TEA processing can take a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on the volume of applications.

Checking your status: You can track the progress of your certification through your TEAL account.

Step 5: Find a teaching job

Now comes the fun (and nerve-wracking) part—landing your first teaching job! Here’s how to improve your chances:

• Polish your resume and cover letter – Highlight your physics background, teaching experience, and passion for education.
• Check job boards – The Texas Education Agency (TEA), school district websites, and job boards like TeachTexas.org list open positions.
• Network with other teachers – Join professional organizations like the Science Teachers Association of Texas (STAT) or Texas Section of the American Association of Physics Teachers (TSAAPT).
• Prepare for interviews – Be ready to discuss your teaching philosophy, classroom management style, and how you make physics fun and engaging for students.

Step 6: Continue learning and growing

Earning your certification is just the beginning! Certified teachers in Texas must complete 150 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) every five years to maintain their certification.

Ways to Earn CPE Credits

• Attend workshops, seminars, and conferences focused on physics education.
• Take online courses or webinars related to teaching methods.
• Participate in teacher mentorship programs to learn from experienced educators.
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in physics and educational technology.

The more you learn, the better teacher you’ll become—and the more you’ll inspire your students.

Become a physics teacher in Texas with TeacherBuilder.com

Becoming a physics teacher in Texas isn’t just about meeting requirements—it’s about making a real difference in students’ lives. You get to spark curiosity, nurture critical thinking, and maybe even inspire the next great scientist, engineer, or astronaut.

So, if you’re passionate about physics and love helping others learn, why not take the leap? Join TeacherBuilder.com today and take the first step toward becoming a certified physics teacher in Texas! Our 100% online curriculum, combined with first-year teaching support, makes the certification process smooth and stress-free. Contact us today to learn more.

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.