If you’re passionate about shaping young minds and making a meaningful impact in your community, becoming a teacher in Garland, Texas, offers an incredibly rewarding career path.

Garland Independent School District (GISD) has been recognized for its success in positively influencing economically-disadvantaged students, and stands as one of the premier educational institutions in the region.

Whether you’re starting your career or transitioning from another field, this guide will walk you through the essential steps to become a certified teacher in Garland and help you teach in Texas in a way that helps build a vibrant educational community.

The District of Innovation Plan

Garland ISD’s designation as a District of Innovation by the Texas Education Agency provides significant advantages for both the district and its educators. This status, granted after the district met rigorous process requirements, allows Garland ISD greater local control and autonomy from certain state mandates. The current Innovation Plan, approved in June 2023, spans five years and undergoes annual reviews for potential amendments.

The plan creates valuable flexibilities that directly impact teacher hiring and certification. These exemptions may include modifications to school start dates, attendance requirements, and instructional minutes, giving the district more freedom in structuring its educational approach.

For prospective teachers, this can mean expanded hiring eligibility and alternative certification pathways that might not be available in non-innovation districts. Importantly, while the plan offers significant flexibility, certain core educational components remain unchanged, including curriculum standards, assessment requirements, and graduation criteria.

How to Become a Teacher in Garland

There are several pathways to becoming a certified teacher in Garland, each designed to accommodate different educational backgrounds and career stages. Regardless of your starting point, all paths lead to the rewarding opportunity to educate Garland’s diverse student population.

Traditional Route: Bachelor’s Degree in Education

For those starting their academic journey, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in education from an accredited university provides comprehensive preparation. This pathway typically includes coursework in educational theory, child development, and subject specialization, plus student teaching experience. You’ll need to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 throughout your program. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared to take the necessary certification exams before applying for teaching positions in Garland ISD.

Alternative Certification Programs (ACPs)

If you already hold a bachelor’s degree in any field, alternative certification offers a faster route to the classroom. TeacherBuilder’s online certification program provides a flexible, self-paced pathway that can be completed while working full-time.

The process involves applying to the program, submitting official transcripts showing a conferred 4-year degree with a minimum 2.5 GPA, choosing from over 25 certification areas, and passing the TExES Content Exam. We also provide job placement support, including resume assistance and interview preparation.

Associate Teacher Opportunities

Similar to other innovative districts in Texas, Garland ISD offers associate teacher positions for degree holders working toward full certification. These roles allow you to gain classroom experience while completing certification requirements, typically with the expectation of earning full credentials within a specified timeframe.

Specialized Pathways

For those with industry experience, Career and Technical Education certification offers a route to teaching practical skills in specialized fields. Additionally, the district’s innovation status creates unique opportunities for qualified individuals to enter the teaching profession through non-traditional means, addressing specific needs in high-demand subject areas.

Certification Requirements in Texas

Regardless of which pathway you choose to become a teacher in Garland, you must fulfill certain state certification requirements. All Texas teachers need to pass specific exams that demonstrate their readiness for the classroom.

These exams include the Texas Examinations of Educator Standards Content Exam in your subject area and the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities Exam. Those planning to teach early childhood or reading-intensive subjects must also pass the Science of Teaching Reading Exam.

A critical step in the certification process is completing a fingerprint-based background check through the Texas Department of Public Safety. This requirement ensures student safety and is mandatory for all first-time applicants.

The Cost of Becoming a Teacher in Garland

Pursuing a teaching career involves financial considerations. Understanding the initial investment and potential returns can help you plan your transition into education effectively.

Once you meet all prerequisites, you’ll submit your certification application through the Texas Education Agency (TEA), which requires a $78 fee. Be sure to verify your eligibility with your preparation program beforehand, as premature applications may cause delays.

• The certification process includes several standard costs across Texas, such as:
• TExES Exam – $116
• Background check & fingerprinting – $52.25
• State application fee – $78
  Additionally, educator preparation program costs vary depending on your chosen pathway.

Once certified, Texas teachers earn competitive salaries. First-year teachers in most districts start at around $52,500 annually, with specialized educators in high-demand fields – such as bilingual education, special education, and STEM – often receiving additional stipends. Associate teachers typically earn less, around $40,000, while completing certification requirements.

Additionally, TeacherBuilder offers free access to 240Tutoring resources, potentially saving you hundreds in exam preparation.

Become a Teacher in Garland with TeacherBuilder.com

Becoming a certified teacher in Garland offers multiple pathways tailored to your background and experience. Whether through a traditional education degree, an alternative certification program like Teacher Builder, or an associate teacher position, the road to inspiring young minds is accessible and supported. Each route provides the necessary preparation to succeed in Garland’s innovative educational environment.

Ready to start your teaching journey in Garland? TeacherBuilder.com makes the certification process straightforward with online, self-paced programs designed for your success.

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.