Filipino teachers are in high demand in the US, with 800 recently recruited in Texas alone. If you’re considering becoming a certified teacher in Texas from the Philippines, the journey is both rewarding and challenging, requiring careful planning and preparation. Texas has specific certification requirements governed by the Texas State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC).

Whether you’re an experienced educator or looking to switch careers, this article will guide you through the essential steps to becoming a teacher in Texas.

Case 1: Becoming a Teacher in Texas if You Have a Teaching Certificate from the Philippines

If you hold a teaching certificate from the Philippines and wish to teach in Texas, you will need to undergo the Review of Out-of-Country Credentials process. During this review, all your degrees and certificates earned in the Philippines will be carefully evaluated.

This process ensures that your teaching certificate from the Philippines is equivalent to those issued to Texas classroom teachers.

To complete the Review of Credentials, you must fulfill the following requirements:

• Obtain a course-by-course evaluation from an approved foreign credential evaluation service. This evaluation determines whether your degree earned in the Philippines is comparable to a degree earned in the United States.
• Provide supporting documents that detail your educational coursework and teaching experience in the Philippines.
• Submit your teaching certificate or credential issued in the Philippines, including the effective date, validity period, certification areas, and grade levels covered.

You must also demonstrate English proficiency by meeting one of the following criteria:

• Possessing an undergraduate or graduate degree from a recognized institution in the United States (excluding US territories).
• Holding an undergraduate or graduate degree from a country where English is an official language, as approved by the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC).
• Achieving satisfactory scores on the TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language, internet-based test), with minimum passing scores of: Speaking – 24, Writing – 21, Reading – 22, and Listening – 22.

If you meet the above required conditions, you can submit your documents for a Review of Credentials by following these steps:

1. Create a TEA Account: If you’re an out-of-country candidate, you’ll need a Social Security number to create a TEAL account. If you don’t have one, request a P number from the TEAL help desk. Visit the TEA website, create a TEAL account, and follow the prompts to access the Educator Certification Online System (ECOS) for submitting your credentials.
2. Submit Your Review of Credentials Application: After creating your TEAL account, navigate to your Educator Profile and select “Out-of-Country Certified Applicants” under the Applications menu. Follow the instructions to submit your documents and pay the non-refundable $164 fee.
3. Review the Results: Log in to your TEAL account, go to the “My Documents” tab, and check the “TEA Results of Review of Credentials” for your evaluation outcome. Complete the fingerprinting process, which requires a Social Security number, to finalize your certification.
4. Download/Print Your Certificate: Once fingerprinting is completed and your review is accepted, download and print your educator certificate from your ECOS portal by accessing your Educator Profile and selecting “View Certificates.”

Case 2: Becoming a Teacher in Texas if You Don’t Have a Teaching Certificate from the Philippines

If you don’t have a teaching certificate from the Philippines, here are the steps you need to follow:

Step 1: Meeting Educational Requirements

To begin, you need at least a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. While the degree doesn’t have to be in education, having one related to your intended teaching subject can be advantageous. If your degree is from the Philippines, it must be recognized by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB).

For those looking to strengthen their credentials, pursuing a Master’s degree, though not mandatory, can enhance your qualifications, open doors to advanced career opportunities, and potentially lead to higher salaries.

Step 2: Completing an Educator Preparation Program (EPP)

Once your educational qualifications are recognized, the next step is completing an Educator Preparation Program (EPP). This program equips you with the necessary skills and knowledge to manage classrooms and teach effectively. EPPs include coursework in pedagogy, educational psychology, classroom management, and practical teaching experiences.

You can complete an EPP alongside your Bachelor’s degree or through alternative certification programs if you decide to pursue teaching after earning your degree. These programs are particularly beneficial for those with degrees in fields other than education.

Step 3: Passing the Texas State Certification Exams

After completing your EPP, you must pass the Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES) and, if applicable, the Texas Examinations for Master Teachers (TExMaT). These exams assess your knowledge and skills in your chosen teaching field.

Preparation is key. Utilize study materials, practice tests, and prep courses to increase your chances of success. Passing these exams ensures you meet the state’s certification requirements and demonstrates your readiness to contribute to Texas’s educational standards.

Step 4: Background Checks and Gaining Practical Teaching Experience

Before stepping into a classroom, you must undergo background checks. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) requires fingerprinting and a thorough review of your criminal history to ensure that all teachers are safe and trustworthy.

You should also gain practical teaching experience. This is typically achieved through student teaching, where you apply your learned skills in a real classroom setting under the guidance of an experienced mentor. This hands-on experience is necessary for building the confidence and competence needed for a successful teaching career.

Step 5: Creating a TEAL Account and Submitting Your Application

Next, create your Texas Education Agency Login (TEAL) account. This account is your gateway to managing your certification applications and accessing services provided by the Texas Education Agency (TEA).

To get started, visit the TEA website and follow the instructions to create your TEAL account. Once set up, you can submit your application and pay the $164 non-refundable fee. Along with your application, you’ll need to submit supporting documents, including copies of your teaching certificates and official transcripts. If your degree is from the Philippines, you’ll also need to provide proof of English language proficiency.

Step 6: Complete Fingerprinting

After your teaching certificate is granted, you must complete the fingerprinting process. You’ll receive an email at your registered address to pay the fingerprinting fee. Once payment is made, you’ll get another email from IdentoGo to schedule your fingerprinting appointment, which is part of a national criminal background check.

You can view your fingerprinting results through your TEA account and may also receive an email with the results.

Step 7: Maintaining and Renewing Your Certification

Once you’ve secured your certification, remember that it must be renewed every five years. During this period, you are required to accumulate 150 hours of continuing education credits. These credits are essential for staying updated with the latest teaching strategies, technologies, and educational research.

Prepare For a Rewarding Teaching Career in Texas with TeacherBuilder.com

The path to becoming a certified teacher in Texas from the Philippines is rigorous but immensely rewarding. With the state’s projected job growth in education, Texas offers a stable and fulfilling career for passionate educators. By following these steps diligently, you can secure your place in Texas’s education system and leave a positive impact on the lives of students.

If you’re ready to start your teaching career in Texas, consider enrolling in an alternative certification program like TeacherBuilder.com. With a flexible online curriculum and dedicated support, this program helps you achieve your dream of becoming a teacher in Texas. Let us help you confidently step into a Texas classroom. Apply for free today, and let’s begin!

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.