Teaching is more than just a profession—it’s a calling. In San Antonio, a vibrant and diverse city, becoming a teacher allows you to shape young minds and contribute to a community rich with culture.

San Antonio serves more than 44,000 students across 15+ school districts, creating a constant demand for passionate, qualified educators. If you’re considering stepping into this rewarding field, here’s how you can make it happen.

Step 1: Fulfill the educational requirements

The journey to becoming a teacher in San Antonio begins with obtaining a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Your major doesn’t necessarily need to be in education, because you can always pursue an alternative certification program like TeacherBuilder.com afterward to get your teaching certification.

However, try to maintain a GPA of at least 2.5. You will need it to qualify for our standard route to certification. This academic foundation is important because it not only demonstrates your mastery of a subject but also prepares you for the certification process.

Step 2: Complete an Educator Preparation Program (EPP)

After earning your degree, if you did not graduate with an education degree, you will need to enroll in an Educator Preparation Program. Whether you choose a traditional route through local universities like Texas A&M University-San Antonio or opt for alternative programs such as TeacherBuilder.com, these programs are designed to equip you with the tools you need for classroom success.

Through the EPP, you’ll complete 300 hours of coursework and 30 hours of field-based experience. This experience bridges theory with practice, providing a deeper understanding of lesson planning, classroom management, and adapting to diverse learning needs. The importance of this step cannot be overstated—it helps you build a foundation of teaching strategies that can be tailored to meet the needs of San Antonio’s diverse student body.

If you do not have a bachelor’s degree, or lack the required GPA of 2.5, TeacherBuilder.com can help. We have 5 routes to certification, including pathways for those who do not have a degree or who graduated with a GPA that was too low. These flexible pathways cater to individuals from many walks of life, making it easier for you to reach your teaching dream.

Step 3: Pass the certification exams

A critical step in becoming a certified teacher in Texas is passing the required teacher certification exams. These tests check to see if you have both the subject knowledge and the teaching skills needed to guide students in Texas classrooms effectively. The primary exam you’ll need to tackle is the Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES), which evaluates your understanding of the specific content you’ll be teaching.

Alongside this, you may need to take the Pedagogy & Professional Responsibilities (PPR) Test, which focuses on your ability to manage a classroom, design engaging lessons, and implement educational theory into practice.

Preparing for these exams may feel daunting, but most EPPs provide all the tools you need—whether it’s study guides, practice tests, or support from instructors. Successfully passing these exams isn’t just a box to check off. It is an irreplaceable step that shows you are well-prepared to meet Texas’ high standards for educators. With the right preparation, these exams will set you up for success as you step into your role as an educator.

Step 4: Gain classroom experience

Teaching isn’t just about knowing your subject—it’s about connecting with students, managing a classroom, and fostering a positive learning environment. It’s where you’ll move beyond the theory of textbooks and step into the vibrant world of real classrooms.

Aspiring teachers are required to complete at least 15 hours of field-based experience. This gives you the chance to observe certified teachers, interact with students, and gain a firsthand understanding of classroom dynamics, from managing behaviors to guiding instruction.

But this experience goes much deeper than observation. It includes student teaching or an internship, where you’ll play an active role in leading lessons and working with students under the mentorship of seasoned educators. This immersive process allows you to develop vital teaching skills, like lesson planning, assessing student progress, and using creative, adaptive methods to meet the diverse needs of your learners.

What makes this hands-on experience so impactful is the bridge it forms between theory and practice. You’ll receive immediate feedback from your mentor teachers, learning in real time what works and what doesn’t. This practical guidance helps prepare you for the challenges of a full-time teaching role, especially in a dynamic and diverse city like San Antonio. Through this experience, you’ll not only refine your teaching abilities but also gain valuable insight into the local educational landscape and the specific needs of the community you’ll be serving.

Step 5: Complete the certification process

Once you’ve completed your degree and EPP and passed the exams, the next step is to apply for certification through the Texas Education Agency (TEA). This process includes submitting your application, transcripts, and proof of completed training. You’ll also undergo a criminal background check and fingerprinting, which ensures the safety and integrity of Texas classrooms.

The certification process may seem daunting, but with the right preparation and support, it’s achievable. Platforms like TeacherBuilder.com offer job placement assistance and mentorship, ensuring you have the resources needed to navigate these final steps.

Step 6: Find employment

The final step in your journey is finding the right teaching position. San Antonio’s school districts, such as San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD) and North East ISD, are consistently hiring new teachers, and private and charter schools offer additional opportunities.

To begin, research the schools you’re interested in and tailor your application to reflect your experience and teaching philosophy. Building a strong resume and preparing for interviews are key. Be ready to articulate why you’re passionate about teaching and how you can make a difference in the lives of students.

Many districts offer online applications, and once your application is complete, you’ll likely be called in for an interview. After a successful interview, you’ll undergo another background check as part of the hiring process.

Salary and Career Prospects

Teaching in San Antonio can be a fulfilling and financially viable career. Salaries vary depending on your experience and the grade level you teach. On average, teachers earn between $47,000 and $70,000 annually, with opportunities for higher pay through advanced degrees or specialized certifications in areas such as English as a Second Language (ESL) or Special Education.

Additionally, with a projected 11% growth in education jobs by 2028, career prospects for teachers in San Antonio are bright. This growth reflects both rising student enrollment and the increasing demand for qualified educators across the region.

Become a teacher in San Antonio with TeacherBuilder.com

Becoming a teacher in San Antonio is a rewarding journey that requires dedication, patience, and a passion for education. While the process may seem rigorous—obtaining a degree, completing an EPP, passing exams, and gaining classroom experience—it is all designed to ensure you’re prepared to make a lasting impact on your students’ lives.

Ready to start your teaching career? Join TeacherBuilder.com today! Our TEA-approved, 100 percent online program offers a fast, flexible, and affordable path to earning your teaching certification, all from the convenience of your home.

Whether you are transitioning from another career or just starting out, we have the resources and support to help you succeed. Contact us now to take the first step toward making a difference in the classroom!

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.