Becoming an economics teacher in Texas is a meaningful and fulfilling career path that allows you to make a real difference in the lives of young people. But it may feel like an impossible goal if you missed your chance to earn an education degree. That is why we put together this guide – To show you how you can realize your dream of teaching economics in Texas, even if you lack a teaching degree.

Step 1: Get a Bachelor’s Degree – Your First Big Step!

First things first—you need a bachelor’s degree to become a teacher in Texas. If you’re planning to teach economics, it’s ideal to get your degree in economics or a closely related field like finance or business. This ensures you’re knowledgeable and well-equipped to teach the subject.

During your studies, try to include courses that will prepare you for the classroom, like education psychology or child development. These classes will be handy when you move on to the next steps of your teaching journey.

Step 2: Complete an Educator Preparation Program (EPP)

Okay, so you’ve got your degree—what’s next? You’ll need to complete an Educator Preparation Program (EPP). This is where you’ll get the training and skills to teach economics. Think of it as a teacher boot camp, where you’ll learn everything from how to manage a classroom to how to deliver engaging lessons that keep high schoolers interested in economics (no small feat!).

Most EPPs, like TeacherBuilder.com, include a mix of coursework and field experience. The coursework is where you’ll learn the theory—classroom management, lesson planning, and how to teach economics in a way that’s both fun and educational. The field experience is where the magic happens. You’ll get to observe real teachers in action and eventually take the lead in teaching lessons yourself.

Texas is great in that it offers flexibility. Whether you’re just graduating or switching careers, you can find programs to suit your schedule. TeacherBuilder.com has no fewer than 5 routes you can take to certification.

Step 3: Pass the Certification Exams – Don’t Stress; You Got This!

Now comes the testing part, but don’t panic—you’ve got this! To become a certified teacher in Texas, you’ll need to pass the Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES) for your subject area. This test is a way to demonstrate that you not only know your subject but can teach it to students in a way they’ll understand. If you’re worried about passing, the good news is that most EPPs include test prep in their curriculum.

A little studying and preparation will go a long way here. Plus, once you pass these exams, you’ll feel a huge sense of accomplishment—you’re one step closer to teaching!

Step 4: Apply for Your Teaching Certificate

With your exams behind you, it’s time to make things official. You’ll need to apply for your teaching certificate through the Texas Education Agency (TEA). This is where you’ll create a Texas Education Agency Login (TEAL) account and submit your application.

Heads up: make sure the name on your application matches exactly with your Texas driver’s license or state ID—small details matter here! Once you submit your application and pay the fee, TEA will review everything and issue your certification if all goes well. You’ll also need to pass a national criminal background check, including fingerprinting (it’s all part of keeping the classroom safe for kids).

Step 5: Start Applying for Jobs – The Fun Part!

Congratulations! You’re now a certified teacher. Now, it’s time to find that perfect teaching job. The Texas job market for teachers is pretty strong, and you can start looking at school districts that interest you.

Create a resume that highlights your degree, any fieldwork or student teaching experience, and any certifications or special skills you’ve picked up along the way (like being bilingual or having tech skills). If you have a passion for working with underserved communities or particular teaching methods, mention that too—it could set you apart from other candidates.

Networking with fellow teachers and school administrators is a great way to learn about job openings and find opportunities that may not be posted online. Attend job fairs, reach out to districts directly, and make the most of job boards on sites like the TEA website.

Specializations – Want to Expand Your Horizons?

Once you’re certified, you don’t have to stop there. Texas offers plenty of opportunities to specialize in areas like special education or English as a Second Language (ESL). Not only does this make you more versatile, but it also opens the door to different teaching opportunities and potentially higher pay.

Specializing in something like ESL can make you a hot commodity in a state like Texas, where many students are bilingual or learning English as a second language. You can also look into certifications for Gifted and Talented programs or advanced teaching roles like curriculum development.

The Impact You’ll Make

Let’s face it—teaching is more than just a job. It’s a calling. As an economics teacher, you’ll be equipping young minds with the knowledge to understand our world and how money, markets, and policies affect their everyday lives. You’ll spark conversations that could inspire future economists, entrepreneurs, or even policymakers.

Your passion for economics will be contagious, and your students will benefit from a teacher who truly loves the subject. You’ll be shaping the next generation of thinkers, doers, and dreamers. What could be more rewarding than that?

Become an Economics Teacher in Texas with TeacherBuilder.com

Now that you’ve got a roadmap, the next step is up to you. Whether you’re fresh out of college or ready to make a career change, becoming an economics teacher in Texas is an achievable and rewarding goal. So dive in, start your journey, and soon enough, you’ll be shaping minds and making a real difference in the classroom.

Ready to shape the future of young minds? Become an Economics Teacher in Texas with TeacherBuilder.com! Our fully online, TEA-approved Educator Preparation Program offers a fast, flexible, and affordable route to certification. Start your journey today—contact us to learn more!

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.