Want to become a preschool teacher in Texas and train the next generation of kids? Couldn’t have a nobler aim in life! Besides that, the preschool market is growing at a consistent rate, and Texas is among the states with the highest employment level in Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool, and Daycare with an hourly mean wage of $25, just trailing California at $35.

In this article, learn the process involved in becoming a preschool instructor in the Lone Star state and take your first step towards teachership.

Educational Qualifications for Preschool Teachers in Texas

To become a preschool teacher in Texas, you need to fulfill some mandatory educational requirements. The Texas Education Agency or TEA mandates that you complete them before proceeding further. There are three core requirements in total, which are:

• Bachelor’s Degree: This is the key to unlocking your teaching adventure! A bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or a closely related field is ideal. But don’t worry, any Bachelor’s degree will work as long as you complete the next step.
• Educator Preparation Program: This program, approved by TEA, equips you with the specific knowledge and skills to nurture young minds. It usually involves coursework on child development, curriculum design, and effective teaching methods.
• Texas Examinations of Educators Standards (TExES): These exams assess your content knowledge and teaching skills. You’ll need to pass the TExES Core Subjects EC-6 (covering reading, math, science, social studies, and fine arts) and the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities exam at the minimum. The latter is a computer-based test involving 100 or so MCQs. This covers topics like professional responsibilities, student assessment, etc. You need to score at least 240 (or as specified by TEA) to pass the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities exam.

Besides that, there are a few optional requirements. While these are not mandatory, you can expect high-paying roles and faster promotion if you possess them:

• Master’s Degree: Pursuing a master’s degree, although time-consuming and challenging, has its set of benefits. It demonstrates you have the skillset to persevere with the demands of higher education. This, in turn, will put you in a position for promotions into higher-paying roles.
• CDA Certification: Consider pursuing a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential while you complete your degree. It demonstrates your early childhood education knowledge and can make you a strong candidate for teaching positions.
• Volunteering Experience: While not mandatory, experience working with children is a valuable asset! Look for volunteer opportunities at daycare centers, after-school programs, and summer camps.

Steps to Become a Preschool Teacher in Texas

Now that you’ve conquered the educational requirements to become a preschool teacher in Texas, it’s time to translate those qualifications into a rewarding career! Here are the steps you need to follow:

Get your certificates in order

In case you haven’t already, you need to obtain all your certificates. These certificates validate you have completed your education and are eligible to teach in Texas. As already mentioned, you’ll need three certificates at minimum: the Bachelor’s degree, the EPP, and the TExES.

Make sure you have the original copies with all the valid details. In case you find any discrepancy, it’s necessary to get those cleared first before you proceed with the rest of the steps.

Create a TEA account

The Texas Education Agency maintains a database of all the teachers and aspiring teachers. To become a teacher you need to list yourself in there. So head over to the TEA Login (TEAL) page and create an account. You’d have to provide some personal details like name, email ID, and phone number to create an account.

Inside, you’ll find additional resources which will help you in your journey. So, create and verify your TEA account.

Submit a state application

Next, you will need to submit a state application to become a certified preschool teacher in Texas. After completing your education and passing the TExES exams, you’ll need to submit an official application to the TEA for your certification.

The application process verifies that you meet the minimum requirements for teaching young children in Texas and want to become a preschool teacher.

By establishing a standardized application process, the TEA helps ensure that all certified preschool teachers in Texas possess a baseline level of knowledge and skills. This contributes to maintaining quality standards across early childhood education programs in the state.

Fingerprinting and background check

The crucial penultimate step in becoming a preschool teacher in Lone Star State is completing a background check. During the state application process, you’ll be prompted to submit information for a background check. This involves providing your fingerprint data.

You’ll need to schedule an appointment to be fingerprinted at a designated fingerprint vendor approved by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). You’ll likely pay a fee associated with fingerprinting at the appointment. This check searches for any criminal convictions or pending charges on a national and potentially state level.

The background check also helps to identify any potential risks to child safety by uncovering any past criminal offenses that could disqualify you from becoming a teacher.

Job hunting

The last step is finding a job as a preschool teacher. There are vacancies every year for preschool teachers in the state, and you should look for them as soon as you graduate and complete the aforementioned steps.

Here are the sub-steps involved:

• Prepare your resume and cover letter: Highlight your strengths, relevant coursework, and any teaching experience.
• Job search: Explore online job boards and school district websites and network with early childhood education professionals.
• Interview preparation: Research the preschool, practice common interview questions, and dress professionally.
• Landing the job: Follow up with thank-you notes and negotiate your salary based on your qualifications.

From completing the EPP exam to landing a job, it can take anywhere from a few months to a year to become a preschool teacher. This depends on the teacher’s requirements and your preferences. In a healthy job market (and if you’re flexible with location and salary), you can expect a speedier appointment.

Enroll Yourself in an Alternative Certification Program with TeacherBuilder.com

Talking of speed, there’s an alternative approach to becoming a preschool teacher in Texas.

While a traditional bachelor’s degree is the go-to path to becoming a preschool teacher in Texas, the other option is alternative certification with TeacherBuilder.

It’s a program designed for individuals with a bachelor’s degree in any field who want to become certified teachers. These programs equip you with the specific knowledge and skills needed to excel in the classroom, focusing on child development, curriculum design, and effective teaching methods for young learners.

The main benefit of alternative certification is these programs are often shorter and more flexible than traditional education degrees, allowing you to enter the classroom quicker.

Remember, becoming a preschool teacher in Texas is an investment in yourself and the future generation. In other words, it’s more than a job. With dedication and the right resources, you’ll be well on your way to fostering a love of learning in young children and making a real difference in their lives!

So, wait no further. Start your teaching journey with TeacherBuilder.com! Our TEA-approved Educator Preparation Program offers a quick, flexible, and cost-effective path to earning your teaching certification – all online. Contact us today 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.