So, you’re thinking about becoming an early childhood teacher in Texas? That’s amazing! Teaching young children is one of the most rewarding careers out there. You get to shape little minds, help build their confidence, and watch them grow every day. And the best part? Texas has a growing demand for early childhood educators, meaning job stability and plenty of opportunities.

But where do you even start? Don’t worry! This article will tell you how to become a teacher in Texas. We will walk you through everything you need to know—from education and certification requirements to job prospects and salary expectations. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Earn the Right Education Credentials

Before you can start teaching, you’ll need to meet Texas’ education requirements. Here’s what you need to know:

Get a Bachelor’s Degree

Texas requires early childhood teachers to hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. The ideal degree programs include:

• Early childhood education
• Elementary education
• Special education (if you want to specialize)
• Child development or related fields (some programs may require additional coursework)

In addition to coursework, some universities incorporate hands-on classroom training as part of their degree programs to help students gain real-world experience before certification.

If your degree is in another field, don’t worry! You can still become a teacher through an alternative certification program (ACP) (more on that in Step 3). Many ACPs provide intensive training and mentorship opportunities to help career changers transition smoothly into the education field.

Maintain a Minimum GPA

To qualify for certification, you’ll need a minimum GPA of 2.5 in your coursework. If your GPA is lower, you can take the Pre-Admission Content Test (PACT) to demonstrate your subject knowledge and qualify for an educator preparation program (EPP).

Step 2: Gain Practical Teaching Experience

Having a degree is just the beginning of teaching in Texas! Hands-on experience is a crucial part of becoming an effective teacher. Texas ensures that aspiring educators receive practical exposure to classroom environments before they begin teaching independently.

Complete 30 Hours of Field Experience

Before student teaching, Texas requires at least 30 hours of field experience, where you’ll observe classrooms and learn from seasoned educators. This provides valuable insight into effective teaching strategies, classroom management techniques, and student engagement practices.

Up to 15 hours can be completed through virtual observation, offering flexibility for candidates who may not be able to complete all hours in person.

Complete Student Teaching or Internship

If you’re in a traditional Educator Preparation Program (EPP), you’ll need to complete 350 clock hours of supervised teaching in an accredited school. During this period, you’ll actively teach lessons, receive feedback from experienced educators, and refine your teaching skills in a real classroom setting.

For those enrolled in an Alternative Certification Program (ACP), an internship may be an option. You can work as a full-time, paid intern while simultaneously completing your certification requirements. This path allows for hands-on learning while earning a salary, making it an attractive option for career changers.

Volunteer or Work as a Teaching Assistant

Beyond the required field experience, gaining additional classroom experience can make you a stronger candidate for full-time teaching roles. Volunteering in schools, working as a substitute teacher, or taking a job as a teacher’s assistant can provide extra opportunities to develop your teaching skills, interact with students, and network within the school community.

Step 3: Choose a Certification Path

Choosing the right certification path is an essential step in your journey to becoming an early childhood teacher in Texas. The state offers two primary pathways to certification, depending on your educational background and career goals:

Traditional Pathway

This involves enrolling in a university-based Educator Preparation Program (EPP), typically as part of a bachelor’s or master’s degree in education. These programs provide structured coursework, supervised teaching experiences, and professional development to prepare you for the classroom.

Alternative Certification Program (ACP)

If you already hold a bachelor’s degree in a field other than education, an ACP like TeacherBuilder.com can be an excellent route. These programs allow you to earn certification through an accelerated training process that includes coursework, exams, and an internship or student teaching experience.

Considerations When Choosing Your Path

• Time commitment: Traditional EPPs usually take four years if completed as part of a bachelor’s degree, while ACPs can be completed in as little as one year.
• Cost: University-based programs may be more expensive due to tuition fees, whereas ACPs often provide a cost-effective, flexible alternative.
• Flexibility: ACPs are designed for career changers and working professionals, offering online and evening courses in many cases.
• Field experience: Both pathways require student teaching or an internship, ensuring that you gain practical classroom experience before certification.

Once you’ve selected your preferred route, you can proceed to the next step—preparing for and passing your certification exams!

Step 4: Pass Your Certification Exams

To become a certification teacher in Texas, you’ll need to pass the required Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES). These exams assess your knowledge, teaching abilities, and subject proficiency to ensure you’re prepared to educate young learners.

Which Exams Do You Need?

The two key exams for early childhood teachers are:

• Early childhood: Pre-K through Grade 3 (TExES #292) – This exam evaluates your understanding of child development, instructional strategies, and early literacy and numeracy skills.
• Core subjects EC-6 Exam: Required for those planning to teach kindergarten through sixth grade, this exam assesses competency in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Fine Arts, and Health/Physical Education.

How to Prepare for the Exams

• Review the TEA study guides: The Texas Education Agency (TEA) provides study materials and sample questions to help you familiarize yourself with the exam format.
• Take practice tests: Many online platforms offer TExES practice exams to help identify areas needing improvement.
• Join study groups: Collaborating with fellow teaching candidates can help reinforce key concepts and improve retention.
• Consider test prep courses: Some educator preparation programs and third-party providers offer intensive review courses to boost confidence before the exam.

Exam Registration and Fees

Register for the exams through the Texas Educator Certification Examination Program.

• Each exam typically costs between $116 to $136, so budget accordingly.
• Choose a testing center near you or explore online proctoring options if available.

Passing these exams is a critical step in your teaching journey, so give yourself plenty of time to study and prepare effectively!

Step 5: Complete a Background Check and Fingerprinting

Texas takes student safety seriously, so all prospective teachers must pass a criminal background check and fingerprinting process through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Fingerprinting Process

• All applicants must undergo electronic fingerprinting through the Texas-approved vendor, IdentoGO.
• You’ll need to schedule an appointment online and bring a valid form of identification.
• The fingerprinting process ensures that all teachers meet state safety standards and helps verify identity and criminal history.

Background Check Fees

• Fingerprinting costs around $52, payable at the time of service.
• The background check fee is $78, required by the Texas Education Agency (TEA).

Disqualifying Offenses

Certain criminal offenses may disqualify candidates from obtaining certification.

If you have any prior convictions, you can request a preliminary criminal history evaluation from the TEA to determine eligibility before applying for certification.

You’ll complete this step through the Texas Education Agency (TEA) website. Once cleared, you’ll be ready to move forward in the certification process!

Step 6: Apply for Your Teaching Certification

Once you’ve met all the requirements, it’s time to apply for your Texas Standard Teaching Certificate! This is your official credential that allows you to teach in public schools across Texas.

How to Apply:

1. Create an account on TEA Login (TEAL): Go to the Texas Education Agency (TEA) website and set up your TEAL account.
2. Submit your application: Complete the online application and upload the required documents.
3. Pay the certification fee: The standard application fee is $78, payable through TEAL.
4. Background check verification: Ensure your fingerprinting and background check have been processed successfully.
5. Wait for TEA approval: Processing can take several weeks, so be patient and check your application status regularly.

Alternative Routes to Certification:

If you are completing an Alternative Certification Program (ACP), your program provider will typically guide you through the application process and submit recommendations for your certification.

What Happens After You Get Certified?

• Your certification will be valid for five years.
• You’ll need to complete 150 hours of professional development to renew it.
• Consider joining a professional teaching association to stay updated on policy changes and continuing education opportunities.

Once approved, congratulations! You’re officially a certified early childhood teacher in Texas! Get ready to make a difference in young lives!

Step 7: Land Your First Teaching Job

Now that you’re certified, it’s time to start job hunting! Texas has plenty of teaching opportunities, especially in early childhood education.

Where to Look for Jobs:

• Texas Education Agency (TEA) job board
• Individual school district websites
• Job fairs and networking events
• Professional organizations like Texas Association for the Education of Young Children (TAEYC)

Texas also offers loan forgiveness programs if you work in high-need areas like bilingual education or special education.

Salary Expectations and Benefits

Teaching isn’t just rewarding emotionally—it’s financially stable, too. Here’s what you can expect in Texas:

• Starting salary: Around $33,600
• Average salary for kindergarten teachers: $61,470
• Average salary for elementary school teachers: $63,030

Career Growth and Professional Development

Your journey doesn’t stop once you land your first job! Texas requires teachers to complete 150 hours of professional development every five years to renew their certification.

Ways to Grow Your Career:

• Earn a Master’s Degree in Education
• Get National Board Certification
• Specialize in bilingual education, special education, or curriculum development
• Move into leadership roles like instructional coach or school principal

Become an Early Childhood Teacher in Texas with TeacherBuilder.com

Becoming an early childhood teacher in Texas is a challenging but incredibly fulfilling journey. You’ll shape the next generation and make a real impact on children’s lives. So, are you ready to take the leap? TeacherBuilder.com is a leading educator preparation program in Texas designed to help aspiring educators like you succeed.

With online coursework, expert mentorship, and a fast track to certification, we make it easier than ever to achieve your teaching goals. Apply now to begin your journey toward this rewarding career today!

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.