Relocating as a teacher comes with many exciting opportunities, along with a few administrative hurdles. If you’re certified to teach in Mississippi and are considering a move to Texas, you’re not alone. Texas consistently ranks among the top states attracting educators from across the country due to its population growth, higher-than-average teacher salaries, and strong demand for certified professionals.

Texas employed over 370,000 public school teachers in 2024, and the Texas Education Agency projects that more than 40,000 new educators will be needed each year to meet rising student enrollment and teacher attrition rates.

Teaching in Texas with an out-of-state license requires a few extra steps. This guide breaks down the process and helps you understand what to expect.

Understanding Teaching License Reciprocity

What Is Reciprocity?

Teacher certification reciprocity allows one state to recognize a teaching license issued by another. This process makes it easier for experienced educators to move across state lines. Reciprocity is often guided by the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, but each state, including Texas, sets its own rules and conditions.

How Texas Handles Reciprocity

Texas does not offer full, automatic reciprocity. Instead, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) offers an Out-of-State Certification Review to evaluate your Mississippi credentials. Based on that review, you may be eligible to receive a Texas Standard Certificate or be asked to complete additional requirements such as exams or training.

Why Consider Teaching in Texas?

With over 5.5 million students enrolled in Texas public schools, the state has the second-largest public education system in the U.S., just behind California. This growing student population continues to drive high demand for qualified educators in nearly every subject area and region.

Key Benefits of Teaching in Texas:

• High Demand: Texas school districts report annual teacher shortages in subjects like math, science, special education, and bilingual education. In 2023 alone, the state reported nearly 13,000 teacher vacancies.
• Competitive Salaries: The average teacher salary in Texas was $62,316 in 2024, with many urban districts offering $70,000+ starting salaries for high-need roles.
• Professional Development: Texas offers mentorship programs, continuing education, and leadership tracks to help educators grow.
• Diverse Classrooms: Over 60% of students in Texas public schools are Hispanic or African American, offering culturally rich teaching environments and opportunities for bilingual or ESL-certified educators.

Steps to Transfer Your Mississippi Teaching Certificate to Texas

1. Create a TEAL Account

To begin, you’ll need to create a Texas Education Agency Login (TEAL) account. This gives you access to the Educator Certification Online System (ECOS).

• Visit the TEA website
• Select “TEAL Login.”
• Follow the prompts to register
• Log in to access certification services

2. Gather Required Documents

Once logged into ECOS, you’ll complete an application for an Out-of-State Certification Review and upload the following:

• A copy of your valid Mississippi teaching certificate
• Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
• Proof of completed educator preparation program, if applicable
• Application fee payment, typically around $180

3. TEA’s Credential Evaluation

The TEA will review your documents and determine:

• If your Mississippi certificate qualifies for a Texas Standard Certificate
• If you need to complete any state-specific tests
• Whether you qualify for a One-Year Certificate while completing additional steps

4. Fingerprinting and Background Check

All educators in Texas must undergo a national fingerprint-based background check. TEA will provide instructions after your application is submitted. You’ll complete this step through IdentoGO.

5. Pass Required Exams (If Needed)

Depending on your Mississippi certification and experience, you may be required to take one or more Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES). Common exams include:

Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR) EC–12 (160)

A subject-specific content exam related to your teaching area

Explore TeacherBuilder’s Exam Matrix for prep support to see which tests may apply to your certification and access study resources.

Alternative Certification Pathways

Suppose you don’t meet all Texas requirements right away. In that case, you may still qualify for an Alternative Certification Program (ACP), a streamlined path for professionals with a bachelor’s degree who need to fulfill Texas-specific training or exam requirements.

ACPs vs. EPPs

Texas recognizes two main certification routes:

1. EPPs (Educator Preparation Programs): These include both traditional university-based programs and alternative routes.
2. ACPs (Alternative Certification Programs): These are tailored for career changers or out-of-state educators missing specific qualifications.

How TeacherBuilder Can Support Your Transition

If you’re a certified teacher from Mississippi planning to teach in Texas, you don’t have to navigate the process alone. TeacherBuilder offers a streamlined certification path designed specifically for out-of-state educators.

Here’s how we help:

• Flexible, 100% online coursework that works with your schedule
• Comprehensive test prep resources to help you pass the required Texas exams
• Job placement assistance and resume coaching to get you classroom-ready
• Access to over 25 certification areas, from core subjects to specialized roles
• Step-by-step guidance, from submitting your application to earning your Texas Standard Certificate

From passing exams to handling fingerprinting and TEA requirements, we’re here to help make the process manageable. You can get a closer look at how it all works here.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or state policy advice. Requirements can change. For the most up-to-date information, please consult the Texas Education Agency.