Texas Department of Education – A Guide to the Department's Teacher Certification Policy

The Texas Department of Education, also called Texas Education Agency (TEA), is the institution responsible for providing guidance and resources to schools and educators. It certifies educators to work in the state ensuring that they meet all teacher standards set by national and state regulations. It is worth learning more about the department’s policy on teacher certification so that you know how you can get a job and work at a public school in Texas.

The certification policy of the Texas Department of Education is applied by the State Board of Educator Certification (SBEC). This is the institution that you have to apply to in order to obtain your credentials to teach in the state. SBEC is responsible for evaluating and approving applicants for different kinds of certificates.

All applicants who want to obtain a Standard Certificate from the Texas Department of Education must meet the relevant education requirements, complete successfully a set of examinations called Texas Examinations of Education Standards (TExES) and have at least two semesters of work experience as a teacher in the state or equivalent work experience.

You must complete a Texas Educator Preparation program accredited by the Texas Department of Education first. There are three types of programs you can select from. You can complete teacher training courses as part of an undergraduate degree program with an academic major of your choice. The other option is to enroll in and complete a post-baccalaureate educator program after getting your bachelor’s degree. The third option is also designed for applicants holding a bachelor’s degree. You can enroll in an alternative certification program which is designed to combine classroom training and hands-on supervised work with an internship.

The other requirement for a Standard Certificate is for the applicant to complete successfully a set of TExES exams. This set includes academic subject or content tests for the different subjects you would like to teach. You will have to pass the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibility (PPR) exam as well.

The Texas Department of Education has a special policy for certified teachers coming from other US states and foreign countries. As an applicant, you must first provide your certification credentials for a review to SBEC. If you are found eligible for obtaining Texas certification, you will be able to apply for and obtain a One-Year Certificate. It will allow you to teach in any public school in Texas to obtain the work experience necessary for a Standard Certificate. The One-Year Certificate will also make you eligible for taking the TExES tests. You may be exempt from taking these tests, if you have completed successfully similar tests which have been evaluated as relevant by SBEC.

The Texas Department of Education issues Temporary Teacher Certificates (TTC) as well. These are available as part of the TTC program via approved schools. You have to check with the department or with your local school district which schools in your area participate in this program so that you can make arrangements for obtaining such a certificate.

Make sure you contact the Texas Department of Education or visit their website to obtain any specific information.