All teachers in the state of Texas must obtain a minimum of a bachelor's degree. Texas colleges and schools do not offer education degrees per se, but rather, teacher certification through its degree programs that prepare students for the subject matter they will be teaching. Therefore, students wanting to teach agricultural education should obtain a bachelor's degree in agriculture from a college that offers a curriculum leading to teacher certification. Texas State University, for example, offers a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with a teacher certification option. Texas A & M University offers a similar program in agricultural leadership and development as does Texas Tech University.
Degree programs in agriculture leading to certification usually offer some type of teacher education as part of the certification process. The Texas State Board of Education requires that, in addition to receiving a bachelor's degree, prospective teachers must receive teacher education training through a state-approved program. Many schools that offer certification programs offer these teacher education programs as part of the certification process. This usually involves a few teacher education courses and student teaching. Those who already hold a bachelor's degree can receive teacher education training through a state approved program sponsored by the state. These are generally offered through the various school districts. Final certification requires students to pass a test in the area they plan to teach.
The various agriculture degrees offered by the colleges and universities in Texas differ in emphases and required curriculum. If possible, students wanting to teach agricultural education should pursue a program like the one at Texas State in San Marcos. The program prepares students to be certified to teach grades 9 through 12 in Texas high schools. Typical agricultural education courses include introduction agricultural careers and industries, agricultural engineering, agricultural economics, feeds and feeding, farm management, soil science, livestock selection and evaluation, professional development in agriculture, teaching reading in content areas, secondary teaching and problems in adolescence.