There is more to becoming a teacher in the state of Texas (and others) than simply receiving the bachelor's degree. It is necessary, therefore, for students to be aware of these requirements in conjunction with their bachelor's degree studies and, if possible, prior to embarking upon a bachelor's degree program. The State Board of Education for the state of Texas lists three primary requirements for becoming a teacher. Students must hold a baccalaureate degree. It is significant to note that no educational institutions in the state actually offer a bachelor's degree in the field of education. Instead, students pursue related fields of study. For example, Texas State University offers three bachelor's degrees in interdisciplinary studies. Each has a concentration in an area related to education. Two of these would qualify students to teach elementary education upon graduation from the program along with completion of the other state requirements.
In addition to the requirement of holding a bachelor's degree, teaching candidates in the state of Texas must also receive training as a teacher. This must be completed through a state-approved teacher education program. These programs can be completed not only through the college and university systems, but also locally through the school districts and other regional organizations that are a part of the education administration system of the state.
Certification exams are the third required component for teaching applicants mandated by the state education board. Students who wish to teach elementary school (or any other subject) must take a comprehensive examination in that field in order to exhibit the necessary prerequisite knowledge for teaching.
Although no institution offers a degree in elementary education, the degrees at Texas State University and those offered by the University of Texas are indicative of the type of degree students need in order to be competent to teach elementary school in the state of Texas. Texas State University offers bachelor's degrees in interdisciplinary studies with specializations in early childhood education through sixth grade and a grade 4-8 specialization. Degree requirements vary, but students can expect to complete between 120-134 credit hours. Student teaching and licensing requirements are met by working directly with the Office of Educator Preparation. Similarly, the University of Texas offers a bachelor of science degree in the field of applied learning and development. This program prepares students for teaching curriculum for early childhood education through sixth grade. The program is also offered with bilingual teaching certification. Curriculum for the degrees includes areas such as children's literature, elementary science, math and reading methods, individual differences, play in early childhood development, children's movement, sociocultural influences on learning and language in education.
Texas State University
College of Education
601 University Drive
San Marcos, TX 78666
512-245-2150
www.education.txstate.edu
Office of the Dean
College of Education, SZB 210
The University of Texas at Austin
1 University Station D5000
Austin, TX 78712
512-471-7255
www.edb.utexas.edu