1. Check Your Degree:
* Does your degree meet Texas's requirements? Texas requires a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university. However, the *specific subject* of your degree is crucial. A degree in education is ideal, but many other degrees can qualify, depending on the teaching field you're interested in. You may need additional coursework to meet certification requirements.
* Subject Matter Knowledge: If your degree isn't in education, you'll likely need coursework in pedagogy (the art and science of teaching) and in your chosen subject area to demonstrate sufficient knowledge.
2. Determine Your Certification Area:
Texas uses a certification system. You'll need to choose a specific certification area, such as:
* Early Childhood (EC-6): Teaches Pre-K through 6th grade.
* Elementary (1-8): Teaches grades 1-8
* Secondary (Specific Subject): Teaches a specific subject (e.g., Math, Science, English, History) in grades 7-12 or 8-12. This requires a degree or significant coursework in your chosen subject.
* Special Education: Requires specialized training and coursework.
3. Apply for Teacher Certification:
* Texas Education Agency (TEA): The TEA is the governing body for teacher certification in Texas. You'll apply through their website.
* Required Tests: You'll need to pass certain exams, including the PPR (Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities) exam and a subject matter test related to your chosen certification area (e.g., a math exam for secondary math certification). The exact tests depend on your certification area and the type of degree you possess.
* Background Checks: You'll undergo thorough background checks, including fingerprinting.
* Completing Required Coursework: This is where having a non-education degree becomes relevant. You will need to complete additional coursework to meet certification requirements in areas like pedagogy, classroom management, and subject-specific content knowledge. The TEA website specifies the needed courses for each certification area.
4. Find a Teaching Position:
* Apply to School Districts: Once certified, you can start applying for teaching jobs with various school districts across Texas. You'll typically need a resume, cover letter, and references.
* Teacher Recruitment Events: Attend job fairs and recruitment events organized by school districts.
5. Complete Your Student Teaching (If Required):
Some certification paths require student teaching, which involves practical experience in a classroom under the supervision of a mentor teacher. This is often a final step before receiving your certification.
In Summary:
The process is multi-step and requires careful planning. Start by:
1. Visiting the Texas Education Agency (TEA) website: This is your primary source of information for all requirements, exams, and applications.
2. Researching certification areas: Identify which area aligns with your degree and career goals.
3. Contacting your college or university's education department: They can provide guidance on which courses you need to meet the certification requirements.
Don't hesitate to contact the TEA directly if you have specific questions. The process can seem daunting, but with careful planning and dedication, it's achievable.