Since you have a teaching certificate from Texas, you’ll need to fulfill some additional requirements. This means that New Mexico PED will extra assessment by Texas. There might also be additional coursework depending on the subjects you plan to teach. However, if you have teaching experience in Texas, some of the additional assessment and coursework might be waivered for you.

Teacher Certification Reciprocity

With teacher certification reciprocity, you can teach in New Mexico with a Texas license. However, this reciprocity isn’t an automatic process. You still have to apply for a license in New Mexico. The licensing agency for New Mexico will review the request on a case-by-case basis.

The good news is that you don’t have to start over. If you hold a bachelors degree and a certificate that you received through an accredited or approved program, you don’t need to pursue these degrees and certificates again.

With teacher certification reciprocity, educators moving from Texas to New Mexico can fulfill the initial requirements quickly and teach on a provisional license. This gives them time to apply for a standard license.

The NASDTEC reciprocity agreement and does it work in New Mexico

There are several agreements between different states, and the most popular of them is NASDTEC (National Association of State Directors of Teaching Education Certification). It eases the process as you use your Texas license in any other state. With this agreement, you don’t have to provide additional proofs or licenses.

However, since New Mexico is not a NASDTEC participant, it has different rules. In New Mexico, you need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school in Texas. You also need a state-approved certificate for teacher preparation program. You also need a minimum of 1 year’s experience in teaching in Texas.

To appear for a test in New Mexico, you should have passed the teacher’s competency exam in Texas. The level of license you get is based on the number of years you have taught in Texas.

Do you need additional assessment if your license is from Texas?

In most cases, yes. But it’s not for every candidate. Also, it doesn’t have to be done immediately. If you’re an elementary teacher in Texas and have no verifiable teaching experience, you can get a 1-year license. For that, you need to take the Essential Components of Elementary Reading exam.

This is a level 1 license and to get it, you need to submit a report of completing coursework requirements. It’s important to discuss your case with the agency so they can guide you better.

If you want to acquire a level 2 or level 3 license, you need to send your report of credit hours that are a part of the assessment requirements.

Conclusion

Your Texas teaching license will work in New Mexico but you’ll have to take some extra assessments. While the NASDTEC reciprocity agreement works in several states, it doesn’t work in New Mexico so reciprocity can be a bit tricky but not entirely difficult. Discuss your needs with the New Mexico agency and they’ll guide you according to the experience you have and the level of certificate you’re looking for.

The post Can I Teach in New Mexico with a Texas License? appeared first on Teacher Builder.

There are several elementary teaching jobs in Texas and since the population of this state is expected to rise in the coming years, the job opportunity will only grow. There are certain disciplines that will need more teachers, such as ESL (English as a Second Language) and special education. These subjects need teachers on all grade levels.

Teachers in Texas get good salaries and the job outlook is positive. If you’re a teacher in Arkansas looking for a job in Texas, there are good opportunities for you.

Here is some ways you can become a teacher in Texas with an Arkansas certification

Start the certificate process

Since you’re a teacher in Arkansas, you’ll need to apply for a credential review. Open the TEA website and create your account there. You’ll need to complete an application and pay a fee. You’ll need to submit the Arkansas certificate there.

Once you’ve completed this step, the results will be emailed to you in some days. If you’re eligible, the email will also specify the duration of your eligibility. This means now you can begin your job search. However, keep in mind that this isn’t a standard certificate. While you do your job search, make sure you also take the required tests for a standard certificate that will stay active for five years.

Apply for a teaching position

Now that you’ve received a certificate, you can continue your Arkansas job into Texas. But before you apply for a teaching job, you’ll need some things. For example, you must have a solid resume. Go through your resume to ensure it’s updated. Also check for spelling or grammar mistakes. Small mistakes can be costly and you might be rejected from a good school because you didn’t recheck your resume.

Apart from the resume, you’ll also need a good cover letter and a list of references. Make sure they are updated as well. Mention the experience you’ve gained in Arkansas.

Search jobs online

Since the times have changed, you don’t have to physically visit the schools anymore. You can search for the job openings on websites such as schoolspring.com and workintexas.com. There are websites such as teachers-teachers.com that let teachers post their resumes online. Education institutes go through these resumes and contact the candidates they think are a good fit for them.

Check other job opportunities

Apart from online platforms, there are some offline job areas as well. For example, you can visit a job fair and drop your resume at relevant places. You can also check the websites of schools and see if they have job openings.

Conclusion

If you’re a teacher in Arkansas and you’re planning to come to Texas, you’re in luck. You don’t need to spend years in getting another degree. You can start teaching here just by applying online. You’ll get a provisional certificate that will help you get started. And meanwhile, you can also apply for a standard teaching certificate.

The post Can You Teach in Texas with an Arkansas Certification appeared first on Teacher Builder.

Job requirements

The job requirements of an art teacher in Texas are to enroll in a teacher’s preparation program, take the relevant competency exams, apply for the state certificate, and to continue your education.

To become a teacher, you’ll need to have a degree in art and design or a similar subject. You’ll also need a professional graduate diploma in education. It generally takes about 4-5 years to become a teacher. This is the time required to earn a bachelor’s degree, which is a prerequisite to becoming a teacher. Whether you plan to teach elementary, middle, or high school, you’ll need to have a bachelor’s degree.

How good do you have to be at art to be an art teacher

To teach art, you must have a passion for art. However, it’s also important to understand teaching methodologies. Being a good artist and being a good teacher are two mutually exclusive things. Just because you’re a good artist doesn’t mean you’re a good teacher. Even if you are not a pro at drawing or painting, you can still be a good teacher. All you need is the art to teach it to your students.

Here are the steps to become an art teacher in Texas:

1. Enroll in a teacher’s preparation program

There are several programs you might want to consider. For example you can enroll in Alternative Certification Educational Program. If you already hold a degree, this can be a good program for you. With this, you can teach for one year in a school on probation.

Or you can enroll in University Initial Certification. It’s the most common way to become an art teacher in Texas. Your coursework will differ from others depending on the level of teaching you want to do.

2. Take competency exams

When you sign up for a degree program, discuss with your counselor to learn if you need to take a test. The common tests you might have to take are PACT (Pre Admission Content Test), Generalist tests, art tests, and Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities tests.

Discuss with your counselor about the coursework for these tests and which tests you need to take. These tests are there to assess your art skills, general subject skills, and to see if you’re professional enough to serve as a teacher in Texas.

3. Apply for a state certificate

To get a certificate, you need to apply online for ECOS (Educator Certificate Online System). To enroll for this test, you’ll need to provide your social security number, and driving license number. Once you pass this test, you’ll carry a state certificate that makes you fit to become a teacher. This certificate expires after some time so you’ll need to continue your education and keep the certificate relevant.

4. Continue your education

You need to attend professional development seminars and renew your certificate. You can also consider pursuing another degree. This will also open more opportunities for you.

Conclusion

Being a teacher is a reputable job. But it’s not always easy. To become an art teacher in Texas, follow the tips mentioned above and keep upgrading yourself. Teachers in Texas earn good salaries and you too can become a teacher and achieve your dream.

The post How to Become an Art Teacher in Texas appeared first on Teacher Builder.

Texas now needs to educate over 5 million students so recruits from out of the state are burning hot. Moreover, they have opened doors for teachers with teaching certifications from other states as well.

Plus, they are offering other work benefits like shorter workdays, stipends for taking graduate-level courses, retention bonuses, and more. Certain districts have also begun live-streaming during the pandemic until schools open for good. So, now we ask and answer the question of is it worth moving to Texas with a Louisiana teaching certification.

Moving to Texas as a Teacher

The first thing to do to start working in Texas with a Louisiana teaching certification is learning state-wide used acronyms like ECOS and TEAL. These stand for Educator Certification Online Systems (ECOS) and the Texas Education Agency Login (TEAL) respectively. The first is an online registration site for Texas teachers and the second allows you to create and access your teacher’s account on the Texan government system.

To get into the Texan educator’s system, you must first create a TEAL account and set your category as an educator. You will get an email within 24 hours containing a username and temporary password along with instructions on how to proceed. These will help you create and finish your educator’s profile.

Once you are done creating your profile, you will have to shell out a “Review of Credentials” non-refundable fee.  To do this, you must log in to the TEAL system and select “Out of State Certified Applicants” followed by “Review of Credentials from Another State or U.S. Territory” and make the payments. The review results will be emailed to you and this will also include test results on a standard certificate along with a one-year, non-renewable eligibility certificate.

While you are sitting and waiting for the Review of Credentials, you can get other formalities done. The first among these is submitting official transcripts for all your college studies along with copies of associated certificates. The easiest way to do this is to submit the copy online via an attachment on TEAL and email the transcripts. Getting both of these verified is going to take about three to four weeks. The response time may increase between April and September.

You can also apply for the one-year certificate via TEAL. This is done by logging into TEAL and selecting the “out of state Certified Applicants”, choosing the “Initial One-Year Certificate” option, and making the $52 fee payment for processing and issuance.

The one-year certificate is a holdover document to go with your Louisiana teaching certification meant to pass for credentials until you can get the Standard Certificates. This requires you to complete tests and will give you a five-year certification to teach in the State of Texas. Before you do this, you will also need to give your biometrics like fingerprints and clear a background check. All details on your review will be available online in your TEAL account on the Educator Main Menu under “My Documents” after you get the review completion email.

Step-by-step process for applying for a teaching certificate in Texas for teachers from Louisiana

First Application

To help you through the process, download the TEA’s Out-of-State application checklist (DOCX).

• Make an account on TEAL via your browser, preferably Google Chrome.
• Finishing filling in the online user account info and making the $164 non-refundable payment.
• Submit copies of all relevant standard certificates and submit official transcripts from all colleges attended as a student via online channels or using the US postal services.
• Furnish the proof of oral English language proficiency in case you earned your degree outside of the US including US territories.
• In case you needed to give out-of-state Texas test exemptions in other states, you may need to give Science of Teaching Reading (STR) Exam in the following categories:
  • Early Childhood: EC – Grade 3
  • Core Subjects with Science of Teaching Reading: Early Childhood–Grade 6
  • Core Subjects with Science of Teaching Reading: Grades 4–8
  • English Language Arts and Reading with Science of Teaching Reading: Grades 4–8​
  • English Language Arts and Reading/Social Studies with Science of Teaching Reading: Grades 4–8​

Important Note: In case you have student services or school administration certificates but do not possess a classroom teaching certificate, you must submit documentation proving you have at least 2 years of acceptable school experience in the area of your certification. You can send the valid documentation on an official verification of experience form found on the Out-of-State Test Exemptions page. Also, only out-of-state certificates can be sent electronically, out-of-country documents can only be sent via US postal services. 

Should You Move to Texas to Teach?

Texas is a great place for teachers. The state has no income tax and the avg. starting salary at $45,507 is a pretty good deal. This is particularly true since Texas is 11th among the least expensive states in the US according to a 2016 survey by the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center 2016. Texas is not too far from Louisiana and offers much higher teaching career opportunities. Even if you have family or relatives back in Louisiana moving to Texas is a great idea. Plus, you can always take a quick trip back without spending too much on travel.

Further, a 2017 WalletHub Teacher Study places Texas on the number 2 spot for average starting teacher salary and pension when adjusted when seen against average living costs. The Lone Star state also placed at 21st overall with 218 Gold and Silver Medal Schools on the U.S. News 2017 Best High School Rankings. Needless to say, if you want to explore the life of a teacher in Texas, 2022 may be the perfect year to make that change.

The post Can I teach in Texas with a Louisiana certification? appeared first on Teacher Builder.

Are You Qualified to Get an Oklahoma Teaching Certificate from Texas?

In order to apply for an Oklahoma teaching certification, you must meet the following criteria. We recommend you read carefully through the below-mentioned requirements before moving forward with your plans.

Every applicant of the Oklahoma teaching certification program must:

• Be a graduate holding a degree in education from a qualified institution of education with an approved program in teacher education in the specific area of expertise.
• Have successfully completed an Educational Quality & Accountability Office – approved (OEQA) higher education teacher education program.
• Fulfill all other mandatory requirements set by the Oklahoma Board of Education.
• Passed the required teaching competency examinations (all three) set by the Oklahoma State Board of Education.
• Have a clear criminal history from Oklahoma record search filed with Oklahoma Bureau of Investigation approval. They must have the same on the national history for criminal record search as verified by the FBI.
• Apply for Teacher Certification & submit the right processing fee. In case of an outside-state certification like from Texas, they must meet standards marked by the State Education Board. In certain cases of partial certification, they will need to clear a review by the Teacher Certification authorities in Oklahoma.

Teaching in Oklahoma 101

The following is the basic process for how you can apply for teaching certifications in Oklahoma while you hold a Texas teaching certification. Note that before you make this application, you must clear certain exams and other requirements to become eligible. We are mentioning all the steps you must take in the recommended sequence:

1. The first thing you need to qualify for a teaching certificate in Oklahoma from Texas is your Bachelor’s in Education degree with a focus on teaching. After this, you will need to clear a state-approved teacher preparation program for your specific domain of teaching expertise. This program may be already part of your degree course in case it is state-approved and can be completed side-by-side.
2. So, if you are applying for an Oklahoma teaching certification and already hold similar certifications in Texas, you will still need to go through the traditional procedure of getting the certificate. Aside from completing the formalities such as the forms mentioned above, you will also need to pass certain examinations. This includes three major exams, namely:
   1. Oklahoma General Education Test (OGET),
   2. Oklahoma Subject Area Test(s) (OSAT), and
   3. Oklahoma Professional Teaching Examination (OPTE).
3. After clearing all the above mentioned examinations, you must create an account on Single Sign-On account on the Oklahoma Educator Credentialing System. Once you have done this, you can start making a formal application for getting the Oklahoma School Standard Teaching Certificate. You will need to submit all official transcripts from all colleges or universities you have attended as a student. In the case of transcripts, they must clearly mention when the degree was earned as well as when it was conferred.
4. Along with the educational degree certifications/ transcripts, applicants must also fill in the proof of teaching via the dedicated form as well as a copy of your teaching certificate. The teaching certificate copy must contain details on valid dates of experience listed. Applicants are advised to copy both the front and back of the certificate if it holds relevant information.
5. The application sender must provide a $50 processing fee paid via either check, cashier’s check, or money order to the Oklahoma State Department of Education. They will also need to get a fingerprint background check with an associated fee of $57.25. They will need to visit the OSDE headquarters between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m to complete this requirement.

Once you complete all the requirements, you will be granted a standard teaching license that will remain valid for five years. The license can be renewed after five years provided you fulfill certain requirements like continuing education credits, applying for application renewal, and paying the requisite fee at the time of renewal.

Are You Ready for a New Teaching Career in Oklahoma?

Oklahoma’s education system has a growing demand for skilled and qualified teaching professionals. Starting or resuming your career in this state from Texas can be a great choice if you are willing to go through the certification process. If you are not sure of how to get this done, following the steps we have mentioned above will help you acquire the relevant certification easily. Start planning your dream Oklahoma teaching life today!

The post All You Need to Know for Teaching in Oklahoma with a Texas Teaching Certification appeared first on Teacher Builder.

Educator eligibility in Ohio:

• Must have a bachelors degree, Educator Preparation Program
• Pass the Praxis or Ohio assessment for educators
• Resident Educator license for first three years
• 12 semesters for a standard license for interstate validity

Educator eligibility in Texas:

• Bachelors degree, Educator Preparation Program
• TExES or other TEA approved tests
• Temporary certificate valid for 12 months if a candidate does not meet licensing requirement
• Credential review for interstate validity or standard licensing tests

How do you know if you possess a valid teaching certificate for teaching in Texas?

1. Get your credentials reviewed

Credentials earned in another state may or may not be valid in Texas. If you have an Ohio license, make sure it’s not a useless piece of document in your new home. To ascertain the validity of your teaching certificate when moving from Ohio to Texas, apply for a credential review. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) is the state body tasked with carrying out the review.

You log in to the TEA website as an educator and submit proofs. For example, electronic copies of your certificates, an online review application, and a non-refundable fee of $164 are typically required. In addition, if you are not from the US mainland, or are a resident of a US territory, or possess a teaching certificate from a foreign university, you are required to submit evidence of English language proficiency (oral). Expect to receive notification of receipt in two weeks.

2. Ask for transcripts from the university

For review, the TEA doesn’t accept transcripts from candidates. Only institutions can send them, either electronically or through the mail. Hence, you must apply to the university you earned the degree from. They must then send the same to TEA. Also, duplicate copies of the same must be avoided. This is done because multiple copies of the same document make the verification process unnecessary lengthy.

3. Check for reciprocity

One abiding challenge for teachers possessing teaching certificates moving from Ohio to Texas has been matching the certifications earned in one state to the standard eligibility in another. To overcome this issue and help educators, administrators, and child support personnel understand the kind of licensing that is acceptable, a national level body has been formed. It is an agreement between several US states.

NASDTEC looks after certification reciprocity and stipulates certain common grounds for it. From certification titles to subjects and grades, everything is mentioned in detail. For example, it is agreed that the minimum qualification for an educator is a bachelor’s degree followed by a certification test.

4. Take necessary tests

If your credentials are being verified for content areas like Early Childhood or English Language Arts with Social Studies (grade 4-8), you might be required to take the Science of Teaching Reading. If you’ve already passed this or an equivalent exam in your state, you should submit relevant documents. This might help you get an exemption.

5. Get an optional one-year certificate

Candidates will receive an optional certificate provided the verification process is successful. This is a temporary license, valid for a period of 12 months only, and may be used to secure employment. However, this optional Texas teaching certificate from doesn’t guarantee a position with a Texas public school.

Once this is done, take a standard test to validate your certificate.

6. Apply for a Standard license

The final step is getting a standard license. If you do not meet certain criteria, you need to prepare for a teaching license in Texas. If you do not already have a teaching certificate moving from Ohio to Texas, getting an alternative certificate also makes sense. Both the traditional and alternative routes to teaching are popular options for educators and professionals who want to get into teaching.

How to get a Teaching Certificate (traditional and alternative)

Get a bachelor’s degree

First, candidates must have at least a bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board must recognize it as being duly accredited.

Join an EPP

Candidates must join an EPP or Educator Preparation Program and begin preparing as an educator. This is the time to focus on the content area and the grade level you wish you teach. It takes 12 months to complete. If you do not have a teaching certificate when moving from Ohio to Texas, the time spent with an EPP will help you grow and mature as a future educator.

Internship

In these months, candidates may acquire classroom teaching experience. School internships give candidates a chance to see how a real classroom works. It also makes them aware of their own strengths and weaknesses as future educators. Although not a mandatory part of the licensing procedure, many candidates choose to take the internship route. However, the Program they are enrolled with must recommend them.

Take the certification exams

Texas has different exams for educators. If you want to teach in schools, you will generally have to take the Texas Examinations for Educator Standards (TExES)

Background check

If you are a freshly qualified educator, fingerprinting is mandatory for you. This ensures that your credentials are genuine and you have no criminal record.

Apply for open positions

The last and final step is actively seeking employment. Your EPP can keep you informed of vacancies as they arise. You can also find positions on school websites.

Summing up

If you are a teaching aspirant without a teaching certificate moving from Ohio to Texas, acquiring a standard license is your best bet. Or, if you are a licensed teacher, you might only need a credential review. Find out more about out-of-state teacher licensing and the TExES. Get in touch with an EPP near you today.

The post How Can You Transfer Your Ohio Teaching Certificate to Texas appeared first on Teacher Builder.

1. What is the Texas teachers’ retirement system (TRS)?

The TRS is a pension plan for educators in Texas. Teachers working in Texas public schools are automatically subscribed to this plan. As long as they work at an institute that is covered by TRS, their retirement fund keeps growing. The TRS provides assured benefits to teachers once they attain retirement age. The state of Texas provides its employees with different retirement plans but the TRS is its biggest once so far. More than a million educators are covered by this plan.

TRS Benefits Handbook

One of the reasons teaching is such a sought-after job in the state is teachers stand to gain in many ways – monthly pension and health insurance – after they retire.  And this is assured by TRS.

At the administrative level, a board of Trustees looks after the TRS and the board enjoys the backing of the state government.

2. Am I eligible for TRS?

All public school educators who complete teaching at least one school semester are eligible to receive the benefits of the Texas teacher’s retirement system. Educators need to work at least 20 hours (part-time) out of a full 40 hours and a minimum of four and a half months at one TRS-covered institute. If you are employed with a publicly funded institution and the salary you draw for your position is comparable to other educators in similar positions, you are set to draw the benefits too.

Another factor that decides your pension payout is the number of salary credits you have earned. At present, the minimum number of salary credits required by a public school educator is 80. The full benefits are unlocked if you also have at least 5 years of work behind you. Once you turn 65, you receive a monthly pension and the health cover activates.

3. How much pension do I get every month?

In-service teacher salary undergoes a deduction every month. According to the existing regulations, the deduction rate stands between 6% and 7%, and the rate is revised based on a number of factors. Along with this, your TRS-covered institution also contributes to your pension. However, it is up to the Independent School Districts (ISD) to decide on the rate of employer contribution. So it varies from one ISD to another. These two amounts together form your monthly pension.

Salaries vary too. Not just between two school districts but also across one’s teaching career. For instance, a teacher with a Master’s Degree and 3 years of work earns around $37,000 while one with 6 years earns $40,000. Hence, the Texas teacher’s retirement system stipulates that retirement annuity is calculated on the highest salaries drawn by an educator. As such, the average of the five highest salaries is considered and the monthly pension is computed using the formula mentioned below:

Pension = Avg. of highest salary * Total number of years worked * 2.3

4. What is the health insurance for retired teachers?

Apart from a fixed regular pension, retired teachers also enjoy quality health care at affordable costs. This is made possible through health insurance that teachers can choose. Different school districts offer different types of health cover and these are voluntary in nature.

This health insurance enables retired educators to foot the bills for a number of health conditions, their prevention, and treatments. Some of the expenses common to most health plans are related to hospital visits and stays, in and outpatient care, surgery, and different types of medication. In addition, the TRS also covers a few other things, for instance, the cost of dental and vision treatment and medical expenses arising out of prolonged disability.

It is not mandatory for anyone to buy a health cover. Teachers can also choose the monthly deductions made for the cover. A higher deduction during service usually means low health expenses after retirement.

5. Can I opt out of the Texas teacher’s retirement plan?

TRS membership is mandatory for all eligible employees; as such, participation in the retirement plan cannot be waived. However, only full-time faculty members employed in institutions of higher learning who have been identified by their employer as eligible for the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) may opt out of TRS in order to participate in ORP.

Usually, there are three types of retirement – standard, early, and disability. For standard retirement, teachers start getting full pension when they hit 65. In some cases, it might happen that you terminate your employment after having regularly contributed towards your pension. Opting out of the plan is usually an option when you are no longer employed with a TRS-member institution.

If you do choose to opt out with your current employer, there are a couple of things you can do. First, you can check with TRS schools for teaching vacancies. If you can secure a job with them, your contributions will continue. Second, you can ask for a reimbursement. Usually, a full refund is issued. It is best to remember that early retirees, who leave TRS-backed positions, may have to bear the burden of certain penalties in connection to the sum received as a refund.

However, there is a case for disability retirement. If an in-service teacher suffers permanent disability (physical or mental) and cannot work, the state disburses pension to them according to terms of service. Mostly, a 10-year service period is required.

6. How can I apply for a refund?

The first thing to do is get a refund form from the official TRS website. Once you have the softcopy (Application for Refund), you fill it up and get it duly notarized. Finally, mail the filled-in form to the TRS office. Your job is done here.

After that, it is up to the TRS. They will start verifications as regards your records and employment details. The entire process usually takes a month.

However, since the teacher is getting back the money, there will be no pension upon retirement.

7.  Can I get a single payment as opposed to the monthly pension?

It might be possible for educators to get a part of the retirement fund at one go and receive a smaller pension every month. But not everyone can avail of it. This option is only applicable to those retirees whose pensions are not subjected to any other deductions. The expected sum handed out is roughly about the size of a 36-month pension amount.

However, no one gets the full annuity as a lump sum.

Summing up

Educators in Texas not only earn a respectable salary at a noble profession, but they also stand to reap the fruits of labor. Texas teachers’ retirement system ensures fair compensation post-retirement that enables them to live out post-retirement life with dignity. Texas welcomes teachers and school districts to advertise vacancies across grade levels.

Becoming a teacher at one of these state-sponsored schools requires candidates to possess a valid teaching certificate. If you are a teacher working at a position that doesn’t support TRS, get in touch with an Educator Preparation Program near you to improve your career prospects and secure your future.

The post 7 FAQs on Texas Teachers Retirement appeared first on Teacher Builder.

Special education is increasingly gaining importance in the Texas academic landscape. As students with different learning abilities join mainstream classrooms, they need sincere personalized attention. To cater to special education needs across grades and age levels, aspiring teachers can take coursework and standardized tests. These lead to the special education certificate and you become licensed to teach.

Let’s take a look at the most frequently asked questions about the special education certificate:

How long does it take to get the special education certificate?

Preparing for the certification begins right at college. Usually, it takes four years to obtain a Bachelor’s degree. The first step is acquiring an undergraduate degree in special education. This course will equip you with the knowledge and skills required to teach children with disabilities, autism, and related disorders. Here you will also learn about the disabilities themselves along with child development and early intervention among other things. Find a university that is recognized by state-approved accrediting bodies for your degree to be valid.

If you do not possess an undergraduate degree, find out colleges near you that offer one in special education. While you can still apply to an EPP in your final year, acceptance to the program is subject to your passing the degree course. In addition, you need a GPA of 2.5 to qualify. While most school districts are happy with a Bachelor’s degree, a few others mandate a Master’s with a focus on Special Education at either undergraduate or graduate levels.

If you are from outside Texas but want to teach in state schools, you need to submit copies of your academic credentials – certificates, transcripts, courses, and proof of professional experience, if applicable, to the Texas Education Agency.

The need for Special Education teachers is spiraling out of control with 1 in 8 children being diagnosed with learning or other disability. As of now, there are more than forty thousand Special Education teachers working in Texas schools.

How long does it take to get an Alternative Teaching Certificate in Texas?

Any graduate in special education or a related field is eligible to apply for an alternative teaching certificate. It usually takes 12 calendar months or 2 back-to-back semesters to finish. At present, close to fifty percent of all Texas teachers have received their licenses through the alternative certification route.

Throughout the course aspiring special educators are trained on special education models, organization of the classroom, cognitive developments of disabled students, assessment of disabilities and early intervention, teaching strategies, assisting autistic students to achieve academic goals, inclusiveness, creating a safe environment for disabled learners and so on. The Alternative Certification route makes an aspiring teacher aware of the theoretical as well as the practical aspect of teaching.

Aspiring teachers who ask how to become a special education teacher in Texas should definitely contact the nearest Program to discuss their enrollment eligibility.  An EPP (Educator Preparation Program) is the mandatory next step if you are a university graduate. The EPP trains you to be a classroom teacher with a classroom teaching practicum. It also trains you for your licensing exam – TExES.

Is the TExES special ED test hard?

The text is not the most difficult of educator licensing exams but it is no walk in the park. There are 100 questions and 240 points are required to secure a Pass. You may write the test a total of 5 times. Your Program will help you understand the test pattern and make you aware of the question types. Some Programs help test takers get ahead of others through mock-ups.

So what is asked in the TExES Special Education?

All teaching aspirants have to take 2 tests – the TExES Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR) and the Content Area Test. The TExES Pedagogy and Professional Responsibility EC 12 is an online test and lasts for 5 hours. The second test, the TExES Special Education EC – 12, is specific for future special education teachers. There are 150 questions to be attempted within 5 hours and they test whether you are a right fit for a class of disabled children. There are four major areas of testing –

• how to identify and understand a child with disabilities
• how to help disabled learners achieve learning goals
• how to assist in their development
• what is the role of a special educator

After you pass these tests, you may be awarded the teaching certificate, provided you meet all the licensing requirements. If you have doubts about your eligibility, you should discuss with your Program to avoid last minute glitches. The final step is fingerprinting. As you secure a license, you are asked for a mandatory criminal background check. Post clearance, you are free to apply to Texas schools and teach your subject at your chosen grade level.

Sometimes it might get confusing as to which tests or certifications are the best fit for Special Education teachers and so enlisting the help of an approved EPP works to your advantage.

What can I teach with a special education certification in Texas?

By now you must have learned how to become a special education teacher in Texas. The only thing remaining is what you are expected to teach to students who need a special form of guidance.

• As a special educator, you are tasked with helping a special child adjust to a mainstream classroom and modifying teaching-learning materials to help them develop socially, cognitively, emotionally, and physically.
• Most Special education teachers incorporate sensory aids, a combination of audio-visual media, phonics, and drills to help disabled learners acquire learning better.
• You are also responsible for creating academic plans for each special child in your grade after due consultation with parents, subject teachers, counselors, social workers, and the school administration.
• As part of your professional responsibility, you are required to be patient, motivated, and reflective and maintain complete student records.

If you feel you have the necessary aptitude and drive to work with disabled learners, get in touch with the nearest EPP today.

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Sources: TEA PEIMS and SBEC ECOS

If you are thinking ‘How do I get my Texas subbing license? You have come to the right place. More than 22,000 teachers are subbing in Texas schools each year, and you could be one of them in no time.

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) allows individual schools and districts to lay down their own guidelines when it comes to substitute teacher qualifications.

This job is something you can fit around your current lifestyle. It is flexible, well-paying, and allows you to pursue other interests. If you are moving to Texas or are looking for a new teaching job without a standard certification, substitute teaching might just be the thing for you.

Here is a list of things you would definitely want to know before you start applying for substitute teaching in Texas:

How can you become a substitute teacher in Texas?

1. Build your resume

Job hunting begins with a perfect resume (PDF). When you start looking for a substitute teacher job, pay special attention to what the school wants. This way you can tailor your resume to highlight relevant skills and expertise. Take professional assistance if you must. Check for essential qualifications, certifications, experience letters, and everything else.

2. Get some teaching experience

You might think how do I become a substitute teacher in Texas if I don’t have prior experience? Although it differs from school to school, a little experience goes a long way. But if you are not familiar with school teaching, don’t think it’s the end of the line. Texas schools accept graduates with little to no formal experience. But if have worked with children in any capacity, be sure to highlight it in your resume.

3. Get in touch with schools or recruiters for interviews

Most schools will advertise substitute teaching positions as they open up. So, stay updated. You can also get in touch with educator preparation programs to help you find schools that are a good fit.

How much does a substitute teacher make per day/hour in Texas?

On average, a substitute teacher makes around a hundred dollars daily. Some schools pay more than $85 while others agree to pay more than $110 per day. Besides, the compensation depends to some extent on a teacher’s academic qualifications as well as their preferred grade levels. In fact, substitute teachers of ESL or Mathematics or Science are in high demand, particularly at the middle schools level, and so they can play this shortage to their advantage. If the Bureau of Labor Statistics is true, you could be adding upwards of $23,000/- every year by subbing at Texas schools.

Apart from the salary, substitute teachers get to connect with school principals and certified teachers. This comes in handy if and when they decide to apply as permanent educators.

How many credits do you need to be a substitute teacher in Texas?

Since there is no fixed qualification for subbing, schools are free to decide on the credit hours. For instance, schools in Dallas need more than 60 hours of college credit while those in Austin are happy with a High School diploma. However, at least 60 credits are normally asked for in most districts. Northside (San Antonio) demands more than 90 hours of credit in addition to a 2.5 GPA.

So before you apply as a sub, be sure to check out the credit needs. If you find yourself falling short at many of these places, perhaps it’s time to update yourself or improve upon your credit hours.

How long does it take to become a substitute teacher in Texas?

If you want to know ‘how do I become a substitute teacher in Texas’ within a short time, connecting with your nearest educator preparation program would be helpful. Your Program can assist you with finding the right schools, the right certifications, and the necessary training.

Apart from getting the right number of credit hours, there are a few requirements that need fulfilling. Fingerprinting, for instance. Before you can start subbing, you will undergo a mandatory background check for a fee ($39). Three things – criminal records, misconduct, complaints from previous schools – are checked. Also, you are tested to rule out the possibility of carrying infectious diseases since you’ll be spending most of your working day among young people.

All schools require fingerprinting proof before they can hire you. In addition, a few days or weeks may pass before your credentials are verified. Moreover, you will need to furnish references if schools ask for it.

Do you have to have a degree to be a substitute teacher in Texas?

Most school districts in Texas require substitute teachers to possess a Bachelor’s degree or an Associate’s degree or at least several college credit hours. While subbing with a High School Diploma is not unheard of, higher qualification leads to better pay.

Some schools ask for substitute teacher training. Most trainings last for 7 or 8 hours. They may be conducted online or offline or in a blended mode. A substitute teacher certification opens many more doors.

How do you get a substitute teaching certificate in Texas?

Educator Preparation Programs prepare teachers for classroom teaching and taking certification exams. Get in touch with an EPP in your district to find out more about substitute teacher certification. So, for your question, ‘how do I become a substitute teacher in Texas’ with a certificate, your Program will likely have all the answers. Usually, they have a large number of partner schools and stay updated about openings. Certificates are generally valid for a lifetime and the training includes a short classroom observation module.

Your Program can also help you advance your career by becoming a licensed permanent teacher through TExES exams and initial teaching licenses.

Summing up

Overall, substitute teaching is a great option for those who want to balance work and life while planning a career in teaching. A High School diploma is the minimum requirement in addition to a substitute teaching certificate for most school districts. For further information on ‘how do I become a substitute teacher in Texas’, call your local Program or teacher training center today.

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