If you’ve thought about becoming a teacher in Texas, you don’t have to wait until next August to get started. Mid-year openings happen all the time, and Texas schools are eager to bring qualified candidates into classrooms when teachers retire, relocate or take leave during the school year.
Whether you’re a career changer, a recent college graduate or someone with subject-area expertise, there are several pathways to step into teaching mid-year.
Below, we’ll walk through how you can begin the certification process, what role emergency credentials play, where teachers are most in demand, and a few practical tips to give yourself the best chance of landing a position.
If you already hold a bachelor’s degree, becoming a certified teacher in Texas may be quicker than you think. The state offers alternative teacher certification programs specifically designed for people who didn’t major in education or are looking to make a career change.
Enrolling in an Educator Preparation Program (EPP) ensures that you’re ready to succeed in the classroom. These programs provide the training, mentorship and classroom exposure you need to earn your certification. The best programs tailor training to your goals, whether you want to teach elementary school, high school, or a subject like math or science.
For most candidates with a bachelor’s degree, the certification process takes just four to six months. Training includes:
That observation piece is especially important. Certified teacher advisors provide feedback to your program on your readiness to teach, and their recommendations are often what help you move forward in the certification process. Not all programs approach this step the same way, so it’s wise to ask questions about who will mentor you and how their experience will help you.
Some EPPs, like ECAP, connect candidates with former principals, vice principals and teachers who bring a wealth of real-world experience. Others may rely on past students to evaluate candidates. Since this mentorship shapes your transition into the classroom, choosing the right preparation program can make a big difference.
In some cases, school districts are willing to hire teachers mid-year on an emergency teaching credential. This temporary license allows you to start teaching right away, even if you’re still completing your preparation program.
It’s an option districts use when they urgently need to fill a classroom, but it’s important to remember that an emergency license is not a permanent solution.
You’ll still need to get a standard teaching license and pass required exams to move into full certification. Think of the emergency credential as a stepping stone: it gets you in the classroom sooner, gives you valuable on-the-job experience, and helps you build relationships with administrators and fellow teachers while you continue working toward your full license.
For many people, this pathway is an opportunity to prove themselves mid-year while completing certification requirements behind the scenes.
If your goal is to maximize your chances of landing a teaching job mid-year, it’s smart to investigate which subject areas are most in demand. Teacher shortages vary by district, but Texas has declared statewide shortage areas for the 2025-2026 school year that give you a good idea of where opportunities are most plentiful.
Declared Shortage Areas (all levels unless noted):
Critical Shortage Areas (eligible for TEACH Grants and/or Public Service Loan Forgiveness):
These declared and critical shortage areas are where Texas schools are actively looking for qualified teachers, and often where they’re most willing to hire mid-year. If you have a background or interest in one of these fields, you may find it easier to secure a position quickly.
While certification and shortage areas are key, there are other ways to boost your chances of getting hired mid-year:
Getting a teaching job mid-year in Texas may seem like a challenge, but it’s actually an opportunity. With alternative certification programs, the possibility of emergency credentials, and an understanding of statewide shortage areas, you can position yourself to step into the classroom quickly and effectively.
By choosing the right educator preparation program, being flexible and focusing on high-need areas, you’ll not only improve your chances of landing a job mid-year, you’ll also set yourself up for a long, rewarding career in education.
Testing information can be found at www.texes.ets.org or by calling ECAP. Most subjects only require 1 content exam to qualify, whereas Bilingual requires three exams for qualification.
To view current openings for Region 11, click on this Job Application Link