The journey to becoming a certified teacher is now more accessible than ever, thanks to the option of online classes.
For aspiring educators, especially those balancing work, family or other commitments, the flexibility of an online educator preparation program (EPP) can make all the difference.
Yet, as convenient as online classes to become a teacher are, they come with unique considerations and challenges. For those thinking about pursuing their teaching certification online, here are four essential factors to keep in mind:
Online classes for a Texas teacher certification offer unmatched flexibility and accessibility, making it easier than ever to pursue a teaching career from
anywhere in the state.
Unlike traditional teacher education programs, online classes allow candidates to study wherever they feel comfortable—whether that’s at home, in a coffee shop or on the go. This setup is ideal for those with busy schedules, including career changers and those balancing work or family obligations.
This flexibility also means that location is no longer a barrier to certification. You can live in any part of Texas and still access the full benefits of a high-quality program. Online learning puts education within reach for candidates from all backgrounds, enabling them to learn, grow and prepare for their future classrooms without the logistical challenges of commuting or rigid class times.
While online classes bring incredible flexibility, it’s also important to recognize the unique benefits of in-person instruction. Hands-on training is essential in teaching, since it allows candidates to build practical skills like classroom management, lesson delivery and engaging diverse student groups.
Face-to-face interactions with instructors and peers also provide opportunities for immediate feedback and collaborative learning, which can be more challenging to replicate in a fully virtual environment.
For this reason, finding a program that combines online coursework with in-person instruction may provide the best of both worlds. A hybrid format allows candidates to enjoy the flexibility of online learning while also gaining essential real-world experience through live practice and mentorship. This balance prepares future teachers more effectively, equipping them with both the theoretical foundation and the practical skills needed for success in the classroom.
In any teacher certification program, the expertise and support provided by instructors are crucial. In online programs, this becomes even more important
since instructors serve as guides through both the academic content and the challenges of remote learning.
High-quality instructors bring real classroom experience, helping candidates understand the nuances of teaching that go beyond textbook knowledge. Their insights into classroom dynamics, lesson planning and student engagement can make a significant difference in preparing aspiring teachers for real-world scenarios.
One of the requirements of getting your teaching license is to fulfill 30 hours of observation by a teacher advisor. The educator preparation program you choose can make a significant difference during this process.
For example, ECAP has former principals, vice principals and teachers who have extensive experience to help you through this certification requirement. Not all programs do this.
Some simply hire past teachers who are ex-students of their program to evaluate you. That’s why it’s important to evaluate the program you are considering to ensure that you are going to get the best advisor.
In Texas, where there is a significant need for teachers, some are getting an emergency teaching credential to get into the classroom. In this situation, it’s incredibly important to have a high-quality educator preparation program in your corner since you will still need to become certified in the long-term to continue teaching.
With any type of certification, there are certain requirements that must be met. To earn a Texas teaching license, you must first meet the requirements to enroll in an educator preparation program, and then meet the requirements of that program.
If you want to qualify for an EPP, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) requires that you have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and earned a 2.5 GPA (or a 2.5 GPA in the last 60 semester hours of courses attempted).
If you are in the final semester of your bachelor’s degree program, you can qualify for an EPP. You must provide:
If you attended a university outside the United States, you must provide foreign transcripts that have been equivocated by a recognized transcript evaluation service and proof of oral English language proficiency by passing the oral proficiency portion of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
If you don’t have a bachelor’s degree, you can still qualify for an EPP if you have a certain number of years of work experience in the Criminal Justice, Automotive, Cosmetology, Culinary Arts and some industrial trades areas.
If you have an associate’s degree, you need two years of full-time wages earned experience within 10 years. If you have no degree, you need five years within 10 years.
Once you are enrolled, you must:
Depending on which subject area you wish to teach, you may also need to take the Science of Teaching Reading (STR) exam, especially if you plan to teach at the early childhood level or English Language Arts.
You must also take the PPR, or the Texas Examinations of Educator Standards Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities exam. This test determines whether you are equipped to design instruction, create a positive classroom environment, implement effective assessments and fulfill your professional roles as a teacher.
Make sure the teaching credential program you choose fully prepares you for this important exam by including test preparation as part of its curriculum - not as a costly add-on.
Your Comments