ECAP Blog-Texas Teacher Certification Information

Time is Running Out For the Texas Teacher Certification Test

Written by Micah Fikes | Jun 19, 2017 10:33:40 PM

For those considering becoming a new Texas teacher in the 2017-2018 school year......... time is running out. 

With the new state testing requirements in place, our recent applicants are finding that getting a content testing date that falls before August is becoming an increasing challenge.

Click here to read about the “New TEA Regulations on Becoming A Teacher In Texas in 2017.”

By being informed, you can jump ahead of the competition, get your teacher certification test completed and land that coveted teaching job. 

Here are a few things to consider.

 

District Hiring Windows

Schools tend to hire most of their new teachers in July.  While most districts would like to hire earlier, this is really beyond their control, since many teachers give notice during the summer, rather than during the school year. 

As I write this, the calendar reads mid-June, so that means that to be hirable (pass the content test) by mid- July, one would need to test within the next 3 weeks.

Why?

It can take up to 10 days to get your scores back. 

Even that is late in my opinion. 

 

Getting a Testing Date

 

Because of the new TEA regulations, we are finding that many of our new applicants are finding that testing centers are booked solid, and many are having difficulty getting a good test date. 

So how have some succeeded? 

By being flexible!

Many candidates are finding better test dates in more rural testing centers.  When registering for a test through www.texes.ets.org a person must pick a city in which to test. 

If you pick a city and find that the available test dates don’t meet your needs, you can back up a step and select a different city. 

Then check the available dates in that city. 

Using this process, we have found dates within a week to a week and a half for tests.  The sacrifice is that often a long drive to the testing center is required. While that may be a hassle, it beats the alternative and missing out on the hiring season.

If you are serious about becoming a teacher this year, you may need help sorting through the testing requirements for your situation. 

We have the experience and knowledge to assist you.

Click on this link to schedule a phone call with one of our knowledgeable staff members.