What test should I take? How do I sign up for the test? Where do I get my training? How do I qualify to start looking for a job? Will my out of state credential qualify me to teach in Texas? Can I teach if I don’t have a degree?
These are just some of the questions I get asked on a daily basis. And, you might be surprised to know that some of the more technical questions I get asked come from people that work for other certification companies.
Why? Because...The laws and requirements for getting a Texas teacher certification are always changing, and this can get very complicated.
So, why do you need help?
In a nutshell...To save yourself valuable time, to save yourself money that can add up from costly mistakes, and to save the hassle of trying to figure it all out by yourself.
If you have ever gone to the websites of the Texas Education Agency (TEA) or the Educational Testing Service (ETS) for information, you probably came away more confused than ever. You have also most likely seen this…”Please consult with your preparation program”. That is because even they know the process can be confusing!
You want to become a teacher, and there is a lot for you to get done. You need to study and take the TExES Content test, get training, look for a teaching job, study and take the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities test, and teach for a year.
There is nothing more disappointing for us than having someone come to us for help after they have made mistakes that have cost them valuable time and knowing we could have helped them avoid those pitfalls.
Money
Each test costs $131. Any request to change your test, test date, test center or test session, could cost you between $20 and $80, depending on how close to your test date it is. Not to mention the cost of a new test if you took the wrong one.This can add up fast and be very costly, especially if you are already tight on money.
I can’t tell you how many times someone has come to our program before consulting with us and after they took their test, only to find out that they took the wrong test or took more tests than they need to.
Hassle
Start researching online about how to become a Teacher in Texas and you will know what I mean by this. Instructions aren’t always clear, when and how to do things can be confusing, and different resources can be contradictory.
When you have read the same information three times and you still think...what? You are not the only one!
According to the Texas Education Agency (TEA), more Texas teachers became certified through an alternative certification program than any other preparation route and accounted for almost half the teachers certified in Texas for 2014-2015.
| Program Type | 2016-2017 |
| Alternative Certification | 13,598 |
| University Post Baccalaureate | 1,031 |
| University Undergraduate | 8,299 |
| Out-of-State | 3,622 |
| Totals For All Routes | 26,550 |
(Source: Texas Education Agency)
But, not all programs are the same. Look for one that is accredited and in good standing with the state. Other criteria to look for:
You can learn more about what to look for in our article, Best Alternative Teaching Certification Program In Texas.
Remember, you are going are going to be working with the people of this program for up to the next year. Make sure the program is accredited, respected and cares about your success not your money.