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How to Become a Teacher In Austin Texas

The State of Texas is facing a major educational challenge—a growing shortage of qualified teachers. Whether you are a recent college graduate, a mid-career changer, a teacher from another state/country, or someone who does not yet have a college degree, the info rmation below outlines how to become a teacher in Texas .

Keep in Mind If you want to get an idea if teaching is for you, try being a substitute teacher for Austin ISC or other surrounding school districts. As a substitute, you can expect to earn $75/day. A college degree is preferred but not required.

What are the basic requirements for becoming a teacher in Texas ?
You must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Texas institutions do not offer a degree in education. Every teacher must have an academic major, as well as teacher training courses. The only exemption from the degree requirement is for individuals seeking Career and Technology certification to teach certain courses, such as welding or computer-aided drafting.

You must complete teacher training through an approved program. These programs are offered through colleges and universities, school districts, regional service centers, community colleges, and other entities.

You must successfully complete the appropriate teacher certification tests for the subject and grade level you wish to teach.

How do you choose the teacher training program that is best for you?
Programs for those who do not yet have a college degree . Colleges and universities offer programs for training teachers. You will receive a degree in an academic major, as well as the training you would need to be an effective teacher.

Programs for those who already have a college degree (post- baccalaureate programs) . These programs, which include accelerated routes into teaching, offer training on how to be an effective teacher, as well as additional courses you might need in the subject area you wish to teach. Many of these programs can be completed in a year, during which time you may have a paid teaching position in a public school classroom.

If I am certified in another state or country, how do I become certified in Texas ?
Teachers from other states or countries who hold acceptable credentials from their home state or country can gain certification in Texas by passing the appropriate Texas certification tests.

Some out-of-state teachers can gain certification in Texas based on the certification tests they took in another state, if SBEC has found those tests to be similar to and at least as rigorous as equivalent Texas tests. SBEC began the process of reviewing other state's tests in fall 2001.

What resources are available to help me pay for a teacher training program?
Listed below are programs and grants that are specifically designed to help individuals become teachers. Click on the program for additional info rmation.

Teach for Texas - Texas offers conditional grants to help some future teachers with expenses if those individuals agree to teach in Texas public schools for a specified period of time.

Certified Educational Aide Exemption Program - Texas offers tuition exemptions for some educational aides seeking to become certified teachers.

Teach for America - This program offers cash awards that can be applied to past student loans or future educational costs for recent college graduates who commit to teaching in urban and rural public schools for two years.

Troops to Teachers - This program offers guidance and support for military veterans who wish to make the transition from active duty into the teaching profession.

Grow-your-own programs - High school students interested in teaching should contact their school district. Some Texas school districts offer "grow-your-own" programs that provide financial aid to students who agree to return to their school district as teachers after graduation from college.

Other financial aid - The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board administers a variety of grants for attending college. You may also qualify for other financial aid, student loans, or scholarships. Contact the teacher training program you wish to attend for additional info rmation.

G.I. Bill Benefits- for test fees - The Texas Workforce Commission has approved SBEC under the provisions of Section 3689, Title 38, United States Code to allow veterans and other eligible persons to receive reimbursement for the cost of certification tests. This approval has been made effective, retroactively, as of March 1, 2001 . The veteran or other eligible person must submit two forms to the Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Regional Office, in Muskogee , OK . The two forms are: Application for Licensing and Certification Testing Fee Reimbursement ( LACAS 1) and either the VA Form 22-1990- Application for VA Education Benefits (for Veterans) or VA Form 22-5490- Application for Survivor's and Dependents Educational Assistance. For additional info rmation or to obtain these forms, contact the Texas Workforce Commission Veterans Education office at (512) 463-3215.

G.I. Bill Benefits- for preparation program costs/fees - Veterans Education Benefits (GI Bill) can be used for both university and alternative teacher certification programs. The program must request and receive approval from the Texas Workforce Commission Veterans Affairs Office in order for veterans to receive benefits while participating in a certification program. Once approved, the program will assign a staff person to process the required forms to request VA funding. The amount of money paid to eligible veterans will vary, depending on the type of GI Bill that they have and the type of program in which they are participating. If veterans have remaining GI Bill eligibility, they should ask the program director or university VA office for details on applying for benefits.

What types of teaching positions are open?
Texas has shortages in all areas. However, the need for teachers is particularly great in math, science, special education, foreign languages, technology applications, and bilingual education. The types and number of positions available vary across the state.

SBEC has compiled a list of various Job Bank websites that list school job vacancies in the state of Texas .  

Texas Workforce Commission - Texas will need over 82,000 new teachers by 2008. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects teaching as one of the fastest growing occupations over the next 5-10 years and beyond, with demand and growth continuing to increase. The average teacher salary in Texas is $38,857. Special programs and incentives are available to help people become and remain teachers.

Who may I contact for additional info rmation?
You may contact the SBEC Information and Support Center toll free at 1 (888) 863-5880. Or you can contact a teacher training program or school district in your area.

Source Information:
Texas Education Agency

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