How to Become a Teacher in Dallas-Fort Worth

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A future DFW teacher with shoulder-length dark hair looks up to her right with a slight smile on her face. Around her are illustrations of a diploma, a graduation cap and a blue ribbon.

To teach in Texas, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree and a teaching certificate. 

On this page, we’ll go over each step you’ll need to get there, plus answer some commonly asked questions about certification. Let’s dive in! 

Are you certified to teach outside of Texas? Head to our FAQs for more information about your next steps.

Jump to:

  • Steps to a Texas teaching certificate
  • Frequently asked questions 

"Teachers matter more to student achievement than any other aspect of schooling."

— RAND research report (1)

Steps to Becoming a Teacher in Texas

In general, these are the steps to become a Texas teacher. But it’s always a good idea to confirm requirements with teaching programs before you enroll!
  1. 1

    Earn a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university

    Texas accepts degrees from many colleges and universities, but you should confirm that yours is regionally accredited. Ideally, your bachelor’s degree will be in a field closely related to the subject you want to teach. (If it’s not, that’s okay! Learn more in our FAQs).

    Keep in mind that you can earn your bachelor’s degree and teaching certificate at the same time — so if you're an undergraduate, skip to Step 2.

    Are you an international student or do you have a degree from outside the U.S.? You’ll need to provide some extra documentation. Learn more in our FAQs!

  2. 2

    Decide what you want to teach, and choose the teaching certificate you want to earn

    The teaching certificate you earn will depend on the subject and grade level you want to teach. At any level, getting certified in a shortage area provides more job opportunities.

    Explore your Texas certification area options!

  3. 3

    Apply to teaching programs and enroll

    Make sure to find a program that offers your chosen certification area! You can look for certification programs with the TeachDFW Program Explorer.

    If you don’t have a bachelor's degree: 

    Many programs combine a teaching certificate with a bachelor’s degree, so you can get certified while you finish your undergraduate coursework. 

    If you have vocational experience, you may also be able to teach a Career & Technical Education subject without a degree. Check out our FAQs to learn more.

    If you have a bachelor’s degree: 

    If you have a bachelor's degree, you can choose from a few different pathways, including:

    • Certification-only programs
    • Master's degree and certification programs
    • Alternative certification programs (Learn more.) 

    Need a little support to prepare your teaching program applications? Our program application guide explains how to request transcripts, learn about testing, ask for a recommendation letter and more.

    Wondering how to pay for your program? We can help! TeachDFW offers $1,000 scholarships for future educators. You can also find scholarships and financial resources through our Finances Guide and Financial Aid Explorer.

  4. 4

    Pass Texas certification exams

    As a future teacher, you’ll need to pass the TExES (a.k.a. Texas Examinations of Educator Standards). This test is meant to show you know your stuff well enough to teach it. 

    You’ll usually take the TExES around the time that you finish your teaching program. (Your program may need to give approval before you can take the test.)

    Not sure where to start with test prep? We’ve got tools for that too! Our Testing Guide and TExES Guide cover everything from registration to study tools to what to expect on test day.

  5. 5

    Complete fingerprinting for a background check

    Finally, to get your teaching certificate in Texas, you'll need to complete a fingerprint check for $49 (you can make the initial payment through your online application portal). The Texas Education Agency will evaluate any criminal history on a case-by-case basis. (2)

  6. 6

    Submit a state application

    Almost there! Once you’ve completed your teaching program and passed your exams, it’s time to formally apply for your teaching certificate. 

    How do I apply for my Texas teaching certificate? 

    First, confirm with your program that you’re eligible to apply for your certificate. Once you get confirmation, you’ll create an account through the Texas Education Agency’s online portal. Get instructions to create an account and apply for your certificate.

Have more questions about how to become a teacher in Texas? A TeachDFW coach can explain the process and help you choose a program pathway. It’s all free! Learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long your teacher certification takes will depend on your background and the type of teaching program you choose.

Here’s what you can expect for most programs:

  • Bachelor’s degree & certification: About 4 years
  • Master’s degree & certification: 1–3 years
  • Alternative certification: 1–2 years
  • Certification-only: Up to 1 year

Want to complete your certification online? When you search for teaching programs, you’ll want to filter for “hybrid” programs, rather than “in-person” programs.

If you’re already a certified educator — in Texas or elsewhere — you may be able to skip certain exams or other steps. You should review the Texas Education Agency certification page for info on your specific situation.

This page will connect you with resources if you are:

  • An out-of-state or international educator looking to teach in Dallas-Fort Worth.
  • A certified Texas educator who wants to renew your teaching certificate. 
  • A certified Texas educator who wants to add teaching areas to your certificate or earn an administrative certificate. 

If you’re an international student, you’ll need extra documentation when you apply to your teaching program. It’s a good idea to start collecting those documents as soon as possible.

You may need to take a test to meet your program’s language proficiency requirements, or provide other documentation, such as visas, work authorizations or transcript evaluations. Check with your program to find out what documentation they require.

If you have a bachelor’s degree from outside the U.S., you’ll also need to submit an original course-by-course evaluation of your transcript from a foreign credential evaluation service. Find a list of approved foreign credential evaluators.

If you have a bachelor’s degree in one subject, but want to teach something else, you may need to take a few courses before you can enroll in a teaching program. A post-baccalaureate, or “post-bac,” program through a college or university can help you get the extra credits you need. 

Check with teaching programs to find out how many credits you need to have in your future teaching subject. 

Short answer: Yes.

Longer answer: To teach in Texas public schools, you’ll eventually need a teaching certificate. But if you have a bachelor’s degree or vocational work experience, you may qualify for alternative pathways that put you in the classroom faster!

  • Do you have a bachelor’s degree? Certification-only or alternative certification programs take less time and cost less than standard certification programs. Head over to our Alternative Certification page to learn more.
  • Are you a tradesperson? If you have vocational experience, an alternative program can get you certified to teach as a Career & Technical Education instructor. Positions may be available in fields such as automotive repair, health sciences, agricultural science and others. Look for programs with the TeachDFW Program Explorer.

If you are getting certified in Health Science or Trades & Industrial Education, you don’t need a bachelor’s degree. (3)

As a Texas educator, your pay will depend on your years of experience and where you work. 

The average starting salary in the DFW area is about $58,000. That’s one of the highest first-year teacher salaries in the country! (4)

You can increase your salary with added credentials, such as a master’s degree. If you’ve taught for at least three years, you can also earn more with a National Board Certification.

Learn more about Texas teacher pay. 

Learn more about teaching certificate programs

A magnifying glass hovers over a blue background

Find more in-depth information on teaching certification pathways, including the types of programs available and how to evaluate whether a program is right for you. 

Learn About Programs

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References

  1. Opper, Isaac M. “Teachers Matter: Understanding Teachers’ Impact on Student Achievement.” 2019 report. RAND Corporation. https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RR4312.html 
  2. National Criminal History Checks - FAQs. Texas Education Agency. https://tea.texas.gov/texas-educators/investigations/national-criminal-history-checks-faqs 
  3. Becoming a Classroom Teacher in Texas. Texas Education Agency. https://tea.texas.gov/texas-educators/certification/initial-certification/becoming-a-classroom-teacher-in-texas
  4. Educator Pay and Student Spending: How Does Your State Rank? National Education Association. April 26, 2022. https://www.nea.org/resource-library/educator-pay-and-student-spending-how-does-your-state-rank