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Certification

All teachers are required to hold certification in the subject area they teach. In addition, all core content teachers must be English as a Second Language (ESL) certified.

Below, you will find information on alternative certification, provisional certification, out of state certification, and requirements for certification in Texas.

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Alternative Certification

Alternative Certification Programs (ACP's) provide a flexible pathway into teaching for individuals who did not complete a traditional university education program. These programs allow candidates to begin teaching while completing certification requirements.

Teachers enrolled in an Alternative Certification Program are responsible for

  • Completing all required training, observations, documentation, and fees
  • Signing a release allowing the district to share formal and informal performance review data with their ACP
  • Informing their campus administrator in advance of any planned observations by off-campus program managers
  • Reporting any difficulties in completing program requirements to the campus administrator and HR Coordinator

Only state-approved programs can recommend candidates for a Texas educator certificate. To earn certification through an ACP, candidates must complete all steps required by the program and the state of Texas.

 

 

Out Of State Certification

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Educators who hold a valid, standard teaching certificate from another U.S. state or territory must apply for a Review of Credentials through the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to become certified in Texas. The out-of-state certificate must be active and valid at the time the application is submitted.

Texas does not offer automatic reciprocity with other states. Instead, TEA evaluates an applicant's certification, teaching experience and testing history to determine alignment with Texas requirements. Additional exams may be required unless the applicant qualifies for an exemption.

The review process is designed to streamline certification for out-of-state and international educators. Many applicants may be eligible for exemptions from some or all Texas certification exams based on prior experience and comparable credentials.

Application Requirements

  • A completed Review of Credentials application and fee
  • A copy of the out-of-state standard certificate
  • Official transcripts send directly to the TEA

Once all materials are received, applications are reviewed in the order completed. Processing may take up to 20 business days, after which applicants will receive notification with next steps through their TEA online account.

Test Exemptions

Eligible educators may request exemptions from certain Texas exams by submitting supporting documentation during the credentials review process. Providing all exemption materials at the time of application helps ensure timely processing.

 

Additional Requirements

Applicants seeking certification in administration or student service roles without a classroom teaching certificate must verify at least 2 years of relevant professional experience. Some specialized fields are not reviewed by TEA and require certification through other state agencies.

Science of Teaching Reading (STR)

Certain certification areas may require completion of the STR exam. Applicants who completed a comparable exam in another state should submit official score reports for exemption consideration.


 

 

Provisional Teaching Certification

Provisional teachers must hold a bachelor's degree and be eligible for enrollment in an alternative certification program. Provisional teachers must enroll in an alternative certification program within the first 30 days of employment. Certification must be completed within 18 months of employment. They will be paid on the provisional teacher pay scale until they obtain an Intern Certificate at which point they are recognized as a certified teacher and eligible for certified teacher compensation for the remainder of the agreement.

Provisional teachers are encouraged to review the Provisional Teacher Checklist to make sure all requirements are being met on the path to certification.

Provisional Teachers Must

  • Hold a Bachelor's degree and be eligible to enroll in an alternative certification program
  • Enroll in an alternative certification program within the first 30 days of employment
  • Complete certification within 18 months of employment

For questions and more information, contact Human Resources at hr@trinitybasin.net

 

 

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Requirements to Become a Certified Teacher in Texas

Becoming a certified teacher in Texas involves completing several important steps designed to ensure
educators are well prepared to serve students. Below is an overview of the requirements.

 

1. Earn a Bachelor's Degree

Most certification pathways require candidates to hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. The institution must be recognized by an accrediting agency approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB)

*Certifications in Health Science Technology and Trades & Industrial Education do not require a bachelor's degree.

Learn More ABout Becoming a Certified Texas Educator

 

 

Or

 

2. Complete an Educator Preparation Program (EPP)

All candidates must complete an approved Educator Preparation Program. Individuals without a degree must enroll in a university-based program, while those who already hold a degree may choose an alternative certification or post-baccalaureate program.

Learn More about alternative certification for educators

          

3. Pass Required
Certification Exams

Candidates must successfully pass the appropriate state certification exams for their teaching area. Exam approval is typically coordinated through the educator preparation program.
 

4. Submit a State Certification Application

Once all program and testing requirements are met, candidates must apply for certification through the state. Applications should only be submitted after confirmation of eligibility from the preparation program.

5. Complete Fingerprinting and Background Check

All first-time applicants are required to complete fingerprinting as part of a national criminal background check before certification can be issued.