Certification for Texas Teacher Aides

<p>Texas employed 88,700 teacher aides in 2018, which is the third highest of any state in the country, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Teacher aides play an important role in helping teachers in the classroom and also in helping students learn. In Texas, there are three different levels of educational aide certification, each with different education and experience requirements. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td> Education/Experience Required </td><td> High school diploma or GED and experience working with children</td></tr> <tr><td> Certificate Required </td><td> Educational Aide I, II or III, depending on experience</td></tr> <tr><td> Certificate Validity Period </td><td> Five years</td></tr> <tr><td> Advancement Requirements </td><td> Can advance with years of experience or by fulfilling college credit requirements</td></tr> <tr><td> Mean Salary (Texas, 2018) </td><td> $23,290/year*</td></tr> <tr><td> Estimated Job Growth (2016-2026, nationwide) </td><td> 8% increase*</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)</i> </p> <h3 id="section---TheJobAndSalaryOfATeacherAide">The Job and Salary of a Teacher Aide</h3> <p>Teacher aides, also known as educational aides or teacher assistants, help teachers with the various duties throughout the day. For example, they may work with students in smaller groups to review class materials and help teachers prepare lessons and materials. They also help teachers with administrative tasks, like attendance, and may keep an eye on students outside of the classroom, such as during dismissal and lunch. Sometimes teacher aides are employed to help in specific subject areas or with special students, such as in a computer lab or with special education students. </p> <p>The average annual teacher aide salary in Texas was $23,290 in 2018. Salaries will depend on the school district and also the certification level of a teacher aide. </p> <h3 id="section---JobRequirements">Job Requirements</h3> <p>To work as an educational aide in Texas, you'll need to have an educational aide certificate. However, applicants can't apply for an educational aide certificate with a school district backing them, so the first step is to look for an educational aide job at the schools where you would like to be employed. Each school will have its own application process. Once you have applied for a job with that school district and been accepted, the school's administration can start the process for you to become a certified teacher aide. </p> <h3 id="section---CertificationProcess">Certification Process</h3> <p>Once you are recommended by a school district, you can apply for the certification online through the Texas Education Agency website. You must create an account, complete the application and pay the designated fee. Applicants are also required to get fingerprinted for a background check at approved locations. The fee for the fingerprinting was $50.25 as of 2019. </p> <p>Your certification must be renewed every five years. This can also be done online. </p> <h3 id="section---TeacherAideCertificationLevels">Teacher Aide Certification Levels</h3> <p>There are three levels of educational aide certification in Texas. </p> <ul><li><b>Educational Aide I</b>: The most basic requirements, for a level one certification, are a high school diploma or GED, and experience working with kids. This includes work at children's camps, day care and more. Qualifying experience is determined by the superintendent of the hiring school. </li><li><b>Educational Aide II</b>: Applicants can qualify for a level two certification if they meet the requirements of level one and also have 15 college credit hours in an area related to child development or already have two years of experience as a teacher aide. </li><li><b>Educational Aide III</b>: Level three certification is available for applicants who meet the basic level one requirements plus have 30 college credit hours in a child development-related area. Or, educational aides with three years of experience can get a level three certification. </li></ul><p>In all cases, hiring school districts decide what certification level to recommend educational aides for. They can also decide to recommend applicants for levels two or three based on specific subject matters the applicant has expertise in.</p>