How to Be a High School Math Teacher in Texas

<p>The high school math teacher certification in Texas qualifies teachers to educate students in a range of math subjects in grades 7-12. Teachers help students increase their skills in topics such as algebra, trigonometry, and calculus. Those interested in receiving this certification should continue reading below to learn more about the specific requirements they need to complete. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td> Education Required </td><td> Bachelor's degree and state-approved educator preparation program</td></tr> <tr><td> Exam Requirements </td><td> TExES Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (EC-12); TExES Mathematics (7-12)</td></tr> <tr><td> License Renewal Period </td><td> Five years</td></tr> <tr><td> CPE Credits Required for Renewal </td><td> 150 hours of continuing professional education (CPE)</td></tr> <tr><td> Average Salary (2018) </td><td> $58,190 (for all high school teachers in Texas)*</td></tr> <tr><td> Estimated Job Growth (2016-2026) </td><td> 8% (for all high school teachers nationwide)*</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)</i> </p> <h3 id="section---CompleteEducationRequirements">Complete Education Requirements</h3> <p>All prospective teachers interested in teaching math at the high school level must have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in a field related to mathematics or math education. The degree should be obtained from an accredited college or university. The degree program typically includes coursework in a range of math topics, such as algebra, statistics, calculus, and number theory. </p> <p>Prospective teachers must also complete an educator preparation program approved by the Texas Education Agency. The program generally includes coursework in education topics, such as pedagogy and classroom management. It also includes fieldwork or a practicum, in which students can develop their skills student teaching in a local high school. </p> <p>As part of the program, the Texas Education Agency also requires all prospective teachers to complete coursework that covers how to detect and teach students with dyslexia. </p> <h3 id="section---FulfillAllExamRequirements">Fulfill All Exam Requirements</h3> <p>Prospective high school math teachers must pass two exams by receiving a minimum score of 240: the TExES Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR) EC-12 and the TExES Mathematics 7-12. Approval from the educator preparation program is needed before registering for either exam. </p> <p>The PPR has 100 multiple-choice questions that cover a range of general education topics, such as classroom instruction, curriculum development, professional teaching responsibilities, and assessment of students. </p> <p>The TExES Mathematics 7-12 exam has 100 multiple-choice questions that assess the test taker's skills in six domains: number concepts; patterns and algebra; geometry and measurement; probability and statistics; mathematical processes and perspectives; and mathematics learning, instruction, and assessment. </p> <h3 id="section---SubmitApplication">Submit Application</h3> <p>Before applying for certification as a Texas high school math teacher, applicants must confirm with their educator preparation program that they meet all above requirements. Once they receive approval, they can submit their completed application form and fee to the Texas Education Agency. As part of the process, all teachers must have fingerprints on file and undergo a criminal background check. </p> <h3 id="section---MeetRenewalRequirements">Meet Renewal Requirements</h3> <p>The Texas high school math teacher certification is valid for five years. To renew the certification, teachers must complete 150 hours of continuing professional education (CPE), send in the renewal application, and pay the fee. The Texas Education Agency accepts CPE hours from a variety of approved providers, so teachers can choose the ones that work best for them. Some examples include taking additional college-level courses, attending professional conferences, and participating in educational workshops.</p>