How To Become a Teacher Online in Texas

If you're interested in pursuing a teacher certification in Texas, you may wonder how to do this. What education will you need to pursue, and is it possible to become a teacher online?

The steps to becoming a teacher in Texas include completing a bachelor's degree or post-baccalaureate certification program, gaining student teaching or internship experience, and passing the appropriate certification tests. Some of these steps can be completed online.

Keep reading for further information.

Steps for Becoming a Teacher Online in Texas

Aspiring Texas school teachers must meet all training and certification requirements according to the Texas Education Agency (TEA). The following steps provide a basic career path you can follow.

1. Determine Your Area of Focus

There are many different types and areas of teaching. It's a good idea to think about the specific areas of focus you're most interested in. For example, what grade level do you hope to teach? Do you want to teach certain subject areas like Spanish, history, or social studies? Are you more interested in early childhood, elementary, middle school, or high school education?

Your area of focus may help determine the specific type of education degree you pursue, your certification area, and your future career. While it's okay to change your mind as you work toward becoming a teacher, having an initial idea of your focus area will help you throughout your educational and certification process.

2. Gain an Undergraduate Degree Online

Many aspiring teachers enroll in an education-specific bachelor's degree program. However, you have many options for higher education when becoming a teacher � you can pursue any degree that interests you.

Many schools offer flexible or even self-paced online teaching degree programs. These programs provide online coursework in core subjects while making education more affordable and accessible for many aspiring teachers.

3. Complete an Educator-Preparation Program (EPP)

Many colleges and universities in Texas offer educator-preparation programs (EPP). These are typically four-year degree programs in education that lead directly to state certification.

That said, if you already have a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field, you can complete a short-term post-baccalaureate educator-preparation program. Post-baccalaureates enable aspiring teachers to meet all EPP program requirements without starting over on a brand-new degree.

4. Achieve Required Teaching Hours

As part of your degree or certificate program, you need to complete student teaching or internship hours. All new teachers must complete at least 30 observation hours on their path to educator certification. Additional student teaching hours may be required depending on your educator preparation program.

Those enrolled in a post-baccalaureate certification program may be eligible to complete a one-year paid internship as part of their training.

5. Pass a Background Check

Interns and recent graduates must obtain a probationary certificate before they can begin taking on professional responsibilities in the classroom. To obtain this online teacher certification, you'll need to pass a criminal background check.

When applying for certification, applicants are also prompted to schedule a fingerprinting appointment. Once fingerprints have been received and the background check has been completed, applicants who have passed the exam will receive certification.

6. Get Your Online Teaching Certification

Aspiring teachers must pass all requirements to obtain a standard certificate. This will include passing one of various content exams depending on your focus area. Some tests you may need to pass include the TExES, AAFCS, and PACT exams.

Once you have completed all necessary coursework, student teaching experiences, and content exams, you will be qualified to receive your standard teaching certificate.

7. Complete a State Application

To obtain your certificate, you must complete an online application through the TEA. Your educator-preparation program will recommend you for certification if you meet all the qualifications.

Once you have obtained this certification, you're free to begin pursuing full-time work as a certified teacher in Texas.

Online Bachelor's in Education Degree Programs in Texas

Most aspiring teachers complete an education-related bachelor's or master's degree or a Texas teacher certification program. Let's look at some top online bachelor's degree programs you can pursue at Texas universities.

Texas Tech University � BS in Education

Texas Tech University is a large school located in Lubbock. It provides various online degrees, including a Bachelor of Science in education. This program includes extensive coursework in specific content areas to help students prepare for clinical teaching careers at various program levels. It also provides certification for your major (e.g., special education, and English as a Second Language).

Texas A&M University-Central Texas � BS in Psychology

Texas A&M University is a large public university system. Its Central Texas campus provides an online Bachelor of Science degree in psychology. This can be a great program for aspiring teachers because it helps them learn about the thought processes and motivations affecting young learners. Consider this program to pursue advanced teaching education or a post-baccalaureate teacher certification.

Sam Houston State University � BA in Educational Studies

Sam Houston State University, located in Huntsville, is a public school with an array of online and campus-based degree programs. The Bachelor of Arts in educational studies is an online program that prepares to pass the appropriate certification exams in Texas. It also helps students prepare to teach students of all ages and levels. Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 while enrolled in this program.

What Is the Job Outlook for Online Teachers in Texas?

There is no specific data related to online teaching positions in Texas. Generally speaking, there is a high demand for certified teachers in the state, so the job outlook for teachers overall is good.

Specific teaching jobs that provide online instruction for remote students do not appear to be as in-demand as in-person teaching jobs. However, those specifically interested in teaching online may be able to find tutoring opportunities or jobs working for distance education providers.

How Can I Find Online Teaching Opportunities in Texas?

To launch your online teaching career, you'll first need to find online teaching opportunities. You can find out about these jobs in various ways. Start by consulting your local school district to see if they're hiring teachers for online education programs.

You can also check online job boards to find out about online teaching jobs at private and public schools outside of your district. Finally, consult with other education professionals in your network to see if they know of any online teaching jobs you could apply for.