Texas Computer Science Teacher Certification

<p>Those interested in teaching computer science in Texas will need to obtain the computer science (8-12) initial certification, which qualifies them to teach computer science courses at the high school level. To find out more about the specific requirements needed to apply for this certification, continuing reading below. </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); Computer Science (8-12)</td></tr> <tr><td> License Renewal Period </td><td> Five years</td></tr> <tr><td> CEU Credits Required for Renewal </td><td> 150 hours of continuing professional education</td></tr> <tr><td> Average Salary (2018, Texas) </td><td> $58,190 (all high school teachers)*</td></tr> <tr><td> Estimated Job Growth (2016-2026, nationwide) </td><td> 8% (all high school teachers)*</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) </i></p> <h3 id="section---ObtainDegree">Obtain Degree</h3> <p>The first step to becoming a certified computer science teacher is to obtain the minimum of a bachelor's degree from an accredited school of higher learning. Prospective computer science teachers generally major in computer science or a related subject. Courses for this degree can include topics such as computer programming, data structures, and software engineering. </p> <h3 id="section---CompleteEducatorPreparationProgram">Complete Educator Preparation Program</h3> <p>Prospective computer science teachers must also complete a computer education teacher preparation program that has been approved by the Texas Education Agency. The program includes a mix of coursework and clinical fieldwork as a student teacher in a local school. Courses typically include subjects such as educational technology, high school classroom management, and educational psychology. Candidates must also take a course that includes instruction on teaching students with dyslexia. </p> <h3 id="section---PassRequiredExams">Pass Required Exams</h3> <p>There are two exams that all prospective computer science teachers must take and pass with a score of at least 240: TExES Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC-12 (PPR) and the TExES Computer Science (8-12). Each exam is computer-based and contains 100 multiple-choice questions. The PPR exam focuses on the prospective teacher's knowledge and skills in education subjects, such as promoting student learning, creating a positive classroom environment, and fulfilling professional responsibilities as a teacher. The Computer Science content exam includes questions in four main subdomains: Technology Applications Core, Programming Design and Development, Programming Language Topics, and Specialized Computer Topics. </p> <h3 id="section---SendInApplication">Send in Application</h3> <p>Once all requirements have been met, candidates should verify with their educator preparation program that they are eligible to apply for initial certification. Prospective computer science teachers should send a completed application form, fee, exam scores, official transcripts, and any other supporting documentation to the Texas Education Agency for review. The Texas Education Agency requires that all teachers complete a criminal background check and have fingerprints on file to receive certification and begin teaching. </p> <h3 id="section---MeetRenewalRequirements">Meet Renewal Requirements</h3> <p>The initial computer science teaching certification is valid for five years. Teachers must complete 150 continuing professional education (CPE) hours before renewing the certification. The Texas Education Agency maintains a list of approved providers and methods to fulfill this requirement. Some possible ways to obtain the needed hours include completing a master's degree, participating in workshops, attending video conferences on education, and teaching a CPE activity. Teachers should keep documentation of all completed hours.</p>