Texas Science Teacher Certification

<p>Those interested in teaching science in Texas have several certification options. They can choose to teach general science at the middle school or high school level, or teach a specific high school subject, such as biology, chemistry, or physics. The general requirements are the same for the certifications, but there are some small differences, such as exam requirements. Read below to learn more about these requirements. </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); Science 4-8 (middle school) or at least one science 7-12 content exam (high school)</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> $56,580 (all middle school teachers); $58,190 (all high school teachers)*</td></tr> <tr><td> Estimated Job Growth (2016-2026, nationwide) </td><td> 8% (all middle and high school teachers)*</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) </i></p> <h3 id="section---CompleteEducationRequirement">Complete Education Requirement</h3> <p>All prospective science teachers must obtain at least a bachelor's degree to become certified to teach. This degree should include a major in a science, such as biology, chemistry, physics, or geology. Depending on the specific major chosen, the degree program can include coursework in subjects such as genetics, ecology, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and quantitative analysis. </p> <h3 id="section---FinishEducatorPreparationProgram">Finish Educator Preparation Program</h3> <p>Prospective teachers must also complete a state-approved educator preparation program, either as part of their bachelor's degree or as a standalone certificate program. This program typically includes courses on educational theory and methods, such as classroom management and student literacy. It should also include instruction on how to detect and teach dyslexic students, which is required by the Texas Education Agency. The educator preparation program also includes a clinical student teaching component, which allows candidates to develop their teaching skills in a classroom. </p> <h3 id="section---PassRequiredExams">Pass Required Exams</h3> <p>All prospective science teachers, regardless of the grade level they plan to teach, must pass the TExES Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC-12 (PPR) exam by receiving a score of at least 240. This exam includes 100 multiple-choice questions on topics related to education, such as classroom instruction, student assessment, and classroom management. </p> <p>Those planning to teach middle school must take the Science (4-8) exam. This exam includes questions covering general science topics, such as life science, earth science, and physical science. Those interested in teaching high school must choose one science content exam: Science (7-12), Life Science (7-12), Chemistry (7-12), or Physical Science (6-12). The minimum passing score for any of the science exams is 240. </p> <h3 id="section---SubmitApplication">Submit Application</h3> <p>Once all requirements are met and have been approved by the educator preparation program, candidates should send their application, fee, and supporting documents in for review by the Texas Education Agency. They must also have fingerprints on file and complete a criminal background check. </p> <h3 id="section---MeetRenewalRequirements">Meet Renewal Requirements</h3> <p>The science teacher certifications are valid for five years, after which they must be renewed. To renew the certification, teachers must submit the renewal application, pay a renewal fee, and have documentation showing they completed 150 hours of state-approved continuing professional education (CPE). The Texas Education Agency maintains a list of approved providers. Some options that teachers can use to complete the CPE requirement include obtaining a master's degree, participating in interactive distance learning, or teaching a CPE activity.</p>