High School Science Teacher Qualifications in Texas
High school sciences classes in Texas can cover a variety of topics, from physics to chemistry to astronomy. Keep reading the article below to find out what qualifications you need to teach these classes in the state.
Texas High School Science Teacher Career Overview
Texas high school science teachers educate students in various aspects of the subject. Regardless of the specific topic of the class, high school science teachers will need to get a state secondary school certification to teach science to grades 7 to 12. To do this, they will need to meet education, experience and testing qualifications.
<table border="1"><tr><td> Education/Experience Required </td><td> Bachelor's degree in science education and teacher preparation program</td></tr>
<tr><td> Exams Required </td><td> TExES Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR) EC-12 exam (160)<br/>TExES Science Grades 7-12 exam (236)</td></tr>
<tr><td> License Validity Period </td><td> Five years</td></tr>
<tr><td> Renewal Requirements </td><td> 150 professional development hours</td></tr>
<tr><td> Mean Salary for TX Teachers (2018) </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---EducationAndExperienceQualifications">Education and Experience Qualifications</h3><p>Any teacher in Texas needs to complete a bachelor's degree, as well as a teacher preparation program. Aspiring high school science teachers should complete a bachelor's degree in science education from an accredited college or university, which will include a teacher preparation program and student teaching. However, career changers who already have a bachelor's degree in a different area can complete a teacher preparation program through a graduate degree or alternative program. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) lists state-approved programs on its website; science teachers will want to search for the Science Grades 7-12 certification programs.
</p><h3 id="section---ExamRequirements">Exam Requirements</h3><p>To qualify to teach high school science in Texas, educators need to pass Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES) in:
</p><ul><li>Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR) EC-12 (exam 160), which covers the basics of instructing students and the role of a teacher. This exam is required for all first-time certification applicants.
</li><li>Science 7-12 (exam 236), which covers a range of science topics, like physics, chemistry, the solar system, cell structures and more. It also covers strategies for teaching these topics.
</li></ul><p>Both exams cost $116 as of 2019, and the passing score is 240.
</p><h3 id="section---SubmitAnApplication">Submit an Application</h3><p>After applicants receive a bachelor's degree, complete a teacher preparation program and pass certification exams, they should apply for certification, and pay an application fee, using the state Educator Certification Online System (ECOS). To access the system, they need to create a Texas Education Agency Login (TEAL), which they can learn more about at the TEA website.
</p><h3 id="section---PassANationalBackgroundCheck">Pass a National Background Check</h3><p>All certification applicants in Texas need to get fingerprinted for a national background check. When candidates submit their application through the ECOS system, they will receive an email about setting up an appointment to get fingerprinted through an approved state vendor. The fee is $50.25 as of 2019.
</p><h3 id="section---CertificationValidityAndRenewal">Certification Validity and Renewal</h3><p>Once teachers are approved for certification, they can view and print their certificate through the ECOS system. This certificate is valid for five years. To renew it, teachers need to complete 150 hours of continuing education. A list of continuing education providers, as well as instructions for renewal through the ECOS system, are available on the TEA website.</p>