Becoming a History Teacher in Texas: Requirements & Certification

<p>Certified history teachers in Texas are qualified to teach students in grades 7-12. Their classes cover topics related to United States, Texas, and world history. To receive certification as a history teacher, applicants must meet education, experience, and exam requirements, which are outlined 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; TExES History 7-12</td></tr> <tr><td> Certification 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) </td><td> $58,190 (Texas high school teachers)*</td></tr> <tr><td> Estimated Job Growth (2016-2026) </td><td> 20.6% (Texas high school teachers)**</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), **Texas Workforce Commission </i></p> <h3 id="section---CompleteEducationRequirements">Complete Education Requirements</h3> <p>All prospective teachers in Texas must have a minimum of a bachelor's degree. A major in history or a history-related field from an accredited college or university can provide students with introductory courses in areas such as United States history, world history, and Texas history. Students also complete advanced coursework and can choose from a range of specialized topics, such as Medieval European History, History of Mexico, and U.S. Women's History. </p> <p>Prospective teachers must also complete an educator preparation program that has been approved by the Texas Education Agency. This training is generally completed as part of a student's degree program. Educator preparation programs include coursework covering topics such as classroom management, diverse populations, and effective instruction. Students also complete fieldwork experience as a student teacher in a local school. </p> <p>As part of the educator preparation program, all students must also complete coursework that prepares them to detect and teach students with dyslexia. </p> <h3 id="section---PassCertificationExams">Pass Certification Exams</h3> <p>Prospective history teachers must pass two exams before becoming certified: TExES Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC-12 and TExES History 7-12. Students must receive approval from their educator preparation program to take these exams. </p> <p>TExES Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC-12 is a computer-based exam containing 100 selected-response questions. The questions cover general teaching topics, such as curriculum development, instruction, and classroom management. The TExES History 7-12 is also computer-based and includes 100 selected-response questions on U.S., world, and Texas history. The minimum passing score for each test is 240. </p> <h3 id="section---SubmitTheApplication">Submit the Application</h3> <p>Once the above requirements are met, prospective teachers may submit their application with the Texas Education Agency. Applicants should not apply until they verify with their program that they are eligible. A criminal background check and fingerprinting are part of the application process. </p> <h3 id="section---MeetTheRenewalRequirements">Meet the Renewal Requirements</h3> <p>The teacher certification is valid for five years. Teachers must complete 150 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) to renew their licenses. Teachers can fulfill this requirement by attending workshops, conferences, and professional development courses at approved providers. They can also complete coursework at accredited colleges or mentor other educators. The Texas Education Agency provides a list of approved ways to complete CPE requirements. Teachers must ensure that all CPE hours completed are documented. A renewal application and fee are also required for renewal.</p>