How to Become a Certified Music Teacher in Texas

<p>Music teachers educate their students on how to understand and appreciate music. They can also teach students how to sing or play an instrument. In Texas, certified music teachers can teach students at all grade levels. Continue reading to find out more about the requirements for certification. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td> Education Required </td><td> Bachelor's degree from an accredited school and state-approved educator preparation program</td></tr> <tr><td> Exam Requirements </td><td> TExES Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC-12; TExES Music EC-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>$56,520 (all Texas elementary school teachers); $56,580 (all Texas middle school teachers); $58,190 (all Texas high school teachers)</td></tr> <tr><td> Estimated Job Growth (2016-2026)* </td><td> 7% (all elementary school teachers); 8% (all middle school and high school teachers)</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) </i></p> <h3 id="section---MeetEducationRequirements">Meet Education Requirements</h3> <p>All prospective teachers in Texas need to earn the minimum of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university before becoming certified. Aspiring music teachers generally major in either music or music education and may decide to concentrate on instrumental or vocal music. These majors can include coursework in music history, music theory, ear training, instrumental techniques, and performance. </p> <p>As part of their education requirements, prospective teachers must also complete an educator preparation program that is approved by the Texas Education Agency and includes coursework on how to instruct dyslexic students. This program is typically completed as part of the bachelor's degree. The preparation program includes general education coursework in topics such as education psychology, child and adolescent development, and promoting literacy. Students may also have the chance to take courses specific to music, such as music education, choral organization, and voice pedagogy. </p> <p>The educator preparation program also includes several credits of fieldwork in a local school. This allows prospective teachers to develop their skills by student teaching in a real classroom. </p> <h3 id="section---TakeCertificationExams">Take Certification Exams</h3> <p>There are two required exams for music educator certification: the TExES Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR) EC-12 and the TExES Music EC-12. Students must receive approval from their educator preparation program to register and take these exams. </p> <p>The PPR is an education exam required of all certified teachers. The exam includes 100 multiple-choice questions that cover subjects such as curriculum development, professional responsibilities, classroom management, literacy, and student instruction. A score of 240 is needed to pass this exam. </p> <p>The Music EC-12 exam also has 100 multiple-choice questions, including questions that require listening to music. This exam covers topics such as music history and culture, music theory, listening to music, classroom performance, and music education. The passing score for this exam is 240. </p> <h3 id="section---SendInApplication">Send in Application</h3> <p>After completing the education and exam requirements, prospective teachers can submit their application and fee to the Texas Education Agency. Applicants must first verify that they meet the requirements with their educator preparation program. Fingerprinting and a criminal background check are required for all educator certificate applications. </p> <h3 id="section---CompleteRenewalRequirements">Complete Renewal Requirements</h3> <p>An educator certificate in music is valid for five years. Music teachers can renew their certificate for another five years by completing 150 continuing professional education (CPE) hours, submitting an application, and paying the renewal fee. Teachers should document all CPE hours to ensure that they receive credit. A list of approved providers and CPE activities is provided by the Texas Education Agency. Examples include independent study, interactive distance learning, additional coursework, and staff development programs.</p>