How To Become a High School Teacher in Texas 2025

Teaching high school in Texas is a meaningful and challenging career choice. If you're exploring how to become a high school teacher, you'll need to meet several state-specific high school teacher educational requirements.

Texas offers a variety of certification pathways, from traditional educator preparation programs to alternative routes. Here's everything you need to know, from licensure steps to degree programs and funding options.

What Does a High School Teacher Do?

High school teachers in Texas play a vital role in preparing students for graduation, college, careers, and civic life. Their work extends beyond delivering content knowledge � they also mentor students during a crucial developmental period and help guide them through academic and personal challenges.

As a high school teacher, you may choose to specialize in a subject like English, math, science, or history, and play a key role in preparing students for college and careers. You'll also be expected to integrate state-mandated learning standards and accommodate a diverse student population.

Core high school teacher responsibilities include:

• designing and delivering daily lessons that align with TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills)
• creating assessments and evaluating student performance
• managing classroom behavior and fostering a positive learning climate
• collaborating with colleagues, counselors, administrators, and parents
• supporting students through extracurricular involvement, guidance, and leadership
• addressing the needs of diverse learners, including ELLs, special education students, and gifted individuals

How To Become a High School Teacher in Texas

To become a licensed high school teacher in Texas, you must meet requirements set by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC). The certification process includes education, training, testing, and classroom experience. Below is a step-by-step breakdown of how to qualify.

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree

The first requirement is to complete a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Texas. Since there are many subjects to teach in high school, you can either choose to major in education or in the subject you want to teach, such as biology, history, or English.

Texas requires a minimum number of college-level credit hours (usually 12 to 15) in the intended subject area. Many students choose a degree plan that includes a teacher preparation track, which can make the certification process more streamlined. If your degree is in a field unrelated to education, you can still become certified by enrolling in an alternative preparation program after graduation.

Step 2: Complete an Educator Preparation Program (EPP)

After earning your degree, you must complete a TEA-approved Educator Preparation Program. These programs can be offered through traditional universities, community colleges, school districts, or alternative certification providers. An EPP includes coursework in pedagogy, classroom management, instructional strategies, and curriculum planning.

All programs require field-based experiences, such as classroom observations and a student teaching or internship component. Most programs also require at least 300 total hours of training, with a minimum of 30 hours dedicated to observation by a certified teacher.

If you already have a bachelor's degree, an Alternative Certification Program (ACP) may allow you to begin teaching while completing the required coursework.

Step 3: Pass the Required Certification Exams

To show you're ready to teach in Texas, you'll need to pass a series of state-mandated exams. Some candidates must pass the Pre-Admission Content Test (PACT) before entering an EPP, especially if they did not major in the subject they plan to teach.

After completing coursework, you'll take the TExES content exam in your subject area, which tests your knowledge of what you'll teach. You'll also need to pass the TExES Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR) exam, which assesses your teaching knowledge and professional ethics.

Step 4: Apply for a Probationary or Standard Certificate

If you're enrolled in an alternative certification program and have met the basic requirements, you may qualify for a one-year probationary certificate. This allows you to work as a full-time teacher while completing the rest of your program.

After finishing your educator preparation program, completing fieldwork, and passing all exams, you can apply for the Standard Texas Teaching Certificate. This certificate is issued by the TEA and is valid for five years. After this period, it can be renewed by completing continuing professional education (CPE) hours.

Step 5: Complete Your Internship or Student Teaching

As part of your preparation, you must complete a supervised teaching experience in a public or accredited private school. University-based programs typically require a semester-long student teaching placement, where you'll work under a certified teacher's supervision. Alternative certification programs usually require a one-year teaching internship, during which you'll work as a paid teacher while being mentored by a certified educator.

This hands-on training is essential for learning how to manage classrooms, deliver instruction, and meet the diverse needs of Texas high school students.

Education Degree Programs in Texas

Below are several colleges and universities in the state of Texas that offer bachelor's degrees to prepare you to earn your teaching credentials.

Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in curriculum and instruction with a secondary education focus. The program prepares students to teach grades seven through 12 in subjects like English, history, or math.

In this program, you'll complete teaching methods courses, education theory, and two field placements in Texas classrooms. You can also benefit from strong partnerships with school districts and access to mentoring from faculty who have experience in public education.

• Estimated tuition cost: $5,775
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

University of North Texas

The University of North Texas (UNT) offers a Bachelor of Science in secondary education with teaching certifications in subjects like biology, chemistry, social studies, and English language arts. Students gain hands-on experience through fieldwork and student teaching coordinated with local schools.

UNT's College of Education is located in Denton and provides academic advising, career planning, and subject-specific training. The program combines content knowledge with teaching methodology and culminates in TExES exam preparation.

• Estimated tuition cost: $28,494
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

Texas State University

Texas State University offers a BS in secondary education through its College of Education. Students choose a teaching field � such as physics, mathematics, or English � and complete specialized content courses alongside education coursework.

The program includes structured clinical experiences beginning early in the degree and culminating with a full semester of student teaching. Located in San Marcos, Texas State emphasizes cultural competence and equitable instruction.

• Estimated tuition cost: $12,220
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

Sam Houston State University

Sam Houston State University (SHSU) offers a BS in education with secondary certification tracks. Majors may include English, history, or life sciences. The curriculum integrates teaching methods, content instruction, and state-required educator standards.

SHSU's location in Huntsville and strong ties to school districts across East Texas offer students diverse classroom experiences. Online coursework is available for some degree components, and the program prepares students for the PPR and content exams.

• Estimated tuition cost: $11,370 (in-state); $23,520 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

Stephen F. Austin State University

Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA) offers a BS in interdisciplinary studies with secondary teaching certification. The program is ideal for students seeking to teach grades seven through 12 in fields like government, economics, or biology.

SFA provides early field experiences and strong student support through its James I. Perkins College of Education. The school offers small class sizes and a focus on community-based teaching.

• Estimated tuition cost: $11,506 (in-state); $24,070 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

How Much Does a High School Teacher Make in Texas?

The average high school teacher salary in Texas is around $64,120, according to recent BLS data. Pay can vary significantly depending on the school district, subject taught, and experience level. Teachers in larger metro areas tend to earn more, with additional stipends possible for high-need subjects or extracurricular coaching roles.

Job Outlook for High School Teachers in Texas

Texas is facing teacher shortages in areas like STEM, bilingual education, and special education. Schools are actively hiring certified educators, and incentives such as signing bonuses and student loan forgiveness are often offered in rural or high-need districts.

Financial Aid for High School Teacher Programs

Future high school teachers in Texas can access several financial aid options:

• Complete the FAFSA to qualify for Pell Grants, federal loans, and work-study. Many online colleges that accept FAFSA apply this aid toward education degrees and certification programs.
• Texas offers the Teach for Texas Loan Repayment Program, which forgives a portion of student loans for educators teaching in shortage areas.
• The federal TEACH Grant provides up to $4,000 annually if you commit to teaching in a high-need field for four years.
• Some school districts offer tuition reimbursement or paid residency programs. Universities may also offer need-based or merit scholarships through their education departments.

FAQs About Becoming a High School Teacher in Texas

These common questions can help you better understand the requirements, challenges, and options for entering the classroom. Whether you're just starting college or changing careers, the information below offers a clearer picture of the path ahead.

How Long Does It Take To Become a High School Teacher in Texas?

You'll usually need about five years to meet all the educational and licensure requirements. A traditional path includes four years to complete a bachelor's degree and an additional year to finish an educator preparation program, pass required exams, and complete a student teaching or internship experience.

Some students can shorten this timeline by enrolling in integrated degree-and-certification programs, while others may need more time if they follow a part-time schedule or switch careers.

Do I Need a Master's Degree To Teach High School in Texas?

No, a master's degree is not required to become a certified high school teacher in Texas. The state only requires a bachelor's degree and completion of an approved educator preparation program.

However, earning a master's degree can lead to additional benefits, including higher pay, leadership opportunities, and the ability to teach dual-credit or advanced placement courses. Many Texas teachers pursue graduate degrees later in their careers to qualify for roles in curriculum development, instructional coaching, or administration.

Can I Teach High School in Texas With a Bachelor's in Another Field?

Yes, you can become a certified teacher in Texas even if your bachelor's degree is not in education. If your degree is in a subject commonly taught in high school (such as English, biology, or history) you may qualify to enter an alternative certification program (ACP).

These programs provide the required pedagogical training and often allow you to begin teaching under a probationary certificate while completing coursework. You'll still need to pass the state's certification exams, including the content exam for your subject area and the pedagogy test.

Is It Hard To Become a High School Teacher in Texas?

Becoming a high school teacher in Texas requires commitment, but many find the process manageable with the right support. The steps involve academic preparation, exam completion, and hands-on training in real classrooms.

While the workload can be challenging, especially for those balancing other responsibilities, many educator preparation programs offer resources like mentorship, academic advising, and test prep. For those who are passionate about teaching and student development, the effort is often well worth the reward of making a difference in students' lives.

Explore Teaching Degrees in Texas

If you're ready to start your journey, explore accredited degree and credential programs across Texas by browsing the institutions featured on Learn.org. Contact a school you're interested in today to get started.