How to Become a Master Teacher in Texas: Certification & Requirements
Education professionals in Texas can choose to become certified as a master teacher. This guide will walk interested individuals through the criteria needed to become one.
Overview of Master Teachers in Texas
In Texas, teachers can further display their competency by pursuing master certification in reading, technology, science, or math. These master teachers excel in their content area and create a positive learning environment for students. The process includes a master's degree, a valid teaching license, and relevant work experience.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Education/Training Required</b></td><td>Master's degree, Educator Preparation Program</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Degree Fields</b></td><td>Reading, Technology, Science, or Math</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Testing Requirements</b></td><td>Master Reading Teacher, Master Technology Teacher, Master Science Teacher EC-4; 4-8, 8-11, or Master Math Teacher EC-4, 4-8, 8-12</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Average Salary for Teachers in Texas (2018)*</b></td><td>$56,520 (Elementary School Teachers) <br/>$56,580 (Middle School Teachers) <br/>$58,190 (Secondary School Teachers)</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook for Texas Teachers (2016-2026)**</b></td><td>20.4% (Elementary School Teachers) <br/>20.5% (Middle School Teachers) <br/>20.6% (Secondary School Teachers)</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), **Projections Central</i>
</p><h3 id="section---EligibilityRequirements">Eligibility Requirements</h3><p>The state of Texas requires that individuals interested in master teaching certification have a valid teaching license. The licensing process includes obtaining a bachelor's degree, completing an approved Education Preparation Program (EPP), and passing certification exams and a criminal background check.
</p><p>Upon earning a teaching license, individuals will then need to earn a master's degree and complete an EPP in their desired area of certification. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) provides a listing of all the approved EPPs within the state.
</p><p>Each master teacher certification requires that applicants have at least two years of relevant work experience within the public school system or an approved private school. The specific requirements for each certification are outlined below.
</p><h3 id="section---MasterReadingTeacher">Master Reading Teacher</h3><p>Teachers have two options for earning this certification. The first is to complete a Reading Specialist certificate. Those without a certificate will need to have three years of relevant work experience.
</p><h3 id="section---MasterTechnologyTeacher">Master Technology Teacher</h3><p>This certification also offers two options. Teachers will need either a Technology Education or Texas Technology Applications certificate and three years of work experience at a public or private school. Those without a certificate will need to meet the basic requirements, as well as pass an exam developed by the Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund Board.
</p><h3 id="section---MasterScienceOrMasterMathTeacher">Master Science or Master Math Teacher</h3><p>Both of these certifications require three years of relevant work experience at a public or private school.
</p><h3 id="section---CertificationExams">Certification Exams</h3><p>Upon completing the required education and relevant work experience, teachers will need to pass an exam in their chosen area of certification. Texas has eight certification exams in a series known as TexMaT. Teachers will have five hours to take each exam.
</p><p>There is only one exam each for reading and one exam for technology certification. The master reading teacher exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions and one case study assignment. The master technology teacher certification is for early childhood through grade 12, and has 90 multiple-choice questions, one case study assignment, and two performance assessments
</p><p>The certification exams for science and math are broken down by grade level: early childhood - 4th grade, 4th - 8th grades, and 8th-12th grades. All of the science exams contain 95 multiple-choice questions and one case study assignment. The three math exams all have 90 multiple-choice questions and one case study assignment.</p>