How To Become a Middle School Teacher in Texas 2025

If you're interested in teaching students in grades six through eight, it's important to understand how to become a middle school teacher. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) outlines a clear path that includes earning a bachelor's degree, completing an educator preparation program, passing required exams, and applying for certification. Whether you're just starting college or exploring a career change, Texas offers multiple routes to help you qualify for the classroom.

Middle school teachers play a vital role in helping students transition from elementary to high school. They teach core subjects like math, science, history, and English in departmentalized settings, often focusing on one content area. In this article, you'll learn about the responsibilities of a middle school teacher, the subject-specific certification options available in Texas, and the steps to earning your teaching credential. You'll also find details on salary expectations, job outlook, and financial aid to help support your journey.

What Does a Middle School Teacher Do?

Middle school teachers in Texas help students in grades six through eight build the academic, social, and emotional skills needed for high school success. These teachers specialize in subject areas such as math, science, English, or social studies and play a critical role in guiding students through a period of rapid growth and development. To work in this role, individuals must meet specific middle school teacher educational requirements, including earning a degree, completing a preparation program, and passing certification exams.

Typical middle school teacher expectations include:

• developing lesson plans that align with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)
• teaching specific subjects in a departmentalized classroom
• assessing student progress and adjusting instruction based on individual needs
• maintaining classroom discipline and creating a safe, respectful learning environment
• collaborating with other teachers, staff, and parents to support student success
• participating in professional development and staying current with state standards
• preparing students for standardized assessments and academic benchmarks

How To Become a Middle School Teacher in Texas

To teach middle school in Texas, you must complete a multi-step certification process overseen by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). This includes earning a degree, completing educator preparation, passing exams, and applying for certification. Each part of the process is designed to ensure you meet all requirements to become a middle school teacher and are prepared to lead your own classroom.

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree

The first step toward becoming a certified middle school teacher in Texas is earning a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Your degree can be in any major, though it should align with the subject you want to teach, such as math, science, English, or social studies.

If your undergraduate program includes an approved educator preparation component, you may be able to complete certification requirements at the same time. If not, you'll need to pursue a post-baccalaureate program after graduation. Either route must be completed through a TEA-approved institution or provider.

Step 2: Complete an Educator Preparation Program

Texas requires all aspiring middle school teachers to complete an approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP). These programs are designed to give you the skills and experience needed to manage a classroom and support diverse learners. Coursework typically includes instructional strategies, classroom management, and teaching students with special needs or English language learners.

In addition to academic instruction, EPPs include field experience, such as clinical teaching or an internship. This allows you to practice under the guidance of a certified teacher before taking on full-time responsibilities. You can choose from university-based programs or alternative certification programs, depending on your background.

Step 3: Pass the Required Certification Exams

After completing your preparation program, you must pass the required certification exams administered by the Texas Educator Certification Examination Program (TExES). Most middle school teachers will take content exams that align with their subject area, such as the TExES 4-8 Mathematics, Science, or English Language Arts exams.

In addition to your content exam, you must also pass the Science of Teaching Reading (STR) exam if you plan to teach English Language Arts or Reading. Your preparation program will provide guidance on which exams you must take and when you should register for them.

Step 4: Submit a State Application and Complete Fingerprinting

Once you've passed your exams, you must formally apply for your Texas teaching certificate through the TEA's online Educator Certification portal. You'll need to pay an application fee and provide documentation confirming completion of all program and exam requirements.

Texas law also requires all educators to undergo fingerprinting for a national criminal background check. The TEA will provide instructions on how to complete this process once your application is submitted. Certification cannot be granted until your background check has been cleared.

Step 5: Receive a Standard Certificate and Maintain It

After meeting all certification requirements, you'll receive your Standard Teaching Certificate from the TEA. This credential allows you to teach your approved subject(s) in Texas middle schools. It is valid for five years and must be renewed to remain active.

To renew your certificate, you must complete 150 hours of Continuing Professional Education (CPE). This ongoing training helps ensure you stay up to date with instructional methods, curriculum changes, and professional responsibilities as an educator in Texas.

Middle School Teaching Paths by Subject

In Texas, middle school teachers must earn a Single Subject Certification that matches the subject they plan to teach. Whether you're passionate about numbers, science labs, historical events, or literature, you'll need to meet specific academic and testing requirements tailored to your content area. Below is a breakdown of how to pursue certification for common middle school subjects.

How To Become a Middle School Math Teacher

To teach math, you'll need a bachelor's degree with a strong focus on mathematics. After completing a TEA-approved educator preparation program, you must pass the TExES Mathematics 4-8 exam to demonstrate subject knowledge. Your coursework will likely include algebra, geometry, statistics, and strategies for teaching problem-solving skills to middle-grade students.

How To Become a Middle School Science Teacher

Aspiring science teachers should hold a degree that includes coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, or environmental science. Once you complete your educator preparation program, you'll take the TExES Science 4-8 exam. Expect to learn how to lead lab investigations, explain scientific reasoning, and support inquiry-based learning for middle school students.

How To Become a Middle School History Teacher

To teach social studies or history, a degree in history, political science, or related fields is ideal. You'll need to finish your preparation program and pass the TExES Social Studies 4-8 exam. Your training will cover Texas history, U.S. government, geography, and techniques for helping students analyze historical sources and events.

How To Become a Middle School English Language Arts Teacher

Future English teachers should pursue a degree focused on English, communication, or writing. Completion of a preparation program and passing scores on the TExES English Language Arts, Reading 4-8 exam, and the Science of Teaching Reading (STR) exam are required. The program prepares you to teach grammar, reading comprehension, writing, and critical thinking in a middle school classroom.

Education Degree Programs in Texas

Texas offers several accredited universities with educator preparation programs designed to meet the state's certification requirements. The colleges below provide subject-specific pathways and hands-on teaching experience for future middle school teachers.

1. University of Texas at Austin

The University of Texas at Austin offers educator certification programs that prepare students to teach in departmentalized middle school classrooms. Students pursuing middle school teaching can complete a bachelor's degree in a relevant subject area along with professional education coursework focused on adolescent learning, instructional strategies, and classroom management.

Through the College of Education, students complete field-based experiences in local schools and receive mentorship from experienced teachers. The program aligns with Texas Education Agency standards and offers certification options in subjects such as English language arts, science, mathematics, and social studies.

• Estimated tuition cost: $11,248 (in-state); $45,558 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. East Texas A&M University

East Texas A&M University offers a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Middle School Education, designed specifically for students who want to teach grades four through eight. The program allows students to specialize in core subject areas such as English language arts and reading, mathematics, science, or social studies.

Students gain practical experience through field placements and student teaching opportunities in Texas public schools. The curriculum integrates subject-specific content with instructional methods aligned to state certification requirements, preparing graduates to pass the TExES exams and manage diverse middle school classrooms.

• Estimated tuition cost: $8,424 (in-state); $18,216 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. University of North Texas at Dallas

The University of North Texas at Dallas prepares future middle school educators through bachelor's degree programs focused on teaching grades four to eight in core subject areas. Students can pursue degrees in English language arts and reading, mathematics, science, or social studies�with each pathway including an English as a Second Language (ESL) component.

Programs combine academic content with targeted teaching strategies for adolescent learners and multilingual classrooms. Through fieldwork and student teaching, candidates gain real-world experience in public school settings, equipping them to meet state certification standards and support diverse student populations.

• Estimated tuition cost: $7,840 (in-state); $20,440 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. Texas Christian University

Students interested in teaching middle school can pursue a middle school education degree at Texas Christian University, where the program blends academic coursework with hands-on teaching experiences. Available subject concentrations include English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies.

The curriculum emphasizes adolescent development, culturally responsive teaching, and instructional planning aligned with state certification requirements. Field placements in local schools begin early in the program, allowing students to apply what they learn in real classrooms under the guidance of experienced educators.

• Estimated tuition cost: $63,500 (in-state); $x (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. University of Houston

Future middle school teachers can earn certification through the University of Houston's undergraduate teaching pathways, which prepare students to teach middle school in Texas public schools. The program offers subject-area options in English, math, science, and social studies, with coursework focused on instructional design, classroom management, and culturally inclusive teaching.

Students engage in field-based experiences throughout the program, working directly with mentor teachers in local schools. The curriculum meets all Texas Education Agency standards and prepares graduates to pass the required TExES certification exams and begin teaching immediately after graduation.

• Estimated tuition cost: $11,234.64 (in-state); $27,291.68 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

Middle School Teacher Salary in Texas?

The average middle school teacher salary in Texas is $62,480 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Salaries may vary depending on the district, location, experience level, and additional certifications. Teachers working in urban areas or districts facing staffing shortages may earn higher pay, while new teachers in rural districts may start with a lower salary range. Teachers with advanced degrees or endorsements in high-need areas like special education or bilingual education often qualify for salary bonuses or stipends.

Job Outlook for Middle School Teachers in Texas

From 2023 to 2033, employment of middle school teachers is expected to decline by 1%, according to the BLS. However, an estimated 41,400 job openings are projected each year across the country as current teachers retire or leave the profession. These replacement needs continue to create strong hiring demand in many districts, including those in Texas. With steady student enrollment and subject-area shortages, qualified middle school teachers are still needed in classrooms across the state.

Financial Aid for Middle School Teacher Programs

If you're preparing to become a middle school teacher in Texas, a variety of financial aid options can help lower the cost of earning your degree and certification:

• Federal Student Aid: You can apply for federal grants, work-study, and loans by submitting the FAFSA. Many cheap online colleges that accept FAFSA participate in federal aid programs and offer flexible learning options.
• TEACH Grant: This federal grant provides up to $4,000 per year to students completing a teaching program who commit to teaching in a high-need field at a low-income school for at least four years.
• Texas Grant Program: The TEXAS Grant helps eligible Texas residents attending public universities cover tuition and fees.
• University-based scholarships: Many public universities in Texas offer scholarships specifically for education majors, particularly those entering teacher shortage areas.
• Teach for Texas Loan Repayment Assistance: Graduates who teach in high-need areas may qualify for the Teach for Texas Loan Repayment Assistance Program to help repay federal student loans.

FAQs About Becoming a Middle School Teacher in Texas

If you're considering a career in Texas classrooms, you might be wondering how long certification takes, what qualifications are required, and whether financial aid or alternative routes are available. The answers below address some of the most common questions about becoming a middle school teacher in the state.

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

The process typically takes five to six years. This includes earning a four-year bachelor's degree followed by completing an educator preparation program and passing required certification exams, which may take an additional one to two years depending on your path.

Can You Become a Teacher in Texas Without a Teaching Degree?

Yes, Texas allows individuals with a non-teaching bachelor's degree to become certified through an alternative certification program (ACP). These state-approved programs provide the training and experience needed to meet certification requirements without a degree in education.

What Is the Fastest Way To Become a Teacher?

The fastest route is enrolling in an alternative certification program after earning a bachelor's degree in any field. These programs often allow you to work as a teacher under a probationary certificate while completing the remaining certification requirements.

How Can I Become a Teacher in Texas for Free?

You may be able to reduce or eliminate the cost of certification by combining financial aid, state grants, scholarships, and tuition reimbursement programs. Some ACPs also offer free or low-cost options for qualifying candidates, particularly in high-need subject areas or regions.

Can You Start Teaching With an Associate Degree?

No, an associate degree alone does not qualify you to teach in Texas public schools. However, it can be a stepping stone toward a bachelor's degree, which is the minimum requirement for teacher certification in the state.

Explore Teaching Degrees in Texas

Whether you're starting college or switching careers, Texas has flexible degree and certification options to help you enter the classroom. Browse accredited teaching degree programs from colleges across Texas on Learn.org.