Are you looking to be a Classroom Teacher in Texas? 

Please see the requirement options below for eligibility:

1. Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree- You must earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
   1. The Texas Administrative Code requires that candidates completing a Texas program must have a degree from a university that is accredited by a regional accrediting agency as recognized by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB).
   2. Health Science Technology and Trades & Industrial Education Certifications are exempt from the Bachelor’s degree requirement. 
2. Complete an Educator Preparation Program – You must complete an Approved Educator Preparation Program. If you do not hold a degree you must complete a university program. If you hold a degree you may contact an Alternative Certification Program or Post Baccalaureate program.
   1. The most frequent Alternative Certification Programs CCISD works with include:

3. Pass Certification Exams- You must pass the appropriate teacher certification exams. Contact your program for exam approval.
4. Submit a State Application- You must apply to be certified after all requirements are met. Do not apply until you have verified with your program that you are eligible.
5. Complete Fingerprinting- All first-time applicants must be fingerprinted as part of a national criminal background check. 

Becoming a Certified Texas Educator Through an Alternative Certification Program

Alternative certification programs (ACP’s) offer a nontraditional route to certification that may allow you to teach while completing the requirements. These programs are located in universities, school districts, education service centers, community colleges, and private entities. The most common programs CCISD works with are linked above by clicking on their logo. 

1. Decide what you would like to teach- Decide the specific grade levels of students and subject areas you would like to teach. This decision determines the certificate you need, the program you need to enroll in, and the certification tests you need to take. The program you select will assist you in the process based on your degree, coursework, and interests. 
2. Select an Approved Texas ACP- ACP’s offer intensive classroom-focused training. Many of these programs can be completed in one year, during which time you may be able to teach as a paid intern with supervision and mentoring. 
3. Meet the screening criteria of the program- Your program will advise you of the entry requirements such as basic skills, GPA, and a demonstration of content knowledge. 
4. Develop a Certification plan with your program
5. Obtain a Teaching Position with CCISD – If you program has determined that you are eligible for a teaching internship based on your progress and completion of any appropriate tests, they will provide you with an eligibility statement (SOE) for employment purposes. 
6. Apply for a Probationary Certificate- Once you have secured a teaching position for your internship, you must apply online for an intern or probationary certificate, valid for one calendar year to meet state certification rules for you and the school. To do so, you must create an SBEC account, apply, pay any applicable fees, and meet the requirements for a criminal background check. Your program must recommend you online for the appropriate certificate. 
7. Complete all requirements for a Standard Certificate- You must complete all program training, internship, examinations, and all other program requirements. 
8. Apply for the Standard Certificated
9. Congratulations! You’re a Certified Texas Educator

Out-of-State Certified Educators

 If you hold a standard certificate issued by another state or United State territory and are seeking certification in Texas you must apply for a review of Credentials through the Texas Education Agency. The process is outlined on their website below.