School Teacher Requirements in Texas, TX
Texas, ranking 2nd in population, has 4,329,841 public students. There are 8,317 public schools, broken down into 4,001 elementary, 1,591 middle, and 1,445 high schools. Texas ranks 47th in average combined SAT and ACT scores (the two most common national standardized tests), with an average SAT score of 893 and ACT score of 20.2. Texas has about an average graduation rate of 73.1%.
Texas Teaching Certification Requirements:
For More Texas Teaching Certification Info Here.
- Initial Teaching Certificate (valid for 3 years)
- Bachelors Degree from an accredited college or university
- Complete an approved Texas Teacher Preparation Program
- Take and pass the Praxis I: Basic Skills Test
- Take and pass the Praxis II: Content Subject Matter test in appropriate field/s
- Can also take either the ExES, ExCET, or the TexMAT tests instead of Praxis Exams
- Fulfill state fingerprinting requirements
- Pass a criminal background check through the state and FBI
- Complete the certification application packet, including transcripts, certifications, and references
- Pay any applicable fees
Some districts may require additional training and certification.
Employment Outlook For Teachers in Texas:
Texas has had one of the highest increases in average wage over the last 5 years. Because of the this the state has not only been paying their teachers more but also hiring new ones. Texas is particularly interested in teachers that have experience with standardized test prep courses as the state is looking to improve its average scores. As with most teachers across the country, the teaching market in Texas remained fairly intact through the recession, and is expanding even more as we come out of it. As in any state, it is a good idea to have a Masters or PhD as that is certainly an eye catcher for prospective employers, as well as providing increased salary opportunities.
Salary Expectation for Teachers in Texas:
Texas is ranked 23rd in the nation when it comes to teacher salaries, the average salary being $49,900 in 2009-2010 (according to bls.gov). In the last three years teachers in Texas have seen an average 12.13% wage increase. Recent budget grants to the education system has allowed Texas to not only higher more teachers but also increase salary at a higher then average rate. Teachers also can increase their salary by gaining additional accreditation and certification, as well as gaining teaching positions over the summer.