What Certification options are possible?
There are 2 paths to certification in Texas with a completed bachelors degree from an accredited university. Clinical Teaching or Internship. These are very different.
- Clinical Teaching is more commonly referred to as “Student Teaching” and is what most Universities offer Education Majors. It typically takes 14 weeks and is an unpaid apprenticeship-type of effort where you are paired with a teacher in that teacher’s classroom.
- The Intern Certificate offers you immediate classroom experience as a full-time full-salary teacher. Before you enter the classroom you are required to pass a subject area proficiency exam, complete the Teachworthy training modules and 30 hours of classroom observations.
What experience is required?
None. We take all candidates that have a heart for kids and a desire to be in the classroom and prepare them to be extraordinary educators.
Can I start Teachworthy at any time?
Yes! We accept applications throughout the year and teaching positions are waiting to be filled now.
Can I start the program even though I’m still in college?
Absolutely! During your last semester* of your bachelor’s degree you can apply to Teachworthy.
* Defined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board as the traditional Fall, Spring or Summer semester.
Is there a GPA requirement? What if I don’t meet it?
The Texas Education Agency requires all teacher candidates to have a minimum overall GPA of 2.5 or a 2.5 in the last 60 hours. There are some exceptions for candidates that have the content expertise to teach in high need areas. Transcripts can be tricky to evaluate. Let our Teachworthy team evaluate your transcripts at no cost to you.
How do I send my official transcripts to Teachworthy?
You will want to contact your university and ask them to send your transcript electronically to transcripts@teachworthy.org.
*If your transcript name is different from your Teachworthy application name please email transcripts@teachworthy.org to alert us.
What investment is required to become certified?
The application is free. Once you have met with a Program Advisor and verified admission requirements and have all your questions answered, you will be sent a Formal Admission document and invoice for $195.
You will be given access to your Teachworthy portal and begin the process for your first step, preparing for your certification exams ($116 each). We point you to resources to assist your preparation and document your readiness to test ($30). After you pass your content exams, you can move forward and begin working on your training modules, field based experiences, and career resources. We recommend that you purchase a supporting textbook from Amazon ($20) that is a great resource for first year teachers and pairs with the training modules. Once you are hired as a teacher, the program fee of $3,960 is paid monthly over the course of your first year teaching. The Texas Education Agency requires certain additional fees that include your initial certification fee ($78) , your finger printing fee ($52.20) and your final teaching certificate ($78). In total the entire investment to become certified will be between $4,662-$4,778 depending on the number of content exams you take.
When do I pay my enrollment fee of $195?
Once you have met with your Program Advisor, signed your certification plan and have decided to move forward, you will be send a Formal Admission Letter and receive an invoice for $195.
How long does the program typically take?
It’s up to you. The prerequisites to enter the classroom are self paced. Your Program Advisor can help you create plan to complete these activities in a timely manner that works with your schedule.
When can I apply for teaching positions?
Depending on your Formal Admission date and where we are in the academic school year, you may be eligible to enter the classroom once you have passed all your content certification exams. Our first choice is for candidates to pass all their content certification exams, complete the 30 hours of field based experiences, Capturing Kids’ Hearts Training, and Teachworthy training modules before entering the classroom to help ensure they are prepared for the demands of a first year teacher. With passing test scores, we help you connect with schools in your area by sharing your status with HR departments.
Will I get paid during my first year?
On an Intern Certificate through Teachworthy, absolutely! You will receive full pay and benefits just like all certified teachers.
Can you help me prepare for interviewing?
For sure! We have the resources and the relationships to guide you through the interview process. We will even conduct a mock interview with you to ensure you are ready!
What do I owe if I don't secure a teaching job?
Nothing is owed to Teachworthy beyond the $195 training and testing fee until you are able to secure a teaching position.
When will I receive my teaching certificate?
Once you secure a teaching position, the Teachworthy team will verify employment with the district and walk you through the process of activating your initial teaching certificate to begin your Internship. Upon successful completion of your Internship or clinical teaching, you could be recommended for your standard Texas teaching certificate.
Can I transfer my certification to other states?
In most cases yes! You will want to contact the state’s department of education where you plan to locate and confirm the reciprocation process. We are happy to assist you with this as well.
Are Intern and Standard Certificates different?
Yes. The intern certificate is for 1 year while you are in the process of becoming a teacher. Once you have completed all of Teachworthy’s requirements including those of the Texas Education Agency you will receive a Standard Certificate that is valid for 5 years. This Standard Certificate renews by completing continuing professional education (CPE) hours typically offered by your hiring district.
What type of background check is required?
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) requires that all teacher candidates complete a national criminal history background check through a fingerprinting process. If you have concerns about this process, you can request a preliminary criminal history background check through TEA first.
Please visit this link for more info: https://tea.texas.gov/Texas_Educators/Investigations/National_Criminal_History_Checks-FAQs/
Can non-U.S. citizens apply?
Definitely! Most hiring districts will require you to have social security number to apply. There are special requirements to meet, but we can help you understand these.
Click here for more information on Non-US Citizens and Degrees from outside the US.
What if my degree is from outside the US?
You can still apply and we will provide guidance on if the TOEFL test is necessary for you.
Click here for more information on the TOEFL test and requirements.
Is Clinical Teaching an option through Teachworthy?
Yes! This 14-week non-paid assignment is similar to student teaching where you work with a certified teacher. Over the 14 weeks you gradually progress to take on more and more teaching responsibilities. All program elements and requirements are the same. You will receive your Standard Certificate at the end of the 14 weeks if all program requirements are met. Learn more.