Updated October 2026.

“Should I become a teacher?” It’s a question that could start one of the most rewarding careers there is.

Wondering if you have the desire and potential to become an educator? Here are ten things to consider before you start.

1) What do you need to become a teacher?

To become a certified teacher in Texas, you need to:

Becoming a teacher is about more than exams. It’s about your passion to help others learn, your drive for a fulfilling career, and your commitment to the next generation.

Think you’ve got what it takes? Keep reading.

2) What education do you need to become a teacher?

Texas requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university to teach. You’ll then complete an Educator Preparation Program and pass your certification exams. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) sets the requirements.

3) What degree do you need to be a teacher?

A bachelor’s degree in almost any field. It doesn’t have to be in education: programs like Teachworthy review your coursework and build a path to certification in the subjects you qualify to teach.

4) How long does it take to become a teacher?

A bachelor’s degree typically takes four years. If you’re in your final semester, you can apply to Teachworthy and be admitted on a contingency basis until your degree is conferred.

Before you can teach, Texas requires 200 hours of preparation:

  • 150 hours of coursework and training. This isn’t your college coursework. It’s practical training in how to run a classroom, which you complete online in the Teachworthy courses.
  • 50 hours of Field-Based Experience. These observations show you what to expect when you lead a classroom. Up to 25 hours can be completed by video or other approved methods. The rest are spent observing certified teachers in real classrooms.

To schedule classroom observations, check your target district’s website for its visitor or background-check process, then arrange a campus visit. Teachworthy can help with introductions, but scheduling and completing the observations is up to you.

You’re ready to be hired as a teacher once you have:

  • Passed the content exam for your subject
  • Completed your pre-service training
  • Completed your 50 hours of Field-Based Experience

How long that takes depends on your schedule and how many exams you need. Training is self-paced, so many candidates prepare while working full time.

5) How much does teacher certification cost?

Costs vary by program. As of October 2026, total program fees at Texas alternative certification programs commonly run from about $4,500 to $5,500, not counting exams and state certificate fees. Most programs charge a smaller amount before you’re hired and the rest during your paid internship year.

With Teachworthy, the total is $4,500. Before you’re hired, you pay only your $495 Admission Fees (the $195 Enrollment Fee plus the $300 Curriculum Fee). The $4,005 Internship Fee is paid monthly once you’re teaching with full salary and benefits. Learn more in How much does a Texas teacher certification program cost? or see our pricing.

6) What makes a good teacher?

Many qualities combine to make a great teacher, including:

  • Patience
  • Adaptability
  • Communication skills
  • Empathy
  • An engaging personality
  • Strong listening skills
  • A collaborative approach
  • Determination
  • Enthusiasm for education
  • Organization

7) How much do teachers make?

Teacher pay in Texas depends on your district and experience. Every district posts its salary schedule, usually on its website, and most pay well above the state minimum. For 2025–26, the state minimum salary for a teacher with no experience is $33,960 for a 10-month contract.

For more detail, see our Texas teacher salary guide.

8) How hard are the certification exams?

TExES exams are scored from 100 to 300, and you need at least 240 to pass. Your content exam matches the subject you want to teach: computer science teachers take the Computer Science exam, history teachers take the History exam, and so on.

Content exams are very passable if you prepare. Before you test, Teachworthy has you show readiness on a practice test, so you go in prepared. See our TExES study resources.

You’ll also pass the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR) exam, usually during your internship year. With the right preparation and commitment, you can pass it too.

9) Why become a teacher?

Few workplaces offer as much satisfaction as the classroom. Teachers inspire and educate the next generation and make a real difference in people’s lives.

A teaching career offers:

  • The chance to be a role model for students
  • Job security
  • Constant personal growth
  • Interaction and variety every day
  • A school calendar with extended time for family and friends around holidays

10) Alternative routes to becoming a teacher

If you already have a degree, you don’t need to go back to college. Alternative certification programs like Teachworthy have prepared thousands of teachers, helping them:

  • Show mastery of their subject
  • Move step by step to full certification
  • Get personal guidance from a Program Advisor who is a former educator
  • Learn practical teaching methods
  • Get coached by a Field Supervisor in their first year

Teachworthy also includes the research-based Capturing Kids’ Hearts 2-day live training. Capturing Kids’ Hearts trains more than 50,000 educators every year. Afterward, you can show hiring districts you’re prepared to build positive relationships with students and run a self-managing classroom.

Dr. Debbie Emery shares how Teachworthy guides you through the training and testing phase of becoming an incredible educator: