“Should I become a teacher?” The all-important question that could spark one of the most rewarding, fulfilling careers on the planet. 

Are you wondering if you have the desire and potential to become an educator? Explore our guide to discover the ten things you need to consider before starting your journey.

1) What do you need to become a teacher?

Before embarking on the journey to become a teacher, you need to have a clear understanding of what it takes. 

Becoming a certified teacher in Texas requires you to:

The journey to becoming a teacher is about so much more than certification and exams. It’s about your passion to educate others; your drive to create a fulfilling career, and your ambition to mold the next generation’s minds.

Think you’ve got what it takes? Then keep on reading!

2) What education is needed to become a teacher?

As touched upon above, the Texas Administrative Code states that you need a bachelor’s degree to qualify for a teaching position in Texas. This can be earned at an accredited university or college that is registered with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB).

You will then need to pass a series of exams/programs before becoming a fully licensed teacher. More information on the specific requirements is supplied by the Texas Education Agency (TEA).

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

A bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement to become a teacher in Texas. Programs like Teachworthy work with almost any degree, helping you to create a pathway to certification. 

4) How many years to become a teacher?

A bachelor’s degree will typically take four years to complete. Students in their final semester can enroll in the Teachworthy program on a contingency basis, until their degree is conferred. 

Training to enter the classroom requires a minimum of 150 hours of coursework. This is different from the hours you obtained in college because this pre-service training is time that you will spend doing the Teachworthy modules, learning practical techniques and strategies to be a great teacher.

While you are working on your training modules, you will also need to complete 30 hours of Field Based Experiences (FBE). These observations and reflections give you an accurate view of what to expect when you enter the classroom.

The state requires that a minimum of 15 hours of the FBE be completed in an actual classroom setting, observing other certified teachers. Teachworthy expects you to observe in diverse settings to see a wide variety of classroom settings. A maximum of 15 hours of FBE can be completed by viewing videos that meet certain requirements. 

The best way to schedule your face-to-face observations is to visit the desired school district’s website. See if they have an online process of completing a background check and schedule a time to visit a campus. Programs like Teachworthy help make introductions for you, but it is up to you to schedule and complete the observations.

You are ready to secure a teaching position when you have…

  1. Passed your content exam(s) in your chosen subject area;
  2. Completed your pre-service training;
  3. Completed your 30 hours of Field Based Experiences.

5) How much does it cost to get a teacher certification?

Teacher certification costs vary in Texas. An alternative teacher certification program has an enrollment training fee ranging from $95-$595, depending on the program.

Once a candidate has passing content test scores and has completed pre-service training, they are eligible to secure a teaching position, earning full salary and benefits. Teachworthy will have candidates set up ACH deductions for the internship fee, which deducts the monthly certification fee from a specified account. The total internship fee in Texas is usually $3,500-$4,500.

More information on this can be found in our blog, “How much does a Texas teacher certification program cost?”

6) What makes a good teacher?

Many qualities and traits combine to make a great teacher. These include (but are not limited to):

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

7) How much money does a teacher make?

The average salary for public school teachers in Texas is $58,457 (as of August 2021). All teachers in Texas begin their career on level one of a salary schedule that is usually posted on each district website.

TEA states that the minimum monthly salary for a teacher with one year of experience is $3,439. The minimum monthly salary for a teacher with over 20 years of experience is $5,454.

The more you teach, the more rewarding your career will be – both financially and in terms of job fulfilment.

8) Teacher certification test – how hard is the exam?

To pass the TExES Content Exam, you need a score of at least 240 out of 300. The Content Exam will be based on your desired teaching subject. For example, Computer Science teachers will take the Computer Science exam, History teachers will take the History exam, and so on.

Content Exams are relatively straightforward, but only if you study! Check out our Texas Content Exam Study Guide to learn how to pass with flying colors.

The other teacher certification requirement you’ll need to pass is the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR) Exam. Again, with the right preparation and commitment, you should pass. 

9) Why become a teacher?

There are so many reasons why people become teachers. There aren’t many workplaces that provide as much satisfaction and fulfillment as the classroom.

Teachers have the joy of inspiring and educating the next generation, while making a real difference in people’s lives.

A teaching career provides a clear and progressive career path for those with a love of learning, with benefits that include:

  • Opportunities to be a role model for students
  • Job security
  • Plenty of personal development
  • Interaction and variety during the day
  • School calendar which creates extended time to enjoy family and friends around holidays

10) Alternative ways to become a teacher

Aspiring educators have several alternative routes to teaching at their disposal. Programs like Teachworthy, for instance, have trained thousands of educators over the years, ensuring they:

  1. Demonstrate Mastery of their subject area
  2. Facilitate successful steps to full certification
  3. Have access to personalized mentoring
  4. Gain extensive knowledge of teaching methodologies
  5. Get the support of our experienced educators

Programs like Teachworthy take preparing you for the classroom very seriously, ensuring you have everything you need to become a high-achieving educator.

Teachworthy also has one additional requirement: attending the research-based Capturing Kids’ Hearts 2-day live training. Every year, over 40,000 educators attend these 2-day events, which have seen incredible results.

Following the event, you will be able to demonstrate to hiring districts that you have prepared to connect and build positive relationships with students while creating a self-managing classroom.

 

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