Becoming a Teacher Later in Life in Texas

Written by Natalie Parker

Becoming a Teacher Later in Life in Texas

The prospect of making a career change to teaching later in life can be daunting. For many, a shift of this magnitude will require going back to school to become a teacher. The requirements to begin teaching as a second career vary depending on who and what you want to teach. The grade and subject you choose to pursue will determine which TExES exams you will need to take. Private schools can also have different specifications for employment than public schools. You are then faced with the challenge of finding a new job. However, there are ways to alleviate some of the stress by clarifying the process and obstacles of a career switch to teaching in Texas.

Career Change to Teaching: Certification Requirements in Texas

The guidelines to become a certified public school teacher in Texas are regulated by the TEA (Texas Education Agency). Private schools, however, are not subject to TEA specifications. They will have their own employment prerequisites according to their governing accreditation agency. This distinction is important to note when making a career change to teaching. Public versus private school qualifications can significantly impact which route you will need to take to begin teaching as a second career.

Going back to school to become a teacher may be required for either path depending on your current level of education. A bachelor's degree is necessary to become a certified teacher in Texas. This can be an advantage for those who want to become teachers later in life. Any degrees you have already earned will be applicable to the certification processes outlined by the TEA. Private schools will be more interested in your educational background for the subject you want to teach. Also, having a degree in education may be non-negotiable for many private schools. Public school certification requires exams that will ensure you are prepared to teach the grade level and subject(s) you have chosen. Some private schools will accept state certification for entry-level teaching positions, while others will not.

The TExES Exam and Other Tests

A career switch to teaching will require entering a state-approved educator preparation program (EPP). These programs will guide you to take the correct tests needed to become a certified teacher in the subject and grade level you have chosen. A Pre-Admission Content Test (PACT) may be needed to enter an approved EPP. A TExES PACT is not required if you have a GPA of at least 2.5 and have earned the minimum required coursework credits (12 or 15) in the subject you are seeking TExES teacher certification in.

The Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES) represents an aggregate of exams on every subject, grade level, and specialization provided by teachers in Texas public schools. The exam for Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities, which is also called the TExES PPR exam, is required by all individuals seeking teacher certification in Texas.

The Texas State Board of Educator Certification (SBEC) also requires new candidates to pass the Science of Teaching Reading (STR) exam to meet teaching certification standards. This testing regulation applies to traditional and alternative teaching preparation programs approved by the State of Texas. The subject you choose to teach will dictate which TExES, or other exams, you will be required to pass before you can apply for certification.

Applying for Certification

Before applying for your teacher certification, you will need to complete all of the educational and testing requirements. Your educator preparation program will guide you through the entire process. Be sure to verify your certification eligibility with your EPP before you submit your application.

First, you will need to access your Texas Education Agency Login (TEAL) account. This account will be used to apply for and renew teacher certifications. When you create your TEAL account, be sure to follow the instructions carefully to avoid complications. If your name does not exactly match your driver's license, you will find information about name changes on the TEAL new user account creation page. Inside your TEAL account, you will select the educator preparation program you have taken. Fill out and submit the application, as well as the associated fees which will include fingerprinting. You will be emailed information on scheduling an appointment to be fingerprinted for the background check.

Once your Texas teacher certification has become official, you will receive a notification by email. Your certificate will be posted to the TEA website. Private schools are not regulated by the state, but by accrediting agencies. These agencies are approved and monitored by the Texas Private School Accreditation Commission (TEPSAC). TEPSAC requires that accredited private schools employ "highly qualified" individuals who meet or exceed the TEA's state certification standards.

Teacher certification is not needed for a career change to teaching in private schools. However, accredited private schools recognized by TEPSAC will require that teachers have a minimum education equivalent to that provided by state-approved educator preparation programs.

Going Back to School to be a Teacher

Becoming a teacher later in life may reduce the amount of time and education required to become certified. Texas teachers are required to have a degree, though it does not have to be in education. Thus, if you already have a bachelor's degree or higher level of education, you will qualify for an alternative or post-baccalaureate educator preparation program.

For those who have a degree in the subject they wish to teach, additional education may not be needed if you choose to work in a private school—especially if you have experience in that field from your current career. While private school teachers are expected to meet similar requirements to public school teachers, existing deep knowledge of a particular subject may be acceptable or even preferred by a private organization.

If you do not have a bachelor's degree, you will be required to go back to school to become a teacher. The state-approved university-based EPPs are designed specifically for this purpose. While this route will take longer to complete, you will be well-equipped for a career change to teaching in public or private institutions.

Finding an Education Program

Whether you wish to become a certified teacher in Texas or earn a degree in education, the first step is to decide what you want to teach. A bachelor of science in teaching and learning is for those who wish to teach elementary through eighth-grade students or special education at all grade levels. However, to teach at the high school level, a major in the subject you wish to teach is needed.

Education-focused degree programs also provide state certification preparation, though it is up to the individual to follow through with the application process to become certified.

There are currently 120 approved educator preparation programs in Texas, more than 75 of which offer bachelor and/or advanced degree programs. In order to begin teaching as a second career in the Texas public school system, an EPP is a mandatory step. These programs guide aspiring teachers through the entire process of becoming certified, including which classes and exams to take for the grade and subject you will teach.

The 3 Texas EPP Routes to Becoming a Teacher Later in Life

Generally, there are three ways to become a Texas teacher later in life. These include:

1. Traditional, University-Based Programs: This route is required for those who do not have a bachelor's degree. Traditional programs for teacher certification are provided by accredited universities throughout Texas. They will assist you in meeting all of the requirements to become a certified teacher while earning your degree. Even if you intend to teach in private schools, the traditional EPP will ensure that you meet the minimum TEPSAC requirements for teaching in accredited private institutions in Texas.
2. Post Baccalaureate Programs: These programs are intended for post-graduates who would like to earn an advanced degree while completing the teacher certification requirements.
3. Alternative Certificate Programs: Designed for those who already have a bachelor's degree, ACPs can be completed in as little as one year. Alternative programs may allow you to begin teaching while you are completing your certification requirements. If an ACP is right for you, be sure to check with the schools in your area— ACPs are offered through universities, community colleges, school districts, and private entities.

Using Degrees and Credits Already Earned

As previously mentioned, if you have a bachelor's degree, you can become certified in one year through an alternative certification program. Your degree doesn't have to be in education or even in the subject you wish to teach. Your EPP will prepare you for the TExES exams and other subject-based tests that verify that you are qualified to teach the subject and age group you have chosen.

If you have an associate's degree or previously earned credits toward a degree that you did not finish, you will want to check with the college you went to. If they offer an approved EPP, you may be able to pick up where you left off. However, when considering a career switch to teaching later in life, the age of any credits you earned may be more relevant after 5 to 10 years have passed. Especially if the college you went to isn't an option for your EPP. It may be worthwhile to discuss this situation with a few different programs, as transferring older credits between universities may be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Career Switch to Teaching: Finding a Job in Texas Schools

The demand for teachers in Texas is high. In particular, there is a shortage of teachers specializing in ESL, special education, mathematics, science, and foreign language. Teachers of these subjects will easily find job openings across the entire state, in both public and private schools.

There are many ways to search for teaching jobs. Social networking sites and online job boards are among the most popular and can be used from your phone. Public school districts in Texas maintain their own websites, as well as individual private schools located throughout the state.

Teaching as a Second Career: Networking

There are a variety of social networking platforms that can help you find a teaching job. In fact, you may already be on some of them. If you have a LinkedIn account, dust it off and freshen up your resume, education, certifications, and skills. Provide a summary that describes why you have decided to make a career change to teaching, what it means to you, and what you have to offer to students and schools. Introduce yourself and connect with teachers and other faculty who work in your local school district.

Facebook groups are another way to join or build a network. You can connect with local teachers, or teachers who live in the area you wish to work in if you do not currently reside there. Other teachers can be an invaluable resource for learning about job openings in real-time.

Churches, local organizations, and neighborhood events allow you to network in person. Even neighborhood networking apps like NextDoor may be useful for connecting with others in your community, finding upcoming events, and becoming familiar with the area if your career switch to teaching involves moving somewhere new.

Teaching as a Second Career: Job Boards and Websites

The fastest and most reliable way to find current job listings for newly certified teachers is to go straight to the source. Every school district in Texas should have a website with a link to available faculty positions in the local area. For those seeking employment in private schools or as tutors, an online job board may be more manageable. There are a multitude of websites dedicated to posting and finding jobs. LinkedIn, Indeed, and ZipRecruiter are among the top sites where employers post job openings. These online job boards allow you to search and apply for employer-posted opportunities at no cost to you. When making a career change to teaching, it is also important to keep your resume up to date. Add new skills and qualifications as you go through the process of getting certified or going back to school to become a teacher.

Career Switch to Teaching: Common Challenges

A career change to teaching—especially later in life—can be fraught with mental, emotional, and physical demands that may be quite challenging. Teachers are required to maintain emotional control in stressful situations, stand for extended periods of time, and move equipment into and out of the classroom. It is also necessary for teachers to work prolonged and irregular hours to stay on schedule with the school's curriculum. Student participation, motivation, and engagement are difficult to sustain at any grade level, even in small groups. Some students may need different learning strategies to succeed in the classroom environment. This can require a great deal of ingenuity on the teacher's part.

Time Commitments and Juggling Responsibilities

As with any occupation that requires further education and/or certification, a career switch to teaching impacts an individual's personal and work responsibilities. For those going back to school to become teachers, leaving your current job may or may not be an option. If your situation doesn't allow you to quit your job, an EPP with an online program will give you more flexibility to juggle your work and studies. Clearly defined schedules and responsibilities for members of your household can simplify how you manage your personal time. Start by delegating age-appropriate chores to children and carving out a designated family time. This will ensure that tasks continue to get done without your family unit drifting apart.

Adjusting to School Culture

For those coming from a career that involves sitting at a desk behind a computer all day, the classroom environment can prove challenging. Trying to hold the attention of twenty or more students may feel akin to herding cats. But there are many strategies to improve student engagement. Seating arrangements alone can have a significant impact on a student's ability to focus on a lesson. School culture is something that will take time, patience, and experience to become accustomed to. Your educator program or teaching degree will start preparing you for the classroom through actual or clinical exposure.