Education & Career Resources for Texas Teachers

TExEStest.org Scholarship for Future Teachers

Created with future teachers in mind, TExEStest.org presents this $1,000 academic scholarship for teachers. One winner will be selected based on academic scores and extracurricular activities. The application deadline for the TExEStest.org Future Teacher Scholarship is quickly approaching, so apply today!

Information for Teacher Jobs in Texas

Step-by-Step Guide to Become a Substitute Teacher in Texas

The path to becoming a substitute teacher differs from state to state. For example, the job description, salary, career outlook, and education requirements for substitute teachers in Texas differ from those in Indiana. This guide, for those interested in becoming a substitute teacher in Texas, outlines the requirements and opportunities available.

Getting Certified in the Science of Teaching Reading

To build a strong reading foundation for students, teachers have relied on traditional methods like phonics and whole learning. But are they the most effective and efficient strategies for teaching students to read? Use this guide to explore what the science says, strategies such as phonemic awareness and reading comprehension, and how parents can aid in developing their child's reading skills.

All About Setting Classroom Norms

Establishing norms is an important step in managing a classroom, but these norms must also work to meet student needs and solve any behavioral issues that students and teachers face in the classroom. This guide offers current and future teachers information including the benefits of setting norms in the classroom, how to determine which classroom norms are best for your class, and ways to express those classroom norms to students.

All About Backward Design Lesson Planning

Knowing how to create a lesson plan that meets the needs of students while also reaching state standards is an integral skill for teachers. Crafting a backward design lesson plan, compared to a traditional lesson plan, begins by establishing the goal of the lesson. This guide, and the sample lesson plan included, will provide teachers with the information needed to integrate this effective planning method in the classroom.

A Teacher's Guide for Using Technology in the Classroom

When it comes to integrating technology into the classroom there are a few things to consider such as the device, platforms, software, and the differences in teachability between them. Additionally, teachers must know how to meet the needs of more diverse students, such as those with physical or learning disabilities, who might find adapting to this new method of learning more difficult than others. This article provides a broad overview of the types of technology available, tips for integrating technology into the classroom successfully, and the benefits of doing so.

How to Use Co-Teaching Models & Strategies in Your Classroom

Many teachers will experience co-teaching at one point or another in their careers, including student teaching. While some teachers prefer to teach singularly, there are significant benefits to co-teaching if done effectively. This article provides educators with valuable tools for co-teaching effectively including information on popular co-teaching models used by teachers.

A Teacher's Guide for Moving to Different Grade Levels

There are many reasons that a teacher might consider switching grade levels including personal or career-centered goals, job dissatisfaction, or even a change led by the school administration. Regardless of the reason, making the switch can be both beneficial and stressful as teachers must adapt their teaching style to their new grade level. This article provides teachers with effective strategies to help them succeed in their new classrooms, as well as an overview of the benefits and drawbacks of switching grade levels.

Student Teaching Tips & Resources

Embarking on the journey to becoming a full-time teacher is an exciting time for students. As part of the certification process, teaching students must spend a dedicated amount of time in the classroom to gain real-world, hands-on experience; which can often be the most stressful part for aspiring educators. This guide will share valuable tips and resources for student teachers to help them develop their skills and gain experience in this realistic classroom setting.

A Teacher's Guide for the Types of Assessments in Education

Classroom assessments are used to measure a student's knowledge and retention of the lessons taught. Assessments are an important part of the learning process, and teachers should feel confident in their ability to prepare assessments for their students. This guide provides resources to assist teachers in creating and utilizing assessments to evaluate students and meet classroom goals.

A Self-Care Guide for Teachers' Mental Health

Like any career, teaching can be incredibly taxing and can lead to feelings of job dissatisfaction, burnout, and difficulty concentrating. Prioritizing good mental health can go a long way in helping teachers to have healthy, enriching lives and careers. This guide shares information on the consequences of poor mental health, including burnout and depression, effective self-care strategies for teachers, and methods for extending self-care into the classroom.

Guide to Student Loan Forgiveness for Teachers

For teachers hoping to take advantage of the student loan forgiveness opportunities available, qualifying is the first step. This guide will outline the eligibility requirements for teachers hoping to apply for student loan forgiveness, and the different opportunities available including Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), Teacher Loan Forgiveness (TLF), Perkins Loan Cancellation, and State-Sponsored Loan Forgiveness. Additionally, this guide offers tips for filling out the teacher loan forgiveness application correctly.

Classroom Management Strategies & Techniques that Work

Managing a classroom full of students is no easy task. Differences in communication styles and behavioral expectations, as well as inconsistent consequences, can make it challenging to enforce boundaries which are necessary for a productive classroom. Without an effective classroom management strategy, teachers can often feel overwhelmed and unsupported in the classroom. In this guide, read about the many different classroom management styles and strategies available for teachers.

Guide to Thriving in Your First Year as a Teacher

The first year of teaching is full of excitement from getting that first list of students to setting up a classroom just right, but that first year can also be full of stress and uncertainty. This guide offers tips for first-year teachers that will help them thrive in their new careers.

Virtual Learning Tips for Early Childhood Education

In recent years, virtual learning has proven to be an asset to students, families, and teachers across the globe. But for students in their early years, learning in this way is more difficult because of the hands-on, interactive nature of preschool. This guide provides early childhood educators with the tools and resources they need to make moving to a remote learning environment more adaptable and effective.

A Guide to Common Core Standards in the Classroom

The Common Core Curriculum was created to align the education of all students within the United States. It outlines math and English language arts standards that all students should meet at each grade level. This guide provides teachers with resources and tips for effectively implementing the Common Core curriculum and its standards.

Effective Teaching Techniques for the Classroom

To be a productive teacher, it is important to consider student needs and state standards and create a plan to align the two. By employing more active teaching strategies in the classroom and taking advantage of the resources available to them, teachers are able to better equip students with the tools they need to succeed such as inquisitiveness, motivation, and communication. Learn more about active teaching techniques in this guide.

Strategies for Practicing Wellness & Avoiding Burnout as a Teacher

Job dissatisfaction, lack of support, and overwhelming classroom sizes are just a few of the reasons teachers report feeling burnt out from work. While work stressors might be inevitable, there are measures teachers can take to decrease their feelings of burnout and improve their overall mental wellness. Created with teachers in mind, this guide shares some of those techniques and tips to recognize teacher burnout and implement self-care.

Texas Turnover Rate for Early Childhood Education

With a rate of over 20%, Texas has one of the highest early childhood teacher turnover rates in the country. Ex-teachers cite a number of reasons for terminating their teaching careers including excessive workload, low wages, and a lack of support. This article outlines the dissatisfaction that many teachers feel within the profession, how school administrators can improve working conditions for teachers, and ways to increase retention in early childhood teachers.

Texas Career Guide for the Teaching & Education Fields

Contrary to popular belief, there are many career paths available to those who are interested in starting a career in the education field, in addition to becoming a teacher. For example, librarians, curators, and instructional coordinators are all jobs within the field of education. This guide introduces students of education, as well as prospective teachers, to different jobs between K-12 and higher education, the expected salaries, and the types of requirements aspiring educators can expect when pursuing these careers.

How to Become A Private School Teacher in Texas

All private schools set their standards at state minimums or higher. Finding a private school teaching job requires more research and effort than in a public school. This guide will help you learn about how to become a private school teacher in Texas by discussing both the requirements expected of private school teachers and how to find private school jobs in Texas.

How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Texas

Special education teachers work with students of all ages, from grades Kindergarten to senior year of high school. In many states, teachers must hold a specialized certification in special education. This guide outlines the education and certification path for prospective special education teachers in the state of Texas, methods for paying for school, and professional resources for special education teachers to help them succeed.

Becoming an ESL Teacher in Texas

In the state of Texas, where nearly 20% of students speak English as a second language, ESL teachers are in great demand. To teach English as Second Language in Texas, students must be fully certified to do so, which they may achieve after successfully passing a series of exams. This guide provides valuable information for those studying to become ESL teachers in Texas regarding certification requirements, salary expectations, and challenges they can expect along the way.

How to Become a Texas Teacher Later in Life

Adults looking to make a career jump later in life may find the path more complicated the second time around. Adjusting to new concepts and technology, going back to school, and starting as a novice in a new field can add undue stress to those studying to become teachers. In this guide, students will find important information on going back to school to become a teacher, tips for finding a job, and becoming aware of the common challenges they may face.

TExES Test Suite Information & Resources

TExES Exam Prep

If you have decided to become an educator in the state of Texas, you are required to pass one or more TExES test. Traditionally, the TExES certification exams are taken after earning your degree, however, they can also be taken when you enroll in a certification program (with the consent of the program), when you are a college graduate (but have not enrolled in a certification program/are completing an alternative teaching program), or after you have become a certified teacher. Find TExES study guides, practice tests, and common FAQs on our TExES resource pages.

Resources for Inclusive Teaching Strategies

Teacher Guide for Supporting Students with Disabilities

To best support students with disabilities, it is important to understand the disabilities and how they affect students. Whether they live with learning, physical, developmental, or no disabilities, all students deserve an effective learning environment. Teachers seeking to provide students with a safe, inclusive classroom will receive guidance in this guide, as well as knowledge on assistive technology they can implement in the classroom.

How to be an LGBTQ+ Ally in the Classroom

Unfortunately, LGBTQ+ students are often victims of bullying in and out of the classroom. Though teachers cannot always be there, they can be strong allies. By working to create a safer, more empathetic, and more understanding class of students, teachers are able to make an impact that extends beyond the schoolhouse. This guide shares tips for being a good LGBTQ+ ally and ways to create a safe classroom environment for LGBTQ+ students.

Inclusive Teaching Techniques for Special Education Teachers

In order for all students to receive the education they deserve, teaching practices must be able to adapt to better serve each student. Implementing more inclusive teaching techniques such as visual aids, noting the different learning styles of students, and allotting more time to in-class assignments can be beneficial for students with learning disabilities. Read on to learn more about what inclusive teaching looks like, how it affects students, and strategies for classroom integration.

Online Accommodations for Students with Learning Disabilities

Moving to an online classroom environment from a traditional classroom may present some challenges for students with learning disabilities and their teachers. Luckily, there are many accommodations available for students with learning disabilities like dyslexia, dysgraphia, and audio-processing disorder. This guide presents teachers with a host of resources and strategies for helping their students learn more effectively in the virtual classroom.

ESL Resources for Classroom Teachers

Working as an ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher comes with its advantages and challenges. For example, finding teaching resources on a low, or sometimes non-existent, budget that are dedicated to ESL learners and teachers can prove difficult. Teachers can use this guide to access printable worksheets, multimedia resources, posters, charts, games, and other resources for ESL students.

Anti-Bullying Resources for Classroom Teachers

For teachers with a full classroom of students, keeping an eye on all student relationships and confrontations (both in-person and online) can feel impossible. While managing all of these interactions can be difficult, this resource was created to teach educators how to recognize the signs of bullying and outlines methods for putting preventative measures into place. Teachers will gain powerful insight into preventing student suicide, practicing inclusion with students, and integrating social-emotional learning in the classroom.

Texas Early Childhood Intervention Program

While some students simply develop faster than others, delays in developmental milestones may be a sign of something more serious. When parents and teachers begin to notice these signs, early intervention should be considered as soon as possible. This article will outline the Early Childhood Intervention program in Texas, how children and their families can qualify, and methods for claiming and funding early intervention services.

Dyslexia Training and Requirements for Teachers in Texas

In the United States, dyslexia is a common learning disability in children. For their teachers, it may be beneficial to know how they can best support their students with dyslexia and the resources they can provide to make their classrooms a more inclusive environment. This guide covers information on training programs, teaching strategies, and accredited programs teachers can take to better equip themselves to support their students with dyslexia to succeed in the classroom.

Why is Teacher Diversity Important?

As the student population increases in diversity, so should the population of teachers. When students are more able to identify with their teachers, student learning improves, they exhibit more positive behaviors, and lessons can be taught by incorporating more real-world experiences.. This guide explains what teacher diversity means, why it's so important, and how educators can promote diversity and inclusion in their classrooms.