Initial Teacher Certification in Texas

State Requirements

Those who wish to pursue careers as teachers in Texas are governed by the rules of the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC.) All Texas public school teachers and some private school teachers must be certified by SBEC for the grades and subjects they will teach. Certification ranges were realigned by the state in May of 2000.

Teacher Certification Options

Teaching Certificates are now divided into three grade ranges: Early Childhood through Grade Four (EC-4 or Elementary Education); Grade Four through Grade Eight (Grades 4-8 or Middle School Education); and Grades Eight through Twelve (High School or Secondary Education.)

Elementary and middle school teachers may obtain generalist certificates which allow them to teach all subjects in their grade range within self-contained classrooms. Middle school teachers may also specialize in a subject/content area if they choose to do so. Secondary school teachers must choose a subject/content area for certification.

Although SBEC has approved many colleges, universities, and other entities to prepare students for certification, teaching certificates are issued by SBEC. To qualify for certification, a student must obtain a bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college, pass a content exam, a pedagogy and professional responsibilities exam and a background check.

Tests

The ExCET tests formerly required for Texas teachers have been replaced by the new TExES (Texas Examination of Educator Standards) tests. The TExES tests are administered by ETS at regular intervals throughout the year in many locations, including the UHV campus in Victoria. Computer administered tests are offered more frequently at many locations throughout the state as well. For information on the tests and when they are available, go to the TExES website.

EC-4 Generalists must pass test 100, Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC-4, and test 101, EC-4 Generalist. Grade 4-8 Generalists take test 110, Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities 4-8 and 111, 4-8 Generalist. Secondary teacher candidates take the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities 8-12 along with a content specific exam like History or Math.

Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR) tests cover learning, instruction techniques and professional responsibilities. Generalist tests for EC-4 and 4-8 cover the content areas that the teacher will be responsible for.

Student Teacher Handbook