How to become a teacher in Texas without a degree

Becoming a teacher in Texas is possible even if you have not yet earned a bachelor's degree. Although the traditional pathway to teaching requires completion of a baccalaureate program, there are also alternate ways for you to pursue a career in education.

What does a teacher do?

Teachers create lesson plans, run programs for students, and teach various subjects. As a teacher, you hold parent-teacher conferences and communicate different lessons and ideas in the classroom. Technical education or trade and industrial teachers may also work in nontraditional settings such as career centers.

Steps to become a teacher in Texas without a degree

Texas offers prospective teachers alternative certification programs (ACPs), which provide non-traditional pathways to teaching certain subjects. Whether you are looking for a career change or planning to attend university at some point, you can get into the classroom and gain real-world experience much sooner if you teach in health science technology or trades and industrial education. These pathways differ from traditional teaching and allow you to use a combination of work experience and testing to teach without a degree.

Step 1: Determine the grade(s) and subject(s) you would like to teach

To begin the alternative certification program, you'll need to decide the grades and subjects you'd like to teach. You can choose from various fields approved by the Texas Education Agency, such as culinary arts, cement laying and finishing, and forensic science.

Step 2: Enroll in an approved alternative certification program (ACP)

Candidates must enroll in approved programs, which can usually be completed in one year through universities, community colleges, education centers, and other private entities. Approved programs are pre-determined by the Texas Education Agency and often require in-person classroom training. Programs include supervised internships, which may or may not be paid.

Step 3: Meet program requirements and qualifications

Programs vary based on the subject you plan to teach. Once you're accepted, your program staff will support and guide you in the coursework, internship process, and other tasks. You'll need to demonstrate basic skillsets, show content mastery, and meet minimum GPA requirements.

Step 4: Acquire an internship teaching position

Once your program has determined your teaching eligibility, you'll receive an eligibility statement that qualifies you for employment. You are required to teach in the targeted areas you focused on during your studies. During your first teaching position, you will be assigned a certified mentor to support you.

Step 5: Apply for probationary certification

Upon receiving a teaching assignment for your internship, you can apply for a probationary certification. This certificate is valid for one year and meets state certification rules for schools.

Step 6: Complete the requirements to receive your standard teaching certification

The state of Texas will not allow you to teach under temporary certification for more than three years in the public school system. Once you have completed the training, internship, and any other program requirements, you can apply for the standard certification. Once you complete the requirements for full certification, you can apply and take a criminal background check. Once approved, you'll receive your certification and begin teaching.

Get started on edX

Consider looking at online bachelor's in education programs to qualify for more teaching roles and unlock higher earning potential in Texas.