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How to Get Certified in Texas
Learn how to earn a classroom teacher or educational aide certification.
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Teacher Certification
There are two paths to becoming a certified teacher:
- Traditional Certification: Earning a traditional certification involves getting a bachelor's degree in education while completing a certification program at a 4-year accredited college or university.
- Alternative Certification: If you have a bachelor's degree, you can earn an alternative certification through a program or post-baccalaureate program.
Traditional teacher certification
According to the Texas Education Agency, there are five steps to becoming a traditionally certified teacher:
- Get a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university.
- Complete an Educator Preparation Program from a college or alternative certification program.
- Pass the certification exams (TExES PPR, TExES content specialization, and any other subject-area tests).
- Submit a state application.
- Complete the fingerprinting process.
Learn more about traditional certification on the TEA University Certification page.
Alternative teacher certification
Hold a bachelor’s degree or higher and wish to become an educator in Texas? Alternative certification programs (ACPs) offer a nontraditional certification route that may allow you to serve as a teacher while completing the requirements:
- Select an Approved Texas ACP for your desired subjects.
- Meet the program's entry requirements and make a certification plan with the program.
- Once enrolled, submit an online application with us. After you have a teaching position, you can apply for a probationary certificate.
- Complete the requirements for a Standard Certificate and apply.
Visit the TEA Alternative Certification page for more information.
Certification quick links
Already have a certification? See these helpful certification resources:
Classroom Paraprofessionals
If you are a GISD employee, you can apply to work in the classroom as an Educational Aide/Classroom Paraprofessional. To do so, you must:
- Get an educational aide certification* (applied for upon employment; you can only apply if you are advised to apply by the district).
- Must meet one of the following requirements to be considered "Highly Qualified".
A staff member is considered "Highly Qualified" if they have:
- Two years of study at an institution of higher education (48 semester hours or equivalent trimester hours); or
- Associate’s (or higher) degree; or
- Met a rigorous standard of quality through a formal state/local assessment (provided by Garland ISD upon employment)
Teach with us
Are you ready to be a teacher but don't have a job yet? Come apply to be a part of the GISD family!
- Submit an online application using the Frontline Job application system
- Find the position you are interested in and select it
- Upload all required documents such as certificates, transcripts, resumes, etc.
- Have all relevant certifications or licenses for the position (such as a teaching or educational aid certification)
Certification contacts
For questions, please contact the Texas Education Agency - Educator Certification department. Their hours are 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
For district-specific questions, contact: