Your Journey to Become a State Teacher Begins!
Learn How to Become a Teacher in Houston, Texas
Your journey to completing an alternative certification program begins! In as little as one year, you can become a Texas-certified state teacher. The Region 4 Inspire Texas Teacher Certification Program offers a comprehensive approach toward preparing you for Region 4 classrooms with the flexibility to suit your budget and your schedule. Along the way to becoming a state teacher, you can choose which type of training works best for you: online instruction or blended instruction (a combination of online and in-person classes).
As your training to become a state teacher continues, you will work as either a paid full-time teaching intern for one year or as an unpaid clinical teacher alongside an experienced teacher for 14 weeks. Either way, we have you covered throughout the entire process. Our state teacher candidates have unparalleled access to experienced state teachers for mentoring and networking. If you've been asking yourself how to become a Region 4 teacher in Houston, TX, you've found the perfect solution for your next major career move with our alternative certification program!
To Begin the Online Teacher Certification Program, You Will Need:
A bachelor’s degree (minimum 2.50 GPA) from a regionally accredited university
To be eligible for admission, an applicant shall have a grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.50. The GPA shall be calculated from an official transcript as follows:
- 2.50 on all coursework previously attempted at a regionally accredited IHE
- or 2.50 in the last 60 semester credit hours on all coursework previously attempted at a regionally accredited IHE
If you are working towards becoming a professional educator, Region 4 Inspire Texas can help you gain the required accreditations. Our Houston, Texas agency offers a variety of state teacher certification programs for all grade levels and subject matters, as well as alternative teacher certifications. Explore the options below and feel free to contact us for more information. When you are ready to take the next step in your educational career, click "APPLY NOW" and we'll help you get started on completing all your state and alternative teacher certifications!
It All Starts with Completing Your Online Teacher Certification!
STEP 1: APPLY
Complete the online application. The application fee is $100 and is non-refundable. Submit the following documents to Region 4 Inspire Texas at least five (5) days prior to the application deadline.
- Official transcript(s) emailed to transcripts@esc4.net or mailed/dropped off in sealed envelopes, of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university with a minimum 2.50 GPA
- Service record, if you have prior teaching experience
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you would like your transcript(s) returned to you
PLEASE SEND ALL MATERIALS TO:
Region 4 Inspire Texas
7145 W. Tidwell Rd., Houston, TX 77092
If you hold a degree from outside of the U.S., please click here for international candidate application requirements.
NOTE: You have up to 60 days to complete the online application once it is started.
After your application is submitted and documents received, you will be notified of your acceptance into the program and the certification areas for which you are eligible.
All candidates are required to go through a criminal history background check. Region 4 reserves the right to disqualify an applicant who has a criminal history record. Per TAC §227.1 (d) The EPP has informed applicants and candidates of the required information regarding criminal history. The applicant will be notified when the report is run, and Region 4 Inspire Texas receives the results. In addition, the applicant has the right to request their results. Candidates who defer the program and re-enter after six (6) months will go through a new criminal history background check.
Please note: Applicants who have committed and been convicted of a criminal offense, per the Texas Administrative Code §227.1 (d)(1), may be ineligible for certification as a teacher in the State of Texas. Per the Texas Administrative Code §227.1 (d)(1), applicants have the right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the Texas Education Agency to determine if a convicted criminal offense has rendered them ineligible. Full information on this process may be found at: https://tea.texas.gov/texas-educators/investigations/preliminary-criminal-history-evaluation-faqs.
STEP 2: REGISTER FOR TRAINING
Region 4 Inspire Texas pre-service training is offered multiple times a year.
ONLINE (16-31 WEEKS)
* Depending on the area of certification (EC-6/4-8 Core Subjects, 4-8 ELAR, and ELAR/SS 31 weeks, Single/Dual 16 Weeks).
Online training is offered monthly (twelve times a year). It is fully supportive and instructor-led, and it provides flexibility as you complete your certification coursework. You can complete this program anywhere there is web access, allowing you to work at your own pace.
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Click here for training schedules and deadlines.
Courses meet the needs of diverse learning styles. Should further accommodations be necessary for disabilities, please contact our offices at 713.744.6323 or r4epsinfo@esc4.net. We will be happy to assist with the appropriate accommodation.
STEP 3: BEGIN CLASSROOM EXPERIENCE
After completing pre-service training and passing the corresponding content TExES exam, you will then have an opportunity to complete either a 1-year paid internship or a 14-week unpaid clinical teaching assignment.
INTERNSHIP
You will apply for and accept a salaried position in an accredited Texas public, private or charter school of your choice. As you work toward completing your certification requirements, you will serve as a teacher of record with the roles and responsibilities of a first-year teacher, including a first-year teacher salary, any benefits provided by the district or charter school, and Teacher Retirement System (TRS) enrollment.
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CLINICAL TEACHING
You will teach alongside an experienced, certified teacher as a clinical teacher for 14 weeks. Clinical teaching is a guided assignment that allows you to practice before you teach. Clinical teaching is unpaid and no district benefits are provided; however, it is a shorter route to certification than an internship. Candidates must undergo a criminal history background check prior to clinical teaching.
[19 TAC §227.1(b)(2)]
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STEP 4: GET CERTIFIED
The final stage is here! You are required by the Texas state board for educator certification to pass a minimum of two tests for obtaining teacher certification. Specific certification areas require additional tests.
TEXES CONTENT EXAM
All teacher candidates must pass the designated state certification content and PPR exams. Test permission is given once candidates engage in successful test preparation.
