Region 4 Inspire Texas

● Educator Certification · TEA-Approved

Start Your Certification Journey

Inspire Texas is an alternative certification program based in Houston, preparing teachers, principals, counselors, and superintendents across Texas for more than thirty years.

Why Choose Inspire Texas?

Nationally Ranked Program

Teacher Development Coaches

Direct District Connections

Exclusive Job Fair Access

Statewide Certification Pathways

30+ Years Preparing Texas Educators

Choose your certification path

Each pathway has its own requirements, timeline, and coursework.

Become a Teacher
Classroom-ready certification with mentor support and field supervision from day one.
Start your teaching career →

Become a Principal
Instructional leadership certification for educators ready to lead a campus.
Lead a campus →

Become a Counselor
School counseling certification grounded in mental health and student support.
Support student success →

Become a Superintendent
District leadership certification for experienced administrators.
Lead a school system →

A Proven Path to Certification

30+
Years Preparing Educators

15,000+
Educators Certified

99th
Percentile NCTQ Ranking

50+
District Connections

Policies & Partnerships

Details that matter once you’re evaluating a specific path.

Background Check Policy

All candidates undergo a criminal history background check. Region 4 and Inspire Texas reserve the right to disqualify an applicant with a disqualifying criminal history record, per TAC §227.1(d). Candidates are notified when the report runs and may request their own results. Re-entry after a deferral of six or more months requires a new background check.

Applicants with a prior criminal conviction may request a preliminary criminal history evaluation letter from TEA to determine eligibility before applying. View the TEA FAQ →

Prior Coursework

Under 19 TAC §228.35(a)(5)(A-B), Region 4 Inspire Texas recognizes relevant prior experience toward certification requirements. Candidates may request to substitute prior or ongoing experience, training, or education — completed within the past five years at an approved preparation program or accredited institution — if it is directly related to the certification being sought and not part of internship, clinical teaching, or practicum requirements.

To request a review, email r4epsinfo@esc4.net with your certification area and supporting documentation (transcripts, certificates, course descriptions).

Military

Military service members and veterans may receive credit for verified military service, training, or education that is directly related to the certification they are pursuing (excluding certification exams).

To request a review of military service, training, or education hours for transfer, email r4epsinfo@esc4.net with your certification area (Teacher, Principal, or Superintendent) and supporting documentation (e.g., course descriptions, certificates). A program coordinator will review and respond in writing.