Your Teaching Career Starts Here
If you already have a bachelor's degree, you're closer to becoming a teacher than you may think. The CES Teacher Certification Program provides the training, coaching, and support you need to confidently enter the classroom and begin making an impact.
How to Become a Teacher in Texas
Teaching is one of the most rewarding careers you can choose. Whether you are a recent college graduate or looking to make a career change, Texas offers a clear pathway to becoming a certified classroom teacher.
The Center for Educator Success (CES) Teacher Certification Program helps aspiring educators navigate every step of the process, providing expert guidance, hands-on training, and ongoing support from certification through employment.
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree
To become a certified teacher in Texas, you must generally hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Your degree can be in a variety of fields, although your coursework should align with the subject area you plan to teach.
Step 2: Complete an Approved Educator Preparation Program
Texas requires all teacher candidates to complete an approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP). Alternative certification programs, like the CES Teacher Certification Program, are designed for individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree and want to transition into teaching.
Through CES, you'll receive:
- Structured coursework and training
- Classroom preparation and instructional support
- Mentoring from experienced educators
- Guidance through certification requirements
- Exam preparation and advising
Step 3: Meet Program Requirements
Teacher candidates must complete required coursework, field experiences, observations, and other program benchmarks before recommending certification. The CES Teacher Certification Program includes more than 300 hours of training and ongoing support to help candidates succeed in the classroom.
Step 4: Pass Required Texas Certification Exams
Candidates must successfully pass the appropriate Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES) for their chosen certification area. Exam approval is granted through the preparation program after candidates have met program requirements.
Step 5: Complete Fingerprinting and Background Checks
All first-time Texas educators must complete fingerprinting and a national criminal background check as part of the certification process.
Step 6: Apply for Your Texas Teaching Certificate
Once all program requirements and examinations have been completed, candidates can apply for their Texas teaching certificate through the Texas Education Agency (TEA).
Start Your Teaching Career with CES
The CES Teacher Certification Program provides a streamlined path to the classroom. Candidates benefit from flexible coursework, hands-on learning experiences, test preparation, and personalized support from application through certification. Many candidates can begin earning a salary during their internship while completing program requirements.
Available Certification Areas
CES offers certification pathways in high-demand teaching fields, including:
- Core Subjects EC-6
- Core Subjects EC-6 with ESL
- Special Education EC-12
- ELAR 4-8
- Math 4-8
- Science 4-8
- ELAR 7-12
- Math 7-12
- Science 7-12
- Life Science 7-12
Ready to Get Started?
If you already hold a bachelor's degree and are interested in becoming a teacher, the CES Teacher Certification Program can help you take the next step.
Learn about eligibility requirements, program pathways, upcoming cohorts, tuition assistance opportunities, and how to apply.
Our Teacher Certification Programs
District Cohort Pathway
CES partners with select school districts to offer a district-specific, cohort-based pathway to teacher certification designed around local workforce and campus needs. Candidates engage in primarily in-person, structured preparation and clinical experiences alongside their cohort, with ongoing coaching, supervision, and personalized support from CES.
Through this unique partnership model, candidates prepare to serve within their partner district and continue receiving targeted support throughout their paid internship year and through certification.
Hybrid Open-Enrollment Pathway
Ready to start your next chapter? The CES Hybrid Open-Enrollment Pathway offers an accessible route to teacher certification for aspiring educators who are not entering the program through a district cohort partnership.
Candidates complete a combination of online coursework and in-person learning experiences while receiving personalized coaching, certification exam preparation, and ongoing support. From enrollment through the paid internship year and certification, CES provides the structure, guidance, and practical preparation candidates need to become confident, classroom-ready educators.