Texas Teacher Certification Programs

To earn the Texas Standard Teacher Certificate, simply...

1. Complete the Pre-Teaching Program (Missions 4301-4310)

2. Complete the Professional Teaching Internship Program (Mission Field 4311)

Pre-Teaching Program

Professional Teaching Internship Program

Required for All Certification Areas

Texas Education Agency: Coursework and Training for Classroom Teacher Candidates (TAC §228.37)

According to Texas Administrative Code §228.37, all educator preparation programs (EPPs) must ensure that each candidate seeking initial classroom teacher certification completes at least 300 clock-hours of coursework and/or training.

Coursework at The Texas Institute for Teacher Education meets these requirements, including the preservice coursework

and training outlined in §228.41, which details the preservice preparation for classroom teacher candidates in Texas.

Designing with Purpose: Teaching Inspired Lessons

Course Description:

In faith-driven public education, lesson planning is an act of stewardship that combines academic rigor with spiritual intentionality. Educator candidates will design SMART objectives rooted in TEKS and aligned with UDL, not as checklists, but as meaningful commitments to honor each learner. Guided by biblical wisdom, candidates will learn to plan lessons that reflect love, justice, and understanding, thereby equipping them to teach with purpose and eternal impact. (3 SCH).

Anchored in Standards: TEKS, ELPS, and Pre-K Guidelines

Course Description:

Academic standards are more than regulatory tools—they are anchors that bring clarity, direction, and equity to teaching while safeguarding every child’s right to learn. In this mission, educator candidates will engage deeply with TEKS, ELPS, and the Texas Prekindergarten Guidelines, not as burdens, but as frameworks that ensure rigor, accessibility, and justice in the classroom. Candidates will learn to interpret and align standards to create lessons that are both academically strong and spiritually grounded, honoring the dignity of each learner. (3 SCH)

Knowing Every Learner: Honoring the Whole Child

Course Description:

In faith-based public education, knowing students is a sacred responsibility rooted in the belief that every learner is created in the image of God and deserves to be seen, valued, and nurtured. Educator candidates will learn to recognize students’ developmental, cultural, linguistic, and emotional needs while practicing a holy attentiveness that listens for hidden struggles and affirms God-given potential. Grounded in TEKS and aligned with UDL, this mission frames differentiated instruction as a faithful response to the diversity of the classroom, blending data-driven insight with compassion. (3 SCH)

Cultivating Learning Sanctuaries: Creating Respectful, Safe, and Learning-Centered Classrooms

Course Description:

The classroom is more than a place for instruction—it is a sanctuary where growth, healing, and transformation reflect the peace of God and the worth of every student. Educator candidates will learn to cultivate environments of safety, respect, and belonging by integrating classroom organization, behavior management, and engagement strategies through a spiritual lens. With grace, clarity, and moral authority, they will be equipped to design spaces that uphold high expectations while honoring the dignity and potential of every learner.(3 SCH)

Guided by Evidence, Grounded in Truth: Using Data to Shepherd Every Learner

Course Description:

Data is not merely a metric—it is a reflection of the lives entrusted to our care. This course equips teacher candidates to engage in data-driven practice not as statisticians, but as shepherds, discerning each student’s path with wisdom, clarity, and compassion. This course explores how assessment—when approached prayerfully and professionally—can be a powerful tool to steward student growth, tailor instruction, and cultivate the God-given potential in every learner. (3 SCH)

Teaching with Compassion, Competence, and Christ-Like Inclusion

Course Description:

In the Kingdom of God, diversity is not an obstacle—it is a reflection of His divine creativity. This course equips teacher candidates to honor the cultural, linguistic, and exceptional differences of every learner, embracing them as sacred distinctions rather than educational challenges. Rooted in the foundational truth that each child is fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14), this course prepares faith-driven educators to serve all students with justice, empathy, and a heart of inclusion. (3 SCH)

Set Apart to Serve: Faithful Preparation for the Call to Teach

Course Description:

This course equips teacher candidates with the knowledge, strategies, and faith to meet TExES requirements while embracing their calling to serve. Preparation goes beyond test-taking, framing study as sacred stewardship where academic readiness meets spiritual commitment. Candidates follow a clear pathway through the certification process with guidance, practice, and reflection tailored to their certification area, including how to secure their Statement of Eligibility (SOE) after passing the TExES exams. (3 SCH)

Seeing Through the Eyes of Faith: Field Observations

Course Description:

This course centers on the application of pedagogical content knowledge and evidence-based instructional planning to enhance student learning outcomes within K12 classrooms. In this course, teacher candidates explore the principles and practices of faith-based education through hands-on experience and field observations in school and non-school educational settings. By completing 50 clock hours of field observations, participants will have the opportunity to observe and analyze effective practices in faith-based education, and to reflect on their own learning and growth as faith-driven educators. (3 SCH)

Restoring Hope: Technology as a Tool for Healing and Readiness in Faith-Based Classrooms

Course Description:

This course prepares educator candidates to use their knowledge not only for instruction but also to bring healing, equity, and hope into the classroom. Technology is introduced as a tool of compassion, where digital platforms and open educational resources (OER) are applied to design inclusive and restorative lessons. Candidates will synthesize pre-internship training in areas such as suicide prevention, child abuse reporting, dyslexia support, and trauma-informed instruction with ethical technology use. (3 SCH)

The Professional Internship as a Faith-Driven Educator

Course Description:

The Internship is the capstone of the faith-based preparation journey—an immersive, culminating experience offered in two pathways: a full-year Professional Internship or a 14-week Clinical Teaching placement. Both are designed to launch teacher candidates into Texas public school classrooms with the skills, confidence, and spiritual grounding to serve as Christ-centered educators. In the one-year pathway, candidates serve as fully paid, benefitted Intern/Probationary Teachers of Record, taking full responsibility for their own classrooms. In the 14-week pathway, candidates serve as Clinical Teachers—unpaid but deeply mentored—working under the guidance of a certified, veteran educator, often in their last semester of college or as a recent graduate. This course is more than the final requirement before earning a Texas Standard Teacher Certificate; it is a holy commissioning, where faith-driven educators step fully into their divine calling as classroom leaders, mentors, and protectors of the next generation. Rooted in the Texas Teacher Standards, InTASC Standards, and aligned with Program Learning Outcomes 1–12, both internship pathways bridge the theory of the Pre-Teaching Program with the reality of public school service. Candidates develop mastery in instructional delivery, classroom culture, communication with families, collaboration with campus teams, and reflective lesson planning. Whether in a full-year or 14-week setting, this is not practice teaching—it is authentic teaching, with real students, real impact, and real responsibility. (3 SCH)

Explore Certification
Areas and TExES Exams

Texas Standard Teacher Certificate: Core Subjects/STR EC-6

REQUIRED TExES EXAMS FOR THE TEXAS STANDARD TEACHER CERTIFICATE

1. Core Subjects EC-6 #391

2. STR #293

3. PPR EC-12 #160

Passing scores on the Core Subjects EC-6 and STR qualify the Teacher Candidate for the Texas Intern Teacher Certificate. Passing scores on the Core Subjects EC-6, STR, and PPR EC-12 qualify the Teacher Candidate for the Texas Probationary Teacher Certificate. Both certificates allow the teacher to teach for one year while EARNING THE SALARY/BENEFITS OF A FIRST-YEAR TEACHER. The Intern Certificate is non-renewable. The Probationary Certificate is renewable for two additional years. The goal is to complete all certification requirements and earn the Texas Standard Teacher Certificate at the end of the first year of teaching.

**Increase your employment opportunities by also passing the TExES ESL Supplemental #154 and TExES Special Education Supplemental #163 exams.**

Texas Standard Teacher Certificate: Math/Science 4-8

REQUIRED TExES EXAMS FOR THE TEXAS STANDARD TEACHER CERTIFICATE

1. MATH #114

2. PPR EC-12 #160

A passing score on the Math #114 qualifies the Teacher Candidate for the Texas Intern Teacher Certificate. Passing scores on the Math #114 and PPR EC-12 qualify the Teacher Candidate for the Texas Probationary Teacher Certificate. Both certificates allow the teacher to teach for one year while EARNING THE SALARY/BENEFITS OF A FIRST-YEAR TEACHER. The Intern Certificate is non-renewable. The Probationary Certificate is renewable for two additional years. The goal is to complete all certification requirements and earn the Texas Standard Teacher Certificate at the end of the first year of teaching.

**Increase your employment opportunities by also passing the TExES ESL Supplemental #154 and TExES Special Education Supplemental #163 exams.**

Texas Standard Teacher Certificate: Bilingual Core Subjects/STR EC-6

REQUIRED TExES EXAMS FOR THE TEXAS STANDARD TEACHER CERTIFICATE

1. Core Subjects EC-6 #391

2. STR #293

3. BTLPT #190

4. Bilingual Supplemental #164

5. PPR EC-12 #160

Passing scores on the Core Subjects EC-6, STR, Bilingual Supplemental, and BTLPT qualify the Teacher Candidate for the Texas Intern Teacher Certificate. Passing scores on the Core Subjects EC-6, STR, Bilingual Supplemental, BTLPT, and PPR EC-12 qualify the Teacher Candidate for the Texas Probationary Teacher Certificate. Both certificates allow the teacher to teach for one year while EARNING THE SALARY/BENEFITS OF A FIRST-YEAR TEACHER. The Intern Certificate is non-renewable. The Probationary Certificate is renewable for two additional years. The goal is to complete all certification requirements and earn the Texas Standard Teacher Certificate at the end of the first year of teaching.

**Increase your employment opportunities by also passing the TExES Special Education Supplemental #163 exam.**

Texas Standard Teacher Certificate: Special Education EC-12

REQUIRED TExES EXAMS FOR THE TEXAS STANDARD TEACHER CERTIFICATE

1. Special Education Specialist EC-12 #186

2. PPR EC-12 #160

A passing score on the Special Education #161 qualifies the Teacher Candidate for the Texas Intern Teacher Certificate. Passing scores on the Special Education #161 and PPR EC-12 qualify the Teacher Candidate for the Texas Probationary Teacher Certificate. Both certificates allow the teacher to teach for one year while EARNING THE SALARY/BENEFITS OF A FIRST-YEAR TEACHER. The Intern Certificate is non-renewable. The Probationary Certificate is renewable for two additional years. The goal is to complete all certification requirements and earn the Texas Standard Teacher Certificate at the end of the first year of teaching.

**Increase your employment opportunities by also passing the TExES ESL Supplemental #154 exam.**

Texas Standard Teacher Certificate: Social Studies 4-8

REQUIRED TExES EXAMS FOR THE TEXAS STANDARD TEACHER CERTIFICATE

1. Social Studies #118

2. PPR EC-12 #160

A passing score on the Social Studies #118 qualifies the Teacher Candidate for the Texas Intern Teacher Certificate. Passing scores on the Social Studies #118 and PPR EC-12 qualify the Teacher Candidate for the Texas Probationary Teacher Certificate. Both certificates allow the teacher to teach for one year while EARNING THE SALARY/BENEFITS OF A FIRST-YEAR TEACHER. The Intern Certificate is non-renewable. The Probationary Certificate is renewable for two additional years. The goal is to complete all certification requirements and earn the Texas Standard Teacher Certificate at the end of the first year of teaching.

**Increase your employment opportunities by also passing the TExES ESL Supplemental #154 and TExES Special Education Supplemental #163 exams.**

Texas Standard Teacher Certificate: Science 7-12

REQUIRED TExES EXAMS FOR THE TEXAS STANDARD TEACHER CERTIFICATE

1. Science #236

2. PPR EC-12 #160

A passing score on the Science #236 qualifies the Teacher Candidate for the Texas Intern Teacher Certificate. Passing scores on the Science #236 and PPR EC-12 qualify the Teacher Candidate for the Texas Probationary Teacher Certificate. Both certificates allow the teacher to teach for one year while EARNING THE SALARY/BENEFITS OF A FIRST-YEAR TEACHER. The Intern Certificate is non-renewable. The Probationary Certificate is renewable for two additional years. The goal is to complete all certification requirements and earn the Texas Standard Teacher Certificate at the end of the first year of teaching.

**Increase your employment opportunities by also passing the TExES ESL Supplemental #154 and TExES Special Education Supplemental #163 exams.**

Texas Standard Teacher Certificate: Science 4-8

REQUIRED TExES EXAMS FOR THE TEXAS STANDARD TEACHER CERTIFICATE

1. Science #116

2. PPR EC-12 #160

A passing score on the Science #116 qualifies the Teacher Candidate for the Texas Intern Teacher Certificate. Passing scores on the Science #116 and PPR EC-12 qualify the Teacher Candidate for the Texas Probationary Teacher Certificate. Both certificates allow the teacher to teach for one year while EARNING THE SALARY/BENEFITS OF A FIRST-YEAR TEACHER. The Intern Certificate is non-renewable. The Probationary Certificate is renewable for two additional years. The goal is to complete all certification requirements and earn the Texas Standard Teacher Certificate at the end of the first year of teaching.

**Increase your employment opportunities by also passing the TExES ESL Supplemental #154 and TExES Special Education Supplemental #163 exams.**

Texas Standard Teacher Certificate: Math 7-12

REQUIRED TExES EXAMS FOR THE TEXAS STANDARD TEACHER CERTIFICATE

1. MATH #235

2. PPR EC-12 #160

A passing score on the Math #235 qualifies the Teacher Candidate for the Texas Intern Teacher Certificate. Passing scores on the Math #235 and PPR EC-12 qualify the Teacher Candidate for the Texas Probationary Teacher Certificate. Both certificates allow the teacher to teach for one year while EARNING THE SALARY/BENEFITS OF A FIRST-YEAR TEACHER. The Intern Certificate is non-renewable. The Probationary Certificate is renewable for two additional years. The goal is to complete all certification requirements and earn the Texas Standard Teacher Certificate at the end of the first year of teaching.

**Increase your employment opportunities by also passing the TExES ESL Supplemental #154 and TExES Special Education Supplemental #163 exams.**

Texas Standard Teacher Certificate: ELAR 7-12

REQUIRED TExES EXAMS FOR THE TEXAS STANDARD TEACHER CERTIFICATE

1. ELAR #231*

2. PPR EC-12 #160

A passing score on the ELAR #231 qualifies the Teacher Candidate for the Texas Intern Teacher Certificate. Passing scores on the ELAR #231 and PPR EC-12 qualify the Teacher Candidate for the Texas Probationary Teacher Certificate. Both certificates allow the teacher to teach for one year while EARNING THE SALARY/BENEFITS OF A FIRST-YEAR TEACHER. The Intern Certificate is non-renewable. The Probationary Certificate is renewable for two additional years. The goal is to complete all certification requirements and earn the Texas Standard Teacher Certificate at the end of the first year of teaching.

**Increase your employment opportunities by also passing the TExES ESL Supplemental #154 and TExES Special Education Supplemental #163 exams.**

*This notification is regarding changes to the following certificate area: English Language Arts & Reading (ELAR) 7-12. The ELAR 7-12 exam 231 is expiring and will be replaced by the new exam, 331.

The relevant dates and deadlines for this transition are:

*The last date that a candidate can attempt the expiring exam is 9/1/2024. The new exam launches 9/2/2024.

*The last date a candidate can be recommended for certification using passing scores on the expiring exam is 9/1/2025. Starting 9/2/2025, issuance of the ELAR 7-12 certificate will require a passing score on the new exam, 331.

Texas Standard Teacher Certificate: Math 4-8

REQUIRED TExES EXAMS FOR THE TEXAS STANDARD TEACHER CERTIFICATE

1. MATH #115

2. PPR EC-12 #160

A passing score on the Math #115 qualifies the Teacher Candidate for the Texas Intern Teacher Certificate. Passing scores on the Math #115 and PPR EC-12 qualify the Teacher Candidate for the Texas Probationary Teacher Certificate. Both certificates allow the teacher to teach for one year while EARNING THE SALARY/BENEFITS OF A FIRST-YEAR TEACHER. The Intern Certificate is non-renewable. The Probationary Certificate is renewable for two additional years. The goal is to complete all certification requirements and earn the Texas Standard Teacher Certificate at the end of the first year of teaching.

**Increase your employment opportunities by also passing the TExES ESL Supplemental #154 and TExES Special Education Supplemental #163 exams.**

Texas Standard Teacher Certificate: JROTC 6-12

REQUIRED TExES EXAMS FOR THE TEXAS STANDARD TEACHER CERTIFICATE

1. PPR EC-12 #160

A passing score on the PPR EC-12 qualifies the JROTC Instructor for the Texas Standard Teacher Certificate. JROTC does not have a TExES content exam. TEA regulations exempt JROTC Instructors from the practicum requirement.

**Increase your employment opportunities by also passing the TExES ESL Supplemental #154 and TExES Special Education Supplemental #163 exams.**

Texas Standard Teacher Certificate: ELAR/STR/SS 4-8

REQUIRED TExES EXAMS FOR THE TEXAS STANDARD TEACHER CERTIFICATE

1. ELAR #113

2. STR #293

3. PPR EC-12 #160

Passing scores on the ELAR #113 and STR qualify the Teacher Candidate for the Texas Intern Teacher Certificate. Passing scores on the ELAR #113, STR, and PPR EC-12 qualify the Teacher Candidate for the Texas Probationary Teacher Certificate. Both certificates allow the teacher to teach for one year while EARNING THE SALARY/BENEFITS OF A FIRST-YEAR TEACHER. The Intern Certificate is non-renewable. The Probationary Certificate is renewable for two additional years. The goal is to complete all certification requirements and earn the Texas Standard Teacher Certificate at the end of the first year of teaching.

**Increase your employment opportunities by also passing the TExES ESL Supplemental #154 and TExES Special Education Supplemental #163 exams.**

Texas Standard Teacher Certificate: ELAR/STR 4-8

REQUIRED TExES EXAMS FOR THE TEXAS STANDARD TEACHER CERTIFICATE

1. ELAR #217

2. STR #293

3. PPR EC-12 #160

Passing scores on the ELAR #217 and STR qualify the Teacher Candidate for the Texas Intern Teacher Certificate. Passing scores on the ELAR #217, STR, and PPR EC-12 qualify the Teacher Candidate for the Texas Probationary Teacher Certificate. Both certificates allow the teacher to teach for one year while EARNING THE SALARY/BENEFITS OF A FIRST-YEAR TEACHER. The Intern Certificate is non-renewable. The Probationary Certificate is renewable for two additional years. The goal is to complete all certification requirements and earn the Texas Standard Teacher Certificate at the end of the first year of teaching.

**Increase your employment opportunities by also passing the TExES ESL Supplemental #154 and TExES Special Education Supplemental #163 exams.**

Texas Standard Teacher Certificate: Core Subjects/STR 4-8

REQUIRED TExES EXAMS FOR THE TEXAS STANDARD TEACHER CERTIFICATE

1. Core Subjects 4-8 #211

2. STR #293

3. PPR EC-12 #160

Passing scores on the Core Subjects 4-8 and STR qualify the Teacher Candidate for the Texas Intern Teacher Certificate. Passing scores on the Core Subjects 4-8, STR, and PPR EC-12 qualify the Teacher Candidate for the Texas Probationary Teacher Certificate. Both certificates allow the teacher to teach for one year while EARNING THE SALARY/BENEFITS OF A FIRST-YEAR TEACHER. The Intern Certificate is non-renewable. The Probationary Certificate is renewable for two additional years. The goal is to complete all certification requirements and earn the Texas Standard Teacher Certificate at the end of the first year of teaching.

**Increase your employment opportunities by also passing the TExES ESL Supplemental #154 and TExES Special Education Supplemental #163 exams.**

Texas Teacher Certification Programs

Designing with Purpose: Teaching Inspired Lessons

Explore Certification Areas and TExES Exams

Texas Standard Teacher Certificate: Core Subjects/STR EC-6

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Texas Standard Teacher Certificate: Math/Science 4-8

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Texas Standard Teacher Certificate: Bilingual Core Subjects/STR EC-6​

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Texas Standard Teacher Certificate: Special Education EC-12

Texas Standard Teacher Certificate: Social Studies 4-8​

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Texas Standard Teacher Certificate: Science 7-12

Texas Standard Teacher Certificate: Science 4-8

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Texas Standard Teacher Certificate: Math 7-12

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Texas Standard Teacher Certificate: ELAR 7-12

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Texas Standard Teacher Certificate: Math 4-8

Texas Standard Teacher Certificate: JROTC 6-12

Texas Standard Teacher Certificate: ELAR/STR/SS 4-8

Texas Standard Teacher Certificate: ELAR/STR 4-8

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Texas Standard Teacher Certificate: Core Subjects/STR 4-8

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Explore Certification
Areas and TExES Exams

Texas Standard Teacher Certificate: Bilingual Core Subjects/STR EC-6

Texas Standard Teacher Certificate: Social Studies 4-8