Now more than ever, school districts are looking for high-quality teachers. If you have work experience in a trade, vocational or technical field, you may be able to start your teaching career sooner than you think. You may not need a degree!
CTE Certification vs. Standard Teacher Certification
Have experience in the subject area you want to teach? CTE certification lets you quickly apply your knowledge and expertise in the classroom.
What are CTE fields in Texas?
In Texas, you can get certified in one of nine different CTE fields. These include:
- Agricultural, Food and Natural Resources
- Business and Finance
- Family and Consumer Sciences
- Human Development and Family Studies
- Hospitality, Nutrition and Food Sciences
- Health Science
- Marketing
- Technology Education
- Trade and Industrial Education
Each subject area has its own eligibility requirements—so once you know what you want to teach, you'll need to learn what those requirements are and meet them. (2)
Steps to a CTE teaching certificate in Texas
- 1
Choose a subject area you want to teach based on your work experience and education
In Texas, you can teach CTE classes in fields ranging from cybersecurity to real estate to manufacturing. See a full list of CTE program areas.
- 2
Meet program eligibility requirements
Regardless of which pathway to teaching you take, you must:
- Meet the minimum industry experience and licensing requirement for your work-based field.
- Get fingerprinted and pass your background check.
- Have your high school diploma or GED.
- Meet the eligibility requirements for your field, such as coursework or degree. requirements. For some (but not all!) CTE fields, you’ll need an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. (3)
- 3
Apply and get accepted to a teaching program
- If you don’t have a degree, you’ll need to find a teaching program. Look for teaching programs.
- If you already have a bachelor’s degree, you may be able to get certified through an alternative certification program.
- 4
Develop a certification plan with your program
After you enroll in a teaching program, you will meet with your program’s staff. They will help you figure out the specific classes, internships, tests and other program requirements you’ll need to get certified.
- 5
Pass certification exams
To get certified, you may need to take a test to show you know your stuff well enough to teach it. Your teaching program will help you figure out which tests you need to take.
- 6
Submit a state application
Almost there! Your teaching program will let you know when it’s time to apply for your official teaching certificate from the state.
You will set up a Texas Education Agency Login account to complete your application.
- 7
Get hired and start teaching!
FAQs
Talk to a Coach
Need more support before you take your next step? A TEACH San Antonio coach can help! Set up a free conversation (over email, video or phone—whatever works best for you!) with an experienced San Antonio educator. Our coaches can give you personalized advice for your specific situation.
Not sure if a 1-on-1 call is right for you? Group advising sessions are also a great way to learn about becoming a teacher.
References
- Career and Technical Education. Texas Education Agency. https://tea.texas.gov/academics/college-career-and-military-prep/career-and-technical-education
- Career and Technical Education Chart. Texas Education Agency. https://tea.texas.gov/texas-educators/certification/career-and-technical-education-cte/career-and-technical-education
- Becoming a Classroom Teacher in Texas. Texas Education Agency. https://tea.texas.gov/texas-educators/certification/initial-certification/becoming-a-classroom-teacher-in-texas
- Career and Technical Education Information. Texas Education Agency. https://tea.texas.gov/texas-educators/certification/career-and-technical-education-cte/career-and-technical-education-information
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