Texas · Career guide
How to become a Elementary Teacher in Texas
Elementary teachers (typically K-5 or K-6 depending on the state) deliver self-contained instruction across all core subjects. Hiring competition varies — popular metro districts can have dozens of applicants per opening, while rural and high-poverty districts often run staffing fairs to recruit. Bilingual / dual-language certification can dramatically expand opportunity.
No elementary teaching positions are open in Texas right now — set up an alert and we'll notify you when new postings are scraped.
Certification path in Texas
- Earn a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Most candidates complete a teacher-preparation program either as part of their undergraduate studies or as a post-baccalaureate add-on.
- Pass the required exams. Texas typically requires:
- Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES) Core Subjects — Content knowledge for elementary educators
- TExES Content Area Examinations — Subject knowledge for secondary and specialty areas
- TExES Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR) — Professional knowledge and teaching practice
Most states issue a generic elementary license (K-6 or K-8). Adding a content endorsement (e.g. middle-grades math) expands grade-level placement options.
- Apply for your initial license through Texas Education Agency (TEA). The packet typically includes official transcripts, exam scores, a background check, and (depending on the state) a recommendation from the teacher-prep program. Visit Texas Education Agency (TEA) →
- Job-search in Texas. We'll track elementary teaching openings as districts post them; set up an alert to be notified immediately when new positions go live.
Alternative pathways in Texas
If you didn't follow the traditional university-route, Texas offers these alternate paths that may apply to your situation:
- Texas Alternative Certification Programs (ACP): Offered by approved providers; teach while completing coursework
- Teach For America (active in Houston, Dallas, and Rio Grande Valley)
- iTeach and other private ACP providers
- Career and Technical Education certificates
Texas salary context
Average teacher salary in Texas: $57,641/year (rank #20 nationally). Entry-level pay with a bachelor's typically starts at $33,000/year.
Role-specific premiums vary by district — special education, STEM, and bilingual roles frequently command signing bonuses or stipends. See the full Texas salary guide for the breakdown.