You need to be aware of several things before you plan on becoming a Texas educator. You must first complete the Texas Education Agency's initial certification process. To become a certified teacher, you must complete the Initial Certification process. They include taking the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), completing your Bachelor's degree, and passing criminal background checks.
English as a foreign Language (TOEFL)
You must pass the Test of English as an Foreign Language (TOEFL) to become a Texas teacher. The test tests your ability to read, listen, speak, and write English fluently. The TOEFL iBT online test takes around four and a quarter hours.
You may have to take TOEFL if you are an international student. For international candidates seeking to be teachers in America, the TOEFL is a requirement. This test assesses your English proficiency in all areas, grammar, pronunciation and writing.
Bachelor's degree
Several college degree programs are available for those looking to enter the teaching profession in Texas. The most common path to teacher certification in Texas is through a bachelor's degree in education. The degree includes a variety of courses that are focused on teaching specific skills. Students can gain classroom experience through student teaching after completing a bachelor’s degree program. The Texas State Board of Education also offers the Alternative Certification Program (ACT) for students who are looking to change careers or have a bachelor's in education and want to become teachers.
In Texas, aspiring teachers must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. They must also complete 335 hours of coursework and 30 hours of experience in the field. Some universities have accelerated programs or other alternative pathways to teacher certification. Texas allows aspiring teachers to teach while they are completing their certification requirements. Those who hold a degree from out-of-state institutions must request a review of their credentials through the TEA.
Getting fingerprinted
You might be wondering where you can get fingerprinted in Texas if your goal is to become a Texas teacher. First, you will need a packet for fingerprinting, which you can find at the State Board for Educator Certification. The card will have information about where to get fingerprinted. After receiving this packet, you will need to fill it out. Make sure you bring a photo ID to show the official taking your fingerprints. Before you can roll your fingerprints, you will need to sign the card.
Texas requires fingerprinting to be completed for all school employees, even substitute teachers. This process helps to ensure public safety and prevents unfit employees. The cost of fingerprinting is $40, and the state has a policy for reimbursed fingerprints after the background check is completed.
PPR Exam
For anyone who plans to teach in Texas, the PPR exam must be taken. This computer-based exam assesses candidates' knowledge and professional responsibilities. The test takes about five hours and will result in a teacher's license. It is important to prepare for this difficult test well in advance. There are ways to score high on the PR exam.
You can ignore questions that require you answer complicated theories but it is recommended you attempt as many of these as you possibly can. This will help you catch any blanks and review your answers. It will also ensure that you don't skip sections or answer questions that are irrelevant.
FAQ
How much time should I devote to studying each semester?
The time you spend studying will depend on several factors.
In addition to these factors, some schools may require you to take certain classes yearly. This means that you may not be able to take as many courses each semester. You can ask your advisor to tell you which courses you need to take each semester.
How long does it take for an early childhood teacher to become certified?
The bachelor's degree program in early childhood education takes four years. Two years will be spent taking the general education courses required of most universities.
After you have completed your undergraduate education, you can usually apply to graduate school. This allows you to become a specialist in a specific area of study.
For example, you could choose to focus on child psychology or learning disabilities. You must apply for a teacher preparation program after you have completed your master's degree.
This process can take many years. To gain practical knowledge, you will partner with experienced educators.
Final, you must pass the state exam before you can start teaching.
This process can take several years. You won't be immediately able to jump into the workforce right away.
Should I be a specialist or branch out in one area?
Many students choose to concentrate on one subject (e.g. English History and Math) rather that branching into several subjects. It isn't necessary to specialize in every subject. For instance, if your goal is to become a doctor you can choose to focus in either surgery or inner medicine. You can also become a general practice physician, with a focus in family medicine, neurology, psychiatry or gerontology. If you are considering a career in the business world, you might focus on marketing, sales, finance, operations research, marketing management, and human resources. The choice is yours.
How long should you spend on college preparation?
The time that you intend to spend studying for college is a function of how much you want to spend on it. If you plan to attend college immediately upon completing high school, you should start taking some college preparation courses now. You don't have to plan if you expect to be away for several years before going to college.
Talk to your teachers and parents about your plans. You may be able to suggest courses of study. It's important to keep track and record the grades received in each course. This way, you'll know exactly what you need to accomplish next year.
What are the factors to consider when choosing a major
It is important to first decide if you would prefer to go straight into a job or go to college. Then you should make a list of your interests and talents. Reading, listening to music and talking to people are all possible interests. You can be a singer, dancer, painter, writer, sewer, cook, woodwork, garden, photography, carpentry or auto mechanics. You can use your interests and talents to help you select a major.
Art history and fine art might appeal to you if you are interested in becoming an artist. Biology may appeal to those who love animals. Pre-medicine or medical technology may be an option for you if your dream is to become a physician. Computer science or computer networking might be a good choice if you are looking for a career that involves computers. There are many options. Just think carefully about what you'd like to do.
Statistics
- Data from the Department of Education reveal that, among 2008 college graduates, 92.8 percent of humanities majors have voted at least once since finishing school. (bostonreview.net)
- They are more likely to graduate high school (25%) and finish college (116%). (habitatbroward.org)
- Think of the rhetorical power of nineteenth-century abolitionist Harriet Beecher Stowe, Martin Luther King, Jr., or Occupy Wall Street activists with their rallying cry of “we are the 99 percent.” (bostonreview.net)
- And, within ten years of graduation, 44.1 percent of 1993 humanities graduates had written to public officials, compared to 30.1 percent of STEM majors. (bostonreview.net)
- Globally, in 2008, around 89% of children aged six to twelve were enrolled in primary education, and this proportion was rising. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
How To
How do I apply for scholarships?
Before you apply for scholarship funding, ensure that you are eligible. The criteria that you must meet to qualify for a scholarship are listed below.
For example, you can receive a grant if you are economically disadvantaged. You can qualify for a work-study program if you are enrolled in a vocational training course. A grant is also available if your group includes a minority.
Once you have decided if you are eligible, you can begin applying.
Online, in person or over the telephone, it is possible to apply. The application process varies depending on the type of scholarship.
For some scholarships, you will need to submit essays about you and your reasons for applying. Others may ask questions such as, "Why did your choose this major?"
Most scholarships require you to fill out an application form and send supporting materials.
Your scholarship provider will evaluate the information you supply. You will be notified by email or postal mail if you are selected.
If you are not chosen, you still might qualify for another scholarship. Contact your scholarship provider for details.