Securing an educator license can be a challenging process. At Bertolino LLP, with over 15 years of experience, a teacher license application lawyer can help you overcome obstacles and simplify the steps needed to achieve your goals.
Each level of teaching, counseling, or administration often comes with unique licensing requirements. We can guide you through every step of the process, ensuring you meet all the necessary criteria to move forward confidently in your career.
If you’re reapplying for a license after it expired or was affected by a transfer, a license application lawyer at Bertolino LLP can help you understand updated requirements and secure your future. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you.
Steps to Start Your Teaching Career in Texas
Starting a teaching career in Texas requires completing the state certification process. At our firm, we understand how important this milestone is, and we’re here to guide you through every step. The process involves:
- Meeting Texas’s educational requirements and completing an approved educator preparation program
- Finishing the program, including a hands-on teaching residency
- Passing the necessary exams for your desired teaching role
- Submitting your certification application and completing a background check
If challenges arise during this process or your certification is at risk, our Texas teacher license defense lawyers are ready to advocate for you. We’re here to help protect your future and support your path to becoming a Texas educator.
Meeting Texas Teaching Requirements
If you’re aiming to become a certified teacher in Texas, most certifications require a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school. Not sure if your college is accredited? You can check with the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) to find out.
Certain certifications, like Health Science Technology or Trades & Industrial Education, don’t require a bachelor’s degree. Instead, a Health Science certificate may require an associate degree. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has details about these specialized certifications.
Most other requirements depend on the educator preparation program you choose. Options include university-based programs, post-baccalaureate programs, or alternative certification programs. Each program has its own admissions process and prerequisites.
Pre-Admission Testing for Alternative Paths
If you choose a post-baccalaureate or alternative certification program, you may need to pass the Texas Pre-Admission Content Test (PACT) under certain conditions:
- Your GPA is below 2.50.
- You lack at least 12 semester credit hours in your chosen content area (15 hours for math or science above grade 7).
If you have credits in another content area, you might qualify for admission by applying those hours. After being admitted, you can pursue the certification area you prefer by passing the required test. Admissions staff in your program can help you explore this option.
The process of meeting Texas’s requirements can feel overwhelming, especially with varying pathways and prerequisites. A teaching license application attorney can assist by reviewing your qualifications, addressing obstacles, and helping you move forward with confidence.
Complete an Educator Preparation Program
Becoming a certified teacher in Texas requires completing an educator preparation program tailored to your background and career goals. Whether you’re starting fresh or already have a degree, there are pathways available to help you achieve your certification.
University-Based Certification Programs
If you don’t yet have a bachelor’s degree, a university-based program allows you to earn one while meeting your educator preparation requirements.
This route typically involves four years of coursework in your chosen subject area and a year of hands-on fieldwork, taking about five years to complete.
Alternative Certification and Post-Baccalaureate Options
For those with a bachelor’s degree, alternative certification or post-baccalaureate programs provide a faster option, often completed within a year. These programs combine coursework with two semesters of fieldwork and may include paid internships or shorter unpaid clinical teaching placements.
Career and Technical Education (CTE) Certification
CTE certifications, such as Health Science Technology or Trades & Industrial Education, require two years of work experience, an industry-specific license, and possibly passing the NOCTI exam.
We’re here to help you meet these requirements and achieve your teaching goals.
Passing the Required Tests to Teach in Texas
To become a certified teacher in Texas, you’ll need to pass exams that assess your knowledge of educational practices and subject areas. This includes the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR) test and content-specific exams from the Texas Examination of Educator Standards (TExES).
If you’re pursuing a Bilingual Education or Languages Other Than English (LOTE) certificate, you’ll also need to pass Language Testing International’s foreign language exam for your chosen language.
Whether you’re preparing for these tests or facing obstacles in the certification process, a teaching license application lawyer from our firm is here to guide you and protect your teaching future.
Submitting Your Certification Application in Texas
To apply for your teaching certification in Texas, your educator preparation program must first recommend you. Once recommended, you can submit your application and pay the fee through your TEA Login (TEAL) account.
The TEA will conduct a national criminal background check, including fingerprinting, as part of the application process.
Your certification will be issued as a virtual certificate, accessible through your TEA account. Employers can verify your credentials using the TEA Certificate Lookup tool. If you need help with the application process, a teaching license application lawyer from our firm is ready to assist.
Reasons for Problems with Obtaining or Renewing a Teaching Certification
Obtaining or renewing a teaching certification can be challenging due to various issues overseen by the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) and the Texas Education Agency. Common reasons include:
Issues with Certification Applications or Testing
- Errors during the application process, including inaccuracies in the provided information
- Problems with passing required certification exams or meeting program standards
- Investigations into improper issuance of certifications
Allegations of Misconduct or Violations of Ethics
- Accusations of inappropriate communication, physical abuse, or violating student confidentiality
- Reports of fraudulent practices, misuse of school property, or contract abandonment
- Non-compliance with state and federal laws, the Educators’ Code of Ethics, or SBEC Disciplinary Guidelines
Criminal Activity Affecting Eligibility
- Convictions for crimes involving moral turpitude, abuse, or illegal relationships with students
- Felony charges related to controlled substances or crimes on school property
- Multiple offenses such as public intoxication or DUI within a short timeframe
TEA Investigations and Disciplinary Proceedings
- Complaints of misconduct leading to TEA investigations and potential disciplinary actions
- Failure to respond to formal allegations within the required timeframe, resulting in sanctions
- Prolonged proceedings with the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH)
Possible Sanctions That Impact Certification
- Restrictions on certification issuance or renewal
- Suspension, revocation, or cancellation of teaching credentials
- Reprimands or conditions placed on a teaching certificate
If you’re facing challenges with your teaching certification, these issues can impact your career and professional reputation. Addressing them promptly is key to resolving the matter.
The Support You Need for Your Teaching License
If you’re having trouble with your teaching license application or facing certification challenges, Bertolino LLP is here to help. We understand how important your career is and will work to address the issues blocking your path.
A teaching license application lawyer from our firm can help resolve application or disciplinary matters. With our knowledge and experience, we’ll guide you toward achieving the certification you’ve worked so hard for.
Your dream of teaching deserves the right support. Let Bertolino LLP help you overcome obstacles and pursue the career you’ve been building. Contact us today.
