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1. Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree. You must earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. The only exemption from the degree requirement is for individuals seeking Career and Technical Education certification to teach certain courses. You must earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. The only exemption from the degree requirement is for individuals seeking Career and Technical Education certification to teach certain courses. Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.

1. Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree. Texas institutions do not offer a degree in education. Instead, every future teacher must select an academic major of interest and, as described below, complete educator preparation courses. Texas institutions do not offer a degree in education. Instead, every future teacher must select an academic major of interest and, as described below, complete educator preparation courses. Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.

Complete an Educator Preparation Program 2. Complete an Educator Preparation Program You must complete educator preparation through an Approved Educator Approved EducatorApproved Educator Preparation Program Preparation Program. These programs Preparation Program. These programs Preparation Program are offered through colleges, universities, school districts, regional service centers, community colleges, and other entities. Undergraduates typically enroll in an approved program at the college or university they are attending. are offered through colleges, universities, school districts, regional service centers, community colleges, and other entities. Undergraduates typically enroll in an approved program at the college or university they are attending. Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.

Complete an Educator Preparation Program, con’t. 2. Complete an Educator Preparation Program, con’t. Alternative Certification Programs, which may or may not be associated with a university or college, have been established and approved for those who already hold a bachelor’s degree. Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.

3. Pass the appropriate certification exam(s). You must pass the appropriate teacher certification exam(s) for the subject and grade level you wish to teach. Your Educator Preparation Program will help you determine the appropriate certification exam(s). You will need authorization from your program prior to test registration. You must pass the appropriate teacher certification exam(s) for the subject and grade level you wish to teach. Your Educator Preparation Program will help you determine the appropriate certification exam(s). You will need authorization from your program prior to test registration. Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.

4. Submit a state application. To obtain a standard certificate after passing the appropriate exam(s) and completing all program requirements, you must complete the application process. To obtain a standard certificate after passing the appropriate exam(s) and completing all program requirements, you must complete the application process. Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.

4. Submit a state application. Consult with your Educator Preparation Program on how to complete this process. Important items in the application process include fingerprinting and a background investigation. Consult with your Educator Preparation Program on how to complete this process. Important items in the application process include fingerprinting and a background investigation. Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.

5. Complete the fingerprinting requirement. All first-time applicants for an initial credential must be fingerprinted as part of a national criminal background check. A fingerprinting fee will be charged. All first-time applicants for an initial credential must be fingerprinted as part of a national criminal background check. A fingerprinting fee will be charged. Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.

Click on How Do I…. Become a Teacher For more information you can go to: Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.