Becoming an English teacher in Texas is an exciting pathway for those passionate about language, literature, and guiding students toward strong communication skills. Whether you\u2019re preparing for the Praxis or TExES<\/strong> English exam, understanding the certification process and testing requirements is the key to success.<\/p>\n At Prepsaret<\/a>, we're here to guide you on how to become an English teacher in Texas<\/strong>, step by step. You\u2019ll learn about certification pathways, required exams, preparation strategies, and what to expect along the way\u2014so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.<\/p>\n Texas maintains rigorous standards for teacher certification to ensure educators are well-prepared to serve the state's diverse student population. The certification process differs significantly from other states, particularly because Texas has developed its own exam system\u2014the Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES)\u2014rather than relying primarily on Praxis exams used in many other states.<\/p>\n The Texas Education Agency oversees all aspects of public education in the state, including teacher certification. The State Board for Educator Certification, operating under TEA authority, establishes the rules and standards for educator preparation and certification. All prospective teachers must meet SBEC requirements to receive a Texas teaching certificate, which is necessary to teach in any public school and most private schools in the state.<\/p>\n Texas offers several pathways to teacher certification, each designed to accommodate different educational backgrounds and career trajectories. Understanding which pathway aligns with your situation is the first critical step in your journey to becoming an English teacher.<\/p>\n You can pursue Texas English teacher certification<\/strong> if you:<\/p>\n Hold a bachelor\u2019s degree<\/strong> from an accredited institution<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Complete a Texas-approved teacher preparation program (EPP)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Pass the required TExES exams<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Complete student teaching or a supervised internship<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Apply for certification through TEA<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n This applies whether you want to teach middle school or high school English Language Arts and Reading (ELAR)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Texas primarily uses the TExES (Texas Examinations of Educator Standards)<\/strong>, not the Praxis, for most subjects. However, Praxis tests are recognized for certification reciprocity\u2014for example, if you completed teacher education in another state where Praxis is required.<\/p>\n New teachers trained in Texas<\/strong>: Must take TExES English Language Arts and Reading (ELAR)<\/strong> and Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR)<\/strong> exams.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Out-of-state applicants<\/strong>: May transfer Praxis scores as part of out-of-state certification reciprocity<\/strong>, but could be asked to complete a TExES exam as well.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n To teach English in a Texas public school, you must hold a Texas classroom teacher certification<\/strong> issued by the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC)<\/strong> under the Texas Education Agency (TEA)<\/strong>. This process ensures all teachers meet specific professional and academic standards before entering the classroom.<\/p>\n To become certified in secondary English education (typically Grades 7\u201312), the most relevant exams are:<\/p>\n TExES English Language Arts and Reading (ELAR) 7\u201312 (Test Code 231)<\/strong><\/p>\n Focuses on reading comprehension, writing analysis, grammar, and literary interpretation.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n TExES Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR) EC\u201312 (Test Code 160)<\/strong><\/p>\n Measures understanding of teaching practices, classroom management, and instructional strategies.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Since many Texas-certified teachers relocate from other states, Praxis English Language Arts: Content and Analysis (5039) and Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT 5624) remain useful benchmarks for preparation.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s a snapshot of the process:<\/p>\n Earn a bachelor\u2019s degree<\/strong> from an accredited university.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Complete an approved teacher preparation program<\/strong> (traditional or alternative certification).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Pass the required certification exams <\/strong>(Praxis or TExES<\/strong>, depending on your pathway).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Undergo a background check<\/strong> and fingerprinting.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Submit your certification application<\/strong> to the SBEC through the TEA Educator Certification Online System (ECOS).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Receive your standard teaching certificate<\/strong> and begin applying for English teaching jobs in Texas.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Most candidates earn a bachelor\u2019s degree in English education<\/strong>, English, or a related field. Your degree does not always have to be in education if you plan to pursue an alternative certification route.<\/p>\n A Texas teacher preparation program<\/strong> is mandatory. Options include:<\/p>\n Traditional university-based programs<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Alternative teacher certification programs<\/strong> (ideal for career changers)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n These programs include coursework in:<\/p>\n Pedagogy and classroom management<\/p>\n<\/li>\n English content instruction<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Texas education law and ethics<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n You must complete:<\/p>\n Student teaching<\/strong> (full-time, unpaid), or<\/p>\n<\/li>\n A paid teaching internship<\/strong> (common in alternative programs)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n This classroom experience is required before full certification.<\/p>\n To become certified, you\u2019ll take one or more Texas English teacher exams<\/strong>, depending on grade level.<\/p>\n English Language Arts and Reading (ELAR)<\/strong> \u2013 content knowledge<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR)<\/strong> \u2013 teaching skills<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n These exams replace Praxis tests in Texas.<\/p>\n All applicants must undergo a national criminal background check via fingerprinting. Schedule through MorphoTrust (IdentoGO) after applying. This step ensures safety in schools.<\/p>\n Once all requirements are met, you\u2019ll complete the Texas teacher application process<\/strong> through TEA:<\/p>\n Create a TEAL (TEA Login) account.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Submit an online application through the Educator Certification Online System (ECOS).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Pay the $78 fee.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Your EPP will recommend you for certification.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Processing takes 4-6 weeks. You'll receive a standard classroom teacher certification<\/strong> valid for 5 years, renewable with professional development. <\/p>\n This exam measures your understanding of:<\/p>\n Reading comprehension and literary analysis<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Writing process and composition<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Language conventions and vocabulary<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Instructional strategies for diverse learners<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n The PPR exam focuses on:<\/p>\n Lesson planning and assessment<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Classroom management<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Student development and learning theory<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Professional ethics and legal responsibilities<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n While each exam differs slightly, most share a predictable structure:<\/p>\n Exam<\/p>\n<\/th>\n Type<\/p>\n<\/th>\n Number of Questions<\/p>\n<\/th>\n Format<\/p>\n<\/th>\n Time Limit<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n TExES ELAR 7\u201312<\/p>\n<\/td>\n Multiple-choice + written response<\/p>\n<\/td>\n Approx. 100 questions<\/p>\n<\/td>\n Computer-based<\/p>\n<\/td>\n 5 hours<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n PPR EC\u201312<\/p>\n<\/td>\n Multiple-choice<\/p>\n<\/td>\n Approx. 90 questions<\/p>\n<\/td>\n Computer-based<\/p>\n<\/td>\n 5 hours<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n Praxis 5039<\/p>\n<\/td>\n Selected-response + constructed response<\/p>\n<\/td>\n 130 questions<\/p>\n<\/td>\n Computer-based<\/p>\n<\/td>\n 3 hours<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n Praxis PLT 5624<\/p>\n<\/td>\n Selected-response<\/p>\n<\/td>\n 70\u201380 questions<\/p>\n<\/td>\n Computer-based<\/p>\n<\/td>\n 2 hours<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n Each exam includes practice-based scenarios and analysis tasks designed to assess both subject mastery and classroom readiness.<\/p>\n Texas uses a scaled scoring system<\/strong> for TExES exams. Passing standards are set by SBEC and reflect statewide educator competency expectations.<\/p>\nTexas Teacher Certification Requirements<\/h2>\n
The Texas Education Agency and Certification Framework<\/h3>\n
Who Can Become an English Teacher in Texas?<\/h2>\n
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Which Exam Do You Need: Praxis vs. TExES?<\/h3>\n
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English Teacher Certification in Texas<\/h2>\n
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Step-by-Step: How to Become an English Teacher in Texas<\/h2>\n
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor\u2019s Degree<\/h3>\n
Step 2: Complete a Texas Teacher Preparation Program<\/h3>\n
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Step 3: Complete Student Teaching or Internship<\/h3>\n
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Step 4: Pass the Required Texas English Teacher Exams<\/h3>\n
Common TExES Exams for English Teachers<\/h4>\n
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Step 5: Complete Fingerprinting and Background Check<\/h3>\n
Step 6: Apply for Texas Educator Certification<\/h3>\n
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Texas English Teacher Exam Overview<\/h2>\n
English Language Arts and Reading (ELAR)<\/h3>\n
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Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR)<\/h3>\n
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Exam Format and Structure<\/h2>\n
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