Texas Teacher Certification Sub Categories Alternative Teacher Certification | Teacher Certification Program in San Antonio | Alternative Certification in Lubbock Texas | Teacher Certification Program in Houston | Alternative Certification in Fort Worth Texas | Teacher Certification in Dallas Texas | Alternative Certification in Corpus Christi | Alternative Certification in Brownsville Texas | Alternative Teacher Certification in Austin Almost a third of newly certified teachers who are finishing their first year of teaching became licensed through alternate routes rather than through four year education degrees. Alternative means of gaining licensure are becoming increasingly popular, in part because the growing teacher shortage calls for more teachers than education colleges alone can produce. Usually, participants in alternative teacher certification programs are paid to teach full time with the supervision of certified mentor teachers. The requirement for alternative teacher certification are set by each state. The state of Texas is facing a major educational challenge- a growing need for teachers. Whether you are a recent college graduate, a mid-career change, or from another state/country, alternative teacher certification can lead you to becoming a teacher in Texas. What are the requirements for alternative teacher certification? A bachelor’s degree from an accreditied university. Texas institutions do not offer a degree in education. For secondary subjects, you will genreally need a degree in the area you wish to teach, or 24 college credit hours in that field of study. You must complete teaching training through a state approved program. These programs are offered through regional service centers, colleges and universities, school districts, and private entities. You must successfully complete the appropriate teacher certification tests for the subject and grade level you intend to teach. In an effort to attract more teachers, especially in shortage areas, alternative teacher certification offer nontraditional routes to teaching. Texas has shortages in all areas, but has the greatest need for teachers in math, science, special education, foreign languages, technology, and bilingual education. Teaching Statistics (from the Texas Workforce Commission) The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that teaching will be one of the fastest growing occupations in the next 5-10 years and beyond, with growing demand. Texas will need over 82,000 new teachers by 2008. The average teacher salary is $38,857. Incentives and special programs are available to help individuals become and remain teachers.