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Choose your Texas certification area

Decide what you want to teach, and choose the teaching certificate that’s right for you. Read this page or download our free guide.

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Before you can enroll in a teaching program, you’ll need to decide which teaching certificate you want to earn. Your teaching certificate lets you teach a specific set of grades and subjects.

On this page, we’ll go over your certification area options. 

  • 1

    How do I choose a certification area?

  • 2

    What certifications can I earn?

  • 3

    Get the Certification Guide

I’m not sure what subject I want to teach

If you already know what grade and subject you want to teach: Fabulous! You can jump to the next section. If you’re not sure, consider a Texas shortage area or a subject that lets you teach all grades.

In some cases, you may have multiple certification options to choose from. For example, if you are looking to teach older elementary or middle school students, you could get certified to teach either PreK–6th grade or 4th–8th grade.

Learn more about Texas teacher certification areas

Once you know the subject and grades you want to teach, you can choose your certification area. Click the tabs for a full list of teaching certificate options.

You can earn certifications in different subjects throughout your teaching career in Texas. You don’t have to get all your certifications at once. (3)

Get the Certification Guide

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Keep a list of certification subject areas handy, and get step-by-step details on pathways to teaching and how to get certified in Texas.

It’s all free in our Certification Guide!

Get the Guide

What’s next

Alternative Teacher Certification in DFW

You can start teaching with just a bachelor’s degree. TeachDFW can help you get started. We're your No. 1 source for teaching in Dallas-Fort Worth.

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Career Coaching in Dallas-Fort Worth

Talk to an expert about how to become a certified teacher in Dallas-Forth Worth. Get free advice on what to teach and how to choose and apply to the right program.

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References

  1. Teacher Shortage Areas 2024-2025. Texas Education Agency.https://tea.texas.gov/texas-educators/educator-initiatives-and-performance/teacher-shortage-areas-2024-2025
  2. Educator Preparation Program Map. Texas Education Agency. https://tea-texas.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/8fdeed6e29b741ba8bac151ac023186d
  3. Additional Certification by Exam Information. Texas Education Agency. https://tea.texas.gov/texas-educators/certification/additional-certifications/additional-certification-by-exam-information