Pathways to Teaching
Pathways to Teaching
Interested in becoming a teacher in Liberty Hill ISD? Texas offers several pathways to educator certification based on your education, experience, and current certification status.
Whether you are beginning your career, transitioning from another profession, or already certified outside of Texas, the resources below can help you identify the pathway that applies to you.
Becoming a Certified Teacher in Texas
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) identifies five general requirements for becoming a certified classroom teacher in Texas:
- Obtain a bachelor's degree from an appropriately accredited college or university. Certain Career and Technical Education certifications have different degree requirements.
- Complete an approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP).
- Pass the required certification examinations for your certification area and pathway.
- Submit an application for certification after completing the applicable requirements.
- Complete fingerprinting as part of the required national criminal background check.
Alternative Teacher Certification
Already have a bachelor's degree or higher? An Alternative Certification Program (ACP) may provide a pathway to Texas teacher certification without completing a traditional undergraduate educator preparation program.
Alternative certification programs are offered through universities, school districts, education service centers, community colleges, and private entities approved by TEA.
Generally, candidates will:
- Determine the subject area and grade level they want to teach.
- Select and apply to a TEA-approved Educator Preparation Program.
- Complete the program's admission and training requirements.
- Complete applicable certification examinations and field-based requirements.
- Apply for the appropriate Texas educator certificate when eligible.
Ready to apply? Once you meet the requirements for an LHISD position, view current Liberty Hill ISD job opportunities in Red Rover.
View Current Job OpeningsAlready Certified Outside of Texas?
Certified in Another State
Texas does not automatically recognize an out-of-state certificate as a Texas standard certificate. Educators who hold a valid and active standard certificate issued by another U.S. state or territory must apply to TEA for a Review of Credentials.
Depending on your credentials, experience, and examinations previously completed, you may qualify for exemptions from some Texas certification examinations.
Out-of-State Certification Information View Application Checklist Test Exemption InformationCertified in Another Country
Educators who hold teaching credentials from another country may be eligible to apply to TEA for a Review of Credentials.
Eligibility generally requires the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree, completion of an educator preparation program that included a teaching practicum, and a valid and active teaching certificate or credential issued by another country.
Out-of-Country Certification Information View Application ChecklistEnglish Language Proficiency
Certain educator certification applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency. Taking the TOEFL is not the only way to satisfy this requirement.
Depending on the applicant's education and certification history, TEA recognizes several methods of demonstrating English proficiency, including qualifying U.S. degrees, certain degrees earned outside the United States, qualifying out-of-state certification and examinations, or required scores on the TOEFL iBT.
Because these requirements can vary by applicant, candidates should review TEA's current requirements before registering for an examination.
Review TEA RequirementsCertification Resources
Getting Certified
Becoming a Classroom Teacher in Texas Approved Educator Preparation Programs Alternative Certification Educator Certification ExamsCurrent / Additional Certifications
Educator Certificate Lookup ECOS for Educators Additional Certification by Examination Principal and Superintendent Certification Educational Aide CertificationQuestions About Your Pathway?
For questions about educator certification and employment with Liberty Hill ISD, contact Tanya Lambert, Director of Staffing.
Email Tanya Lambert