Take your Texas teaching career to the next level
Now is the time to become an education leader.
Whether you want to lead a classroom, a campus, or even a district, the next step starts with a bachelor’s degree and a Texas teaching credential. We have partnered with Education Services Center Region 13 to support you on your journey as an educator.
Take your Texas teaching career to the next level
Now is the time to become an education leader.
Whether you want to lead a classroom, a campus, or even a district, the next step starts with a bachelor’s degree and a Texas teaching credential. We have partnered with Education Services Center Region 13 to support you on your journey as an educator.
Educator Pathway
Earn your bachelor’s degree
With Degree Partners, you’ll enroll at an accredited, online, nonprofit university. If you already have an associate’s degree, you can begin work on your bachelor’s degree. If you do not already have an associate’s degree, you’ll start with your Associate of Arts (AA) and then move on to your Bachelor of Arts (BA). No matter where you’re starting from, Degree Partners is here to support you from the minute you decide to enroll until the day you graduate with a bachelor’s degree.
Our professional coaches are trained to support students who are balancing school with jobs, families, lives, and financial constraints. You can earn your bachelor’s while you work—in fact, the majority of the aspiring educators in our program work full time on a campus as paraprofessionals or teacher’s aides. Aspiring teachers and school districts appreciate that our program allows you to accelerate your degree and credential, while you work, so you can step into your new role as teacher of record. Your College Completion Coach provides 1:1 guidance, accountability, and support throughout your journey with us.
Enroll in your Educator Preparation Program (EPP)
In Texas, aspiring educators must meet certification requirements through the Texas Education Agency (TEA), which includes enrolling in an educator preparation program (EPP). You’ll complete EPP coursework and program requirements while working full time in a school setting. Prior to beginning your training with an EPP, you will be required to pass a Pre-Admission Content Test (PACT).
We partner with Education Services Center (ESC) Region 13, a high-quality Texas EPP, which allows future teachers from across the state to access certification programs online and provides study tools and resources to help you prepare for certification exams. However, if you live outside of the Austin area and prefer to attend your EPP training in-person, your College Completion Coach will help you find a local EPP that fits your needs.
Take your statewide exams
In Texas, aspiring educators must meet certification requirements through the Texas Education Agency (TEA), which includes passing educator certification exams. Your EPP will support you to successfully prepare for your statewide exams.
Take the next step in your career
A Texas teaching credential opens doors, not just to the classroom, but to a lifelong career in education and leadership. Teaching is one of the most common career pathways for our alumni!
Common career paths:
- Classroom Teacher
- Instructional Coach
- Curriculum Designer
- After-School Program Director
- Campus-Level Leadership
- District-Level Leadership
Starting teacher salaries in Texas (2025-2026):*
- Fort Worth ISD: $64,500
- Houston ISD: $64,000
- Dallas ISD: $64,000
- San Antonio ISD: $60,000
- Austin ISD: $58,000
*Note: Salary estimates are based on each ISD’s website.
