Do you want to assist students with special needs to reach their full potential? If this is the case, a career in special education in Texas may be ideal for you. With a Texas special education certification, you’ll have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of students who need extra support and guidance. This credential will open the door to various fascinating and gratifying employment in special education, from teaching in public or private schools to working as a consultant or administrator.
This blog post will discuss all you need to know about obtaining your Texas certification in special education, including the qualifications, the process, and the advantages of this significant professional accomplishment. Read on if you’re prepared to take the first step toward a profession that genuinely matters.
What Is a Texas Special Education Certification?
If you want to teach or work in special education in Texas, you’ll need to earn a Texas special education certification. Anyone seeking employment as a special education teacher, specialist, or administrator in a public or private school in Texas must obtain this certification from the Texas Education Agency (TEA).
Teachers in the state of Texas can only teach special education if they have completed the necessary coursework, worked in the field, and scored well on a battery of tests, such as the Praxis Test for Special Education. They must also engage in continual professional development to keep their licenses current. Embodying qualities that make a good special education teacher ensures that those who earn this credential understand and can serve students with special needs meaningfully through their work in the classroom.
Texas issues special education credentials at multiple levels, including pre-K through 12 and college. In addition, it is certified to work with students with various special needs, including those who are deaf, blind, or have other identified learning differences, as outlined by organizations like the National Center for Learning Disabilities. Now, you know what a Texas special education certification is.
How To Get a Texas Special Education Certification
To earn a certification in special education in Texas, individuals must adhere to a specified procedure and satisfy specific requirements established by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). Here are the general requirements for obtaining a Texas special education certification:
- Meet the basic qualifications: Individuals must hold a bachelor’s degree from an authorized college or university and have completed an approved special education teacher preparation program to qualify for a Texas special education certification.
- Pass the required exams: Individuals must pass the Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES) in special education. It involves both a subject exam and a pedagogy and professional duties exam for the specific level and area of certification.
- Apply for certification: After passing the appropriate exams, persons can apply for accreditation by submitting an online application and paying the required cost. Also needed are official transcripts and exam scores.
- Complete a background check: All applicants for Texas special education certification are required to conduct a background check, which includes fingerprinting.
- Complete ongoing professional development: Special education teachers in Texas must complete a specified number of continuing education hours every five years to keep their licensure.
It is essential to note that the certification procedure may differ based on the level and area of special education and the individual’s prior teaching experience. In addition, the method and standards may evolve. Therefore it is essential to consult the Texas Education Agency for the most recent details. So, how long does it take to get teacher certification in Texas?
It is also crucial to note that this certification procedure is for special education; if a teacher wishes to add a special education certification to their teaching license, they may be required to complete a different, typically quicker, and less rigorous certification process. So, you need to have all the Texas special education certification requirements.
Texas Special Education Certification Test Study Guide
The TExES Special Education EC-12 certification exam is administered in Texas, and several study guides and other resources are available to help people prepare for it. Some common choices are:
- TExES Special Education EC-12 (191) Secrets Study Guide: Study tips, sample questions, and an in-depth breakdown of the test content are all included in this comprehensive study guide.
- TExES Special Education EC-12 (191) Practice Test Questions: This resource provides sample questions and answers for the TExES Special Education EC-12 (191) exam, so that test takers can get a feel for the format of the real thing before it’s taken.
- TExES Special Education EC-12 (191) Study Guide: This study guide is designed to help you succeed on the TExES Special Education EC-12 (191) exam by providing a thorough overview of the test’s content, sample test questions, and explanations of the correct answers.
- The Texas Education Agency (TEA) website: Website of the Texas Education Agency (TEA) The TEA website includes details about the test’s structure, content, and tools for getting ready, like sample tests and study aids.
You should also look at Title 19, Part II, Chapter 230, Subchapter BB, 230.35 of the Texas Administrative Code (TAC), as it contains the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for Special Education.
You must verify with the Texas Education Agency (TEA) for the most up-to-date information, as the specific criteria may change over time. You should learn the teacher certification Texas lookup.
What Is the Texas Examination of Educator Standards?
The Texas Examination of Educator Standards (TExES) is a series of certification exams necessary for aspiring educators in Texas. The tests are meant to examine the information and abilities required for a teacher to teach effectively in Texas. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) and Educational Testing Service (ETS) prepare and administer the examinations (ETS).
The TExES program provides assessments for multiple grade levels and subject areas, such as early childhood, elementary, middle school, secondary, and special education. Each test is intended to assess the knowledge and abilities necessary for teaching a particular grade level and subject area. The test format comprises multiple-choice and constructed-response questions.
Individuals must be enrolled in or have finished an educator preparation program before taking the TExES. The examinations are administered year-round at testing facilities throughout the state. The TExES program is the primary way of certification in Texas, and passing a TExES exam is necessary for a Texas special education certification.
Can You Take a TExES Exam Without Being in a Program?
To take the TExES, one must either be enrolled in or have finished an educator preparation program. Preparation programs often coincide with the requirements and expectations of the TExES exam because the TExES program is intended to assess the knowledge and abilities necessary to teach in the state of Texas effectively.
There are, however, a few cases where this is not the case. It is possible to take the TExES exam on your own without enrolling in a teacher education program if you hold a teaching certificate from another state or have completed a teacher education program in another country.
However, you may be required to pass a subject area test and submit transcripts and other documents to prove that you meet the requirements.
Suppose you already have a bachelor’s degree and have taken a specified amount of semester hours in the topic you want to teach. You may qualify for alternative certification and bear the TExES exam without enrolling in a teacher preparation program.
You should contact the Texas Education Agency (TEA) for the most up-to-date information and particular counsel based on your circumstances, as the specific criteria may change over time.
What Is a Texas Special Education Supplemental Certification?
Special education is a supplemental certification in Texas, which can be added to a general education certification. To be eligible for a special education certification, a candidate must first obtain a comprehensive education certification in the grade level and subject area where they intend to teach special education.
To earn additional certification in special education, one must:
- Possess a valid general education degree
- Have completed an accredited particular education teacher preparation program or special education courses
- Completed the TExES Special Education EC-12 (191) certification examination.
- Comply with any additional state procedures, including fingerprints and a background check.
Noting that the particular requirements may vary, it is advisable to contact the Texas Education Agency (TEA) for the most current information on receiving an exceptional education supplemental certification in Texas.
About Us:
Jennifer Hanson is a dedicated and seasoned writer specializing in the field of special education. With a passion for advocating for the rights and needs of children with diverse learning abilities, Jennifer uses her pen to educate, inspire, and empower both educators and parents alike.