Teacher Certification

There are multiple routes to becoming a teacher in Texas. If you are interested in pursuing a career in teaching, we have information regarding options below. We are always looking for new teachers to join our CCISD family and we are excited to meet you!

See the information below and contact us to answer any questions you may have about CCISD or the certification process.

Jennifer Brown - (361) 695-7256
Certification Officer
Email Jennifer Brown

Out-of-State/Out-of-Country

If you are currently a certified teacher in another state or country, you can apply for a credential review with the Texas Education Agency (TEA).

Info from TEA

Info: Foreign Credential Evaluation Services

University Based or Alternative Certification Prgs

If you are not certified, there are five requirements to becoming a certified teacher in Texas:

  • Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university.

  • Complete an approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP) through a university-based program or through an Alternative Certification Program (ACP).

  • Pass the appropriate teacher certification exams.

  • Apply to be certified after all requirements are met and your EPP has verified that you are eligible.

  • All first-time applicants must be fingerprinted as part of a national criminal background check.

Info about becoming a classroom teacher in Texas.

Educator Preparation Programs

For your convenience, some programs that we see most in our area are listed below:

University programs:

Alternative Certification Programs (ACP):

Additional Links

District of Innovation (DOI)

As of Spring 2021, CCISD is also a District of Innovation (DOI) with approval to hire uncertified teachers in Career and Technology Education (CTE) areas only. If a certified, qualified applicant is not available to fill a CTE position, non-certified, but otherwise qualified persons may be considered using the District of Innovation hiring criteria listed below.

CTE District of Innovation Hiring Criteria:

  • Valid and Current Certification, Licensure, or Documented Expertise in the Subject; and

  • Work Experience exceeding (2) years of full-time employment in the industry; and

  • Associate's Degree or higher from an accredited college or university (preferred)

CCISD's DOI plan was amended in June 2023 and October 2024 to include:

Flexibility to hire a teacher who is currently certified in another subject to teach a course outside of their certification area based on their education, skills, background, and/or experience.

and

If a certified qualified candidate is not available to fill a position to teach LOTE or ASL course in grade 6-12, a person may be considered using the District of Innovation hiring criteria listed below.

  • a certified teacher in another subject who has a minimum of 12 college credit hours in the foreign language or ASL, has the skills, knowledge, and life experiences in the language, and is able to perform the duties assigned to that position ; or

  • a non-certified, but otherwise qualified person who hold a Bachelor's Degree with a minimum of 12 college credit hours in the foreign language (or an Associate's Degree in ASL for an ASL elective course), has the skills, knowledge, and life experiences in the language, and is able to perform the duties assigned to that position they will teach.

Additionally, the district will have the flexibility to hire Associate Teachers that meet the requirements below:

  • Current community college or university instructors, or

  • Individuals with a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree who are currently seeking and/or willing to obtain Texas teacher certification within two (2) years.

Contact

Jennifer Brown
Certification Officer
(361) 695-7256
Email Jennifer Brown