K-12 Teachers

THE ABCs OF TEACHING

Preparing the Minds of Tomorrow's Workforce

The majority of teachers work in the public-school system teaching kindergarten through 12^th graders. The remainder work in private or charter schools. There is a general shortage of teachers at all levels and across all subjects. Improving the quantity and quality of teaching begins with one individual choosing to join the education effort at a time. Shortages are most critical in STEM-specific disciplines but  exist in general education. The Gulf Coast Region faces a growing need to increase the number of residents pursuing teaching careers.

Why there's a shortage:

• The Gulf Coast Region's population growth rate is nearly three times that of the nation
• The existing workforce is approaching retirement age
• New courses are being introduced by the state of Texas

Why consider teaching as a career?

• Make a meaningful impact on young people
• In-demand nearly everywhere
• Steady above-average pay and solid benefits
• Signing bonuses and high starting salaries offered to attract teachers

Estimates show an annual job opening of 8,175 and nearly 100,000 teachers employed by 2026.

Depending on school district and grade taught, teachers in the Gulf Coast start out at around $51,000 a year and can earn up to $67,000 or even more with experience.

You can start your career path early by choosing a Public Service endorsement in high school.

The basic requirements for becoming a teacher in Texas are:

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university

• Completion of teacher training through an approved program

• Successful completion of the appropriate teacher certification tests for the subject and grade level you wish to teach

Other certifications are available to certify teachers' qualifications for specific age ranges and subject matters that they can teach. Look into these and if an employer requires them.

THE PAY IS GOOD!

**Additional information can be obtained at the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB).

**The Texas Education Agency (TEA) also provides significant amount of additional information about numerous topics of interest to current and future teachers.

Alternative Certification Programs

Alternative certification programs are attractive to individuals that may not have initially made teaching a career choice. Many school districts offer alternative certification programs. Persons that currently possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university interested in a teaching career should contact individual school districts for details.

• Lone Star College
• HCC
• Region IV ESC

Gulf Coast Region Educator Preparation Programs

The State Board for Educator Certification has approved the educator preparation programs as part of the undergraduate degree programs offered at the area universities listed below. For more information about these university-based programs as well as post-baccalaureate and alternative/accelerated programs, visit Educator Certification Online System (ECOS).

Universities

• Houston Baptist University
• Prairie View A & M University
• Rice University
• Sam Houston State University
• Texas Southern University
• Texas Woman's University
• University of Houston
• University of St. Thomas

If you have questions about our Industry/Occupation Profiles or are an organization in the Gulf Coast Region, please contact webmaster@wrksolutions.com.

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