Elementary Education Degrees in Texas
The great state of Texas is home to millions, including millions of growing families with young children. For many of these families, high-quality schools are of the utmost importance. When you choose to become an elementary school teacher, you could have an impact on children in your community while getting established in a fulfilling, meaningful career. It all starts with the education and training you get from an elementary education training program in Texas.
Becoming an Elementary Teacher in Texas
Elementary school teachers are an essential component of Texas communities. Whether you want to teach kindergarten, sixth grade, or something in between, get started now. Reach out to elementary education programs in Texas to explore your degree options.
Literacy is one of the top concerns in Texas schools. Strong reading skills can predict success in other academic areas, even those that don’t appear to rely on literacy as a skill. As reading test scores have dipped, Texas schools have decided to focus on improving reading scores and overall literacy skills (Dallas News, 2017). As an elementary school teacher, you may be able to help children develop emerging literacy skills and use these skills in a variety of subject areas.
Is an elementary education degree the next step for you? If it is, make your move now and request information from elementary education degree programs in Texas.
Getting Your Elementary Education Degree in Texas
For the vast majority of new teaching students, a Bachelor’s degree is the easiest way to get started in this field. If you already have a Bachelor’s degree, you may have some other options to consider. If you have a Bachelor’s degree in education and a current teaching license, you may be able to earn a Master’s degree in elementary education. This degree requires about 30 credits, which you may earn over a period of two years. You could use your non-teaching Bachelor’s degree to enter a teacher certification program and get your license in one year or less.
If you opt for a Bachelor’s degree elementary teacher program, you can look forward to eight to 10 semesters of full-time education. Your journey begins with general education courses, which are required for all undergraduate students at Texas schools. Once you’ve earned enough credits at your institution of choice, you may enroll in the teaching program and start your in-depth teaching education.
Most elementary education programs in Texas combine theory and practice, allowing you to tackle both concurrently. This is ideal, since it lets you learn new theories and then immediately put them to work in local classroom settings. By the time you reach your student teaching semester, you should have a strong grasp of teaching techniques, concepts, and research. The time you spend as a student teacher may influence your job options after graduation. If you earn your elementary education degree online, note that you still have to meet state requirements for classroom experience.
Elementary Education Course Options in Texas
- Social Studies in Elementary and Middle School
- Math in Integrated Elementary Settings
- Science in Elementary Education
- Educating Students with Mild Disabilities
- Public Education in Multicultural Societies
- Language and Literacy
- Foundations of Education
- Elementary Content Areas
- Classroom Management
- Literacy Instruction
After you have earned your elementary education degree, you may be ready to get your teaching license. All licensing goes through the Texas Education Agency. While most states use the Praxis II exams for licensure, Texas utilizes Texas Examinations of Educator Standards. Once you pass the elementary education exam, you get your Standard Certificate.
This is your chance to get involved in a growing field and discover how you can make a difference. Get more information on local teaching programs by contacting Texas colleges and universities today.
Working as an Elementary Educator in Texas
Once you start looking for jobs, you should already have a clear picture of the job market in your area and the potential income range for a new teacher in your area. Job growth in Texas is significantly higher than what’s reported in other areas of the country. From 2014 through 2024, demand for elementary school teachers may swell 25% in Texas (O*Net, 2017). The average salary for a Texas teacher is $54,780 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017).
Early in your career, make time to look into networking opportunities and professional organizations in Texas. The Texas Classroom Teachers Association is a major resource for teachers at all levels of experience. You may gain discounted access to continuing education programs, which may help you when you have to renew your license. Members can also attend networking events that broaden their professional horizons.
Are you ready to jump into the field of education and start a new career? Browse our list of Texas education programs and reach out to those that catch your eye.
