How to Start Teacher Certification in Texas Before You Graduate

If you are considering pursuing teacher certification in Texas, you may already know that in most cases, a conferred bachelor’s degree is required. However, many candidates are unsure when to begin the certification journey. Or, how to transition from college student to certified teacher. At the ESC Region 13 Educator Certification Program (ECP), we are here to support you at every stage, whether you are just starting your degree or getting ready to enter the classroom. This article provides a step-by-step guide to how to start teacher certification in Texas before you graduate.

Where to Start Teacher Certification

The first step is understanding where you are in your journey toward earning a bachelor’s degree. Let’s look at two options.

Option 1: A Traditional Education Degree Program

Some colleges and universities offer teacher certification as part of a degree program. This can be a great option if you are just beginning your college experience.

If you choose this route, it’s important to understand what the final year of your program looks like.

Ask questions like:

• Does the program include clinical teaching (unpaid student teaching), residency (unpaid or stipend), or internships (full-time teacher pay)?
• Will you be able to earn an income while completing your certification requirements?
• What level of flexibility does the program offer?

Understanding these details early can help you select a program that aligns with your personal and financial needs.

Option 2: Complete Your Degree, Then Pursue Certification

Another common pathway is to complete a bachelor’s degree (in any field) and then enroll in an alternative certification program (ACP), such as ESC Region 13 ECP.

Your degree does not need to be in education. However, we strongly encourage you to take coursework aligned with the subject or grade level you hope to teach. This helps position you for success in certification and the classroom.

Learn more about why this matters in our “Why Certification Alignment Matters” blog article.

Flexible Degree Pathways with ESC Region 13

The ESC Region 13 ECP partners with organizations that make earning your degree more accessible, especially for working adults. Let’s look at two organizations that partner with ESC Region 13 ECP.

Degree Partners + SNHU

Degree Partners is a Texas-based nonprofit that helps working adults earn flexible, affordable college degrees through its nonprofit university partner, Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). SNHU is one of the few institutions in the country accredited to provide direct assessment, competency-based education.

Together, Degree Partners and ESC Region 13 offer a strong pathway for aspiring teachers. Degree Partners provides access to SNHU’s flexible, asynchronous degree programs, along with professional coaching and wraparound support to help students persist through graduation. ESC Region 13 then supports students as they complete their teacher certification requirements.

Interested in taking the next step toward becoming a certified teacher? Learn more at https://degreepartners.org/educator-pathway/ and schedule a call with Degree Partners at https://degreepartners.org/get-started/. 

Grand Canyon University (GCU)

Grand Canyon University (GCU) is helping address America’s teacher shortage by making teacher education more affordable and accessible. 

Scholarships Available

• 32% off online education bachelor’s programs
• 25% off online education master’s programs

Flexible Online Learning

• One class at a time
• Complete field experiences and student teaching in your local district

Personalized Support

• Fast transcript evaluations
• Teacher licensure and certification exam guidance
• Ongoing career support through the GCU College of Education Promise

Ready to make an impact? Apply Today and explore your scholarship opportunities:

• https://c.gcu.edu/tyler.moyer – for South Austin Area
• https://c.gcu.edu/Jason.Cooper – For the Central and North Austin Area 

When to Start Certification

Timing matters. And, new updates make it easier to begin sooner.

Beginning August 2, 2026, the Texas Administrative Code (TAX) rules will be updated to state:

Candidates can be contingently accepted into an alternative certification program during the final 16 weeks of their degree program. 

Current rules state that candidates can be admitted within the semester they are conferring their degree.

This means you don’t have to wait until after graduation to begin preparing for certification.

During your final semester, you can:

• Research certification programs 
• Apply to ESC Region 13 ECP 
• Submit required documents (transcripts, proof of expected graduation, etc.) 
• Complete orientation 
• Begin certification coursework 

This early start helps you transition smoothly from student to teacher.

What Happens Next in the Certification Process

Once you begin with ESC Region 13 ECP, you’ll follow a structured, supportive pathway that includes:

• Preservice training and classroom preparation 
• Securing a paid teaching position 
• Completing a full-year internship 
• Meeting certification requirements and passing exams

Our team supports you every step of the way. In particular from your first course to earning your standard teaching certificate.

Preparing Educators for Impact

At ESC Region 13, we do more than help candidates meet requirments. We prepare educators to:

• Lead classrooms with confidence 
• Build meaningful student relationships 
• Grow into leadership opportunities 
• Make a lasting impact in Texas schools 

Your Teaching Journey Starts at ESC Region 13

Teaching is one of the most meaningful ways to make a difference — and your path can begin sooner than you think. 

Whether you’re just starting your degree or preparing to graduate, ESC Region 13 ECP is here to guide you every step of the way. 

Contact us for more information or to ask specific questions at:

• Website: teach.esc13.net
• Email: ecp@esc13.txed.net
• Phone: 512-919-5366

You can also explore one of our many certification-related articles on the ESC Region 13 blog. Your path to becoming a certified Texas educator can start today!