A valid teaching certificate is required in the state of Texas in order to teach.  The first step is to obtain a bachelor’s degree, complete a certification program and pass the certification exams. More information can be found on the TEA site.  (TEA website link) 

Complete the online application.  Make sure that your information is up to date and the application is complete as possible.  

If you already hold a teaching credential from another state or US territory, and are seeking certification in Texas, you must apply for a review of credentials .   The credentials include official transcripts from all colleges and universities, copies of all standard teaching certificates, and proof of English language proficiency if you earned your degree outside the United States. 

Grand Prairie ISD is actively seeking candidates in critical shortage areas, including bilingual, ESL, Special Education, Math and Science.  If you are certified in another country, you must apply to have your out of country credentials reviewed through TEA.  If your undergraduate or graduate degree was not earned in the US, you will also need to pass the TOEFL exam. 

TEA recognizes the following as proof of English proficiency: 

1.  Completion of an undergraduate or graduate degree earned at an accredited US institution. US territories are is excluded. 

1. Completion of an undergraduate or graduate degree earned at an institution of higher education in a country outside of the United States approved by the State Board of Educator Certification (SBEC) or;  

1. Verification of minimum scaled scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT). 

• Speaking -24 
• Listening – 22 
• Reading – 22 
• Writing – 21