• A valid teaching certificate is required in the state of Texas to teach.  The first step is to obtain a bachelor’s degree, complete a certification program, and pass the certification exams. Visit the TEA website for more information.

• Complete the online application.  Ensure your information is up-to-date and the application is as 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 with TEA for a review of your 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. 

Waxahachie 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 TEA to have your out-of-country credentials reviewed.  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: 

• Completion of an undergraduate or graduate degree earned at an accredited US institution. US territories are excluded. 
• Completion of an undergraduate or graduate degree earned at an institution of higher education in a country outside the United States approved by the State Board of Educator Certification (SBEC) or;  
• Verification of minimum scaled scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test. 
  • Speaking -24 
  • Listening – 22 
  • Reading – 22 
  • Writing – 21