Across the country—big cities, small towns, red states, and blue—schools are struggling to find enough teachers. Texas, in particular, has faced a significant teacher shortage for over a decade, primarily due to high turnover rates. To fill the gap, schools are increasingly hiring teachers through accelerated teaching programs in Texas, some with little to no classroom training before they start teaching.
These accelerated degree programs offer a fast and flexible option for becoming a licensed teacher. Whether you’re switching careers, already working in education, or just finished college, these programs are designed to get you into the classroom quickly, often in just 12 to 18 months.
This article will help you understand how a fast-track teacher certification Texas program works. We will also include a list of the top programs, both online and on-campus.
Related:
- 5 Key Requirements for Entering an Accelerated Education Degree Program
- Fast-Track to the Classroom: The Rise of Accelerated Education Degrees
- Accelerated Teaching Degree Programs in New York
- Top Accelerated Teaching Degree Programs in California
What Is an Accelerated Teaching Degree Program?
An accelerated teaching degree program typically takes between 12 to 18 months to complete. They are designed to provide you with the essential skills and knowledge needed to become a licensed teacher.
There are a few different types of accelerated teaching programs in Texas:
- Undergraduate Programs: If you don’t yet have a bachelor’s degree, some universities offer fast-paced undergraduate teaching degrees, allowing you to earn a degree and certification together.
- Post-Baccalaureate/Alternative Teacher Certification Texas: Often called ‘one-year teaching program Texas, this program focuses on preparing you for a teaching career quickly in just one year.
- Accelerated teaching programs are often structured with a focused curriculum, flexible scheduling, and online or hybrid delivery options. Many of these programs are designed to lead directly to the Texas Teaching Certification (TExES exams).
Who Should Consider an Accelerated Teaching Program?
These teaching credential programs in Texas are ideal for several types of people:
- Career changers
- Paraprofessionals, substitute teachers, or teacher’s aides
- Adult learners
- Individuals already working in schools or childcare settings
If this sounds like you, an accelerated program could be your quickest route to a rewarding teaching career. And with many online education degrees Texas offers, you can get certified from home on a flexible schedule.
Key Features of a High-Quality Accelerated Teaching Program
When selecting the ideal accelerated teaching degree program in Texas, several key factors should be considered. A high-quality program should include:
- TEA Approval: The program must be approved by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to ensure that it aligns with state standards and leads to teacher certification.
- Affordability: Look for programs with reasonable tuition or those offering scholarships and financial aid to support future educators.
- Online or Hybrid Options: Many programs offer flexibility through online or hybrid formats, which makes them ideal for working professionals or individuals with family obligations.
- Field Experience & Student Teaching: A strong program includes hands-on experience through fieldwork or student teaching. This is especially important if you’re exploring Texas teaching degree programs online.
- Certification Exam Prep: A good program will provide support in preparing for the Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES), which you’ll need to pass to become fully certified.
- Job Placement Assistance: The best teaching degrees in Texas partner with local school districts or offer job placement support, helping graduates secure teaching positions quickly.
Top Accelerated Teaching Degree Programs in Texas
Here’s a list of some of the top online education degrees Texas offers, both online and in-person.
1. Texas Tech University – TechTeach Across Texas (Online)
Program Overview
- As one of the best accelerated bachelor’s in education Texas has, this online program prepares you for certification in elementary and secondary education.
Program Format & Duration
- Delivery: Fully online
- Timeline: 12–15 months
Cost & Financial Aid
- Tuition: $18,000
- Aid: Scholarships and financial assistance are available
Certification Path
- Endorsements: Elementary & secondary education across various subjects
- Approval: TEA-approved and includes full TExES prep
Why It’s a Top Choice
- Flexible online format lets you keep working while you train, with a high-quality curriculum and smooth path to licensure.
2. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley – Alternative Certification Program
Program Overview
- UTRGV’s Alternative Certification Program offers a flexible, fast-track route for those with a bachelor’s degree who want to become certified teachers.
Program Format & Duration
- Delivery: Hybrid
- Timeline: 12–18 months
Cost & Financial Aid
- Tuition: $695.40 per credit
- Aid: Financial aid is available for eligible candidates
Certification Path
- Endorsements: Grades 4–8 and 8–12 in various content areas
- Approval: TEA-approved with TExES preparation built-in
Why It’s a Top Choice
- Known for attentive faculty and strong local community ties to help you launch your teaching career
3. Sam Houston State University – Post-Baccalaureate Certification
Program Overview
- Offers an intensive, accelerated route to certification. It is specifically designed for individuals who have already earned a bachelor’s degree and are looking to transition into teaching quickly.
Program Format & Duration
- Delivery: Hybrid (online + in-person)
- Timeline: 12 months
Cost & Financial Aid
- Tuition: $5,995
- Aid: Scholarships available for future teachers
Certification Path
- Endorsements: EC–6, secondary, and special education
- Approval: TEA-approved and includes TExES exam prep
Why It’s a Top Choice
- Strong student-teaching placements in local schools give you valuable hands-on experience.
4. Stephen F. Austin State University – EC–6 Accelerated Teaching Program
Program Overview
- In the EC-6 concentration, you’ll learn the theory and methods for teaching early childhood and elementary students. It covers early childhood, elementary education, literacy, and more, giving you the skills to engage young learners effectively.
Program Format & Duration
- Delivery: Mostly in-person with some online components
- Timeline: 12–18 months
Cost & Financial Aid
- Tuition: $5,564
- Aid: Financial aid is available for qualifiers
Certification Path
- Endorsements: EC–6 plus bilingual and special education options
- Approval: TEA-approved with TExES prep included
Why It’s a Top Choice
- Stellar faculty support and well-structured field placements in early childhood classrooms
5. Texas A&M University-Commerce – Fast-Track Teacher Certification
Program Overview
- If you have a bachelor’s and want to teach, this online certification fits you! It combines 18-36 hours of online classes with fieldwork and teaching practice.
Program Format & Duration
- Delivery: Hybrid (online + in-person)
- Timeline: 1.5-2 years
Cost & Financial Aid
- Tuition: $1,000 per term
- Aid: Scholarships available
Certification Path
- Endorsements: Covers both elementary and secondary levels across subjects
- Approval: TEA-approved; includes prep for TExES
Why It’s a Top Choice
- Great district partnerships make landing a teaching job easier post-graduation
6. Region 13 Education Service Center – Alternative Certification Program
Program Overview
- Offers an excellent option for individuals looking to get certified quickly without having to earn another degree. It is a highly flexible program with an emphasis on real-world experience.
Program Format & Duration
- Delivery: Fully online with field placements
- Timeline: 12–18 months
Cost & Financial Aid
- Tuition: $6,375
- Aid: Financial support options available
Certification Path
- Endorsements: All Content Areas
- Approval: TEA-approved with TExES prep integrated
Why It’s a Top Choice
- Emphasizes hands-on experience and strong connections to school districts for practical training
7. Texas Teachers of Tomorrow – Online (Statewide)
Program Overview
- One of the largest alternative certification providers in the state, this online program supports a wide range of students making the jump into teaching.
Program Format & Duration
- Delivery: Fully online
- Timeline: 12–15 months
Cost & Financial Aid
- Tuition: $5,495
- Aid: Payment plans and financial aid options are available.
Certification Path
- Endorsements: Elementary, secondary, special education, ESL, and more
- Approval: TEA-approved with full exam prep included
Why It’s a Top Choice
- This fast-track teacher certification in Texas offers robust mentorship, comprehensive TExES prep, and strong job placement support.
Career Outlook for Teachers in Texas
Earning one of the best teaching degrees in Texas positions you to meet the rising demand for qualified educators across the state. In fact, the Texas Workforce Commission projects an impressive 11% increase in teacher demand across all grade levels by 2028.
Additionally, graduates of teaching credential programs in Texas can expect competitive starting salaries, typically ranging from $50,000 to $60,000, depending on the district and level of experience. Many rural and high-need schools offer bonuses, and the state provides loan forgiveness for teachers in shortage areas.
Tips for Choosing the Right Accelerated Program
With so many teacher prep programs Texas offers, it’s important to choose a program that fits your lifestyle, goals, and budget. Here’s a quick overview to help you make the best decision:
- Confirm TEA approval and certification eligibility.
- Consider the program’s format: asynchronous lets you study anytime, synchronous requires live attendance, and hybrid combines both.
- Review field placement opportunities and support to gain essential classroom experience.
- Check exam pass rates, especially for the Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES).
- Evaluate total costs and explore financial aid, scholarships, and loan forgiveness programs.
- Look for accelerated teaching programs in Texas offering job placement assistance or strong connections with local schools.
Conclusion
The top accelerated teaching degree programs in Texas have become essential pathways for aspiring educators. They offer flexible online and hybrid models that accommodate working adults and career changers.
If you’re ready to explore Texas teaching degree programs online/on campus, remember only to consider TEA-approved ones. Otherwise, you risk enrolling in a program that won’t lead to proper certification.
