Elementary Teacher Certification
Begin your rewarding career as an elementary teacher in Texas!
Become A Certified Elementary Teacher
Elementary Certification is for candidates seeking certification in Core Subjects EC–6, ESL, Bilingual Education, or Special Education. Offered statewide, this certification can be obtained in multiple learning formats: online, in-person, and hybrid. You can choose the path that fits your schedule and learning style.
Participants receive comprehensive test preparation and pre-service training focused on the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the elementary classroom, including classroom management, the science of teaching reading, and instructional delivery.
Throughout the program, you’ll receive ongoing support from your cohort leader and experienced educators, both in and out of the classroom. Our program prepares you for the realities of teaching while helping you develop reflective practices that support your continued growth beyond your first year.
We’re honored to be part of the beginning of your teaching career and look forward to walking alongside you throughout your certification journey.
Elementary Certification Options
Core Subjects EC-6 - ESL
The Core Subjects EC-6 certification area will allow a participant to teach English language arts and reading (ELAR), math, science, social studies, music, art, health and physical education in Early Childhood (EC) through Grade 6.
The English as a Second Language (ESL) Supplemental exam will be added to this certification area to help participants learn the foundations of ESL education, cultural awareness, family and community involvement, language concepts, language acquisition, and ESL instructional strategies to use in a diverse classroom with English learners.
Core Subjects EC-6 - Bilingual
The Bilingual Core Subjects certification area will allow a participant to teach English language arts and reading (ELAR), and Spanish language arts and reading (SLAR), math, science, social studies, music, art, health and physical education in Early Childhood (EC) through Grade 6, in an English/Spanish bilingual environment. Participants must demonstrate a near-native proficiency level in speaking, reading, writing, and listening in Spanish to qualify for this program.
Core Subjects EC-6 - Special Education
If you are interested in teaching at the elementary level in Special Education, you can obtain both the Core Subjects EC-6 certification and the Special Education Specialist certification. The Special Education Specialist EC-12 certification area allows a participant to teach children with disabilities in a variety of classroom settings from Early Childhood (EC) through grade 12. These classroom settings include early childhood special education (ECSE), life skills, resource, inclusion, and behavior programs.
Dual Certification - Bilingual Core Subjects and Special Education
This dual certification allows a participant to become certified in Bilingual Core Subjects EC-6 and Special Education EC-12.
Certification Options
View all the certification options available through ECP
Program Requirements
Bachelor's Degree
Candidates must have a degree earned from and conferred by an accredited institution of higher education.
Min 2.5 Grade Point Average
Official College Transcripts
Request your official transcripts be sent to the ECP office.
Content Area Proficiency
Candidates must meet the content area proficiency requirements specific to their program.
Submit Application
Complete our online application with all required documents.
Requirements
View your content area's specific certification requirements
Curriculum
Our certification program curriculum is aligned with Texas Education Agency standards and educational best practices. All curriculum is taught by certified staff and content area experts.
In addition to the pre-service training, Elementary participants will receive training specific to their certification program which includes:
- delivering engaging instruction
- developing and using student assessments
- understanding student diversity and instructional differentiation
- preparing for formal classroom observations
- preparing for TExES PPR exam
- preparing for TExES content exams
- preparation for the Science of Teaching Reading exam (STR)
- facilitating guided reading, writing and math
- integrating science and social studies content into lesson planning
- managing stations in the elementary classroom
- training specific to Early Childhood (Pre-K), Primary (1st – 2nd), Intermediate (3rd – 6th)
- overview and integrations of read aloud and balanced literacy
Digital Literacy
In our certification program, technology is an integral part of the curriculum and instruction. Our program emphasizes:
- incorporating the effective use of current technology in instruction
- utilizing technology applications in problem-solving situations and project-based learning activities
- using developmentally appropriate instructional practices, activities, and materials to integrate the Technology Applications TEKS into the curriculum
- utilizing learning management systems to increase communication with student families on academic and behavioral progress
What’s Next?
Info Sessions
Find out more about our programs by attending one of our info sessions.
Apply
Complete our online application and take the first step in becoming a fully certified teacher.
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