Elementary Teacher Certification (online)
Begin your rewarding career as an elementary teacher in Texas! Our online Elementary Certification Cohorts offer flexible pathways to teacher certification to individuals across the state.
Become A Certified Teacher
Our online Elementary Certification Cohorts are designed to provide pathways for those interested in pursuing teacher certification in Elementary Education, Elementary Special Education, or Bilingual Education. Participants in this cohort may choose a blended model of online courses and virtual classes through Zoom, or a hybrid model of in-person and online courses. This program is open to anyone in the state of Texas.
Participants can expect test preparation for exams and pre-service training built around classroom management, instructional planning, instructional delivery, and professionalism. Participants will receive continuous support both in and out of the classroom provided by their cohort leader and experienced educators. Our live, virtual classes give you the opportunity to learn and see effective teaching practices in action and spend time applying the practices to your own instruction.
This is certification cohort is ideal for participants who are motivated to stay on top of self-paced learning and can manage intensive test preparation.
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.
Bilingual Core Subjects EC-6
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.
Middle Level
The middle-level certification areas will allow a participant to teach in grades 4-8. The online Elementary Cohort offers multiple certification options:
- Core Subjects 4-8 (includes all content areas: English language arts and reading (ELAR), math, science, and social studies in grades 4-8)
- English Language Arts and Reading 4-8
- English Language Arts and Reading / Social Studies 4-8
- Mathematics 4-8
- Mathematics/Science 4-8
- Science 4-8
- Social Studies 4-8
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 the classroom.
Special Education Core Subjects EC-6
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 certification.
In your application, select Elementary Special Education. Your Cohort Specialist will work with you to confirm the best certification combination to ensure you meet the Texas Competency Requirements and are fully prepared to teach in inclusive or self-contained elementary classrooms.
Elementary (online) Learning Formats
Live Online
- Learning Style: Fully remote with the convenience of online coursework plus live virtual instruction for interaction and collaboration.
- Best For: Candidates across Texas who want flexibility, prefer learning from home, and still value live online interaction.
- Format: Self-paced online coursework combined with live Zoom sessions. Coursework evenly split before and during internship with “just-in-time” sessions.
Balanced Hybrid
- Learning Style: Blends in-person learning with the flexibility of online coursework. Offers structure with added independence.
- Best For: Candidates near Region 13 who are self-motivated but value occasional in-person community and hands-on activities.
- Format: Combination of self-paced online coursework and live in-person classes at Region 13 ESC. Coursework evenly split before and during internship with “just-in-time” sessions.
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
Minimum 2.5 GPA on all coursework or 2.75 in the last 60 semester hours of completed coursework.
Official College Transcripts
Request your official transcripts be sent to the ECP office.
Content Specific Coursework
Candidate’s college transcript must reflect the minimum semester hours required for the certification area and a minimum coursework GPA of 2.5.
Pre-Admission Content Test
Applicants who do not meet the content specific course work requirement may submit evidence of a passing score on the Pre-Admission Content Test (PACT).
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.
Training
- delivering engaging instruction
- integrating content specific strategies into lesson design
- 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
- implementing Marzano’s high-yield strategies
- developing and using a variety of questioning strategies
- integrating the core principles from The Fundamental Five
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.