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How Do I Become a Teacher?

How do I Become a Teacher?

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West Texas A&M University offers a traditional undergraduate program with teacher certification, a graduate program with teacher certification, or an alternative teacher certification program for those who already have a bachelor's degree. All programs are accredited by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and include course work and training, field-based experiences, certification testing, and supervised teaching experience.

Step 1: Choose the grade level and content area you want to teach.

  • Teaching certification areas are available based upon state standards and the content area and grade levels you wish to teach.
EC - Grade 6
  • Core Subjects with Bilingual Preparation
  • Core Subjects with ESL Preparation
Grades 4-8
  • Core Subjects
  • English Language Arts & Reading
  • English Language Arts & Reading/Social Studies
  • Mathematics
  • Mathematics/Science
  • Science
  • Social Studies
Grades 6-12
  • Agriculture Science & Technology 6-12
  • Business Education 6-12
  • Computer Science 8-12
  • Dance 6-12
  • English Language Arts & Reading 7-12
  • History 7-12
  • Journalism 8-12
  • Life Science 7-12 (Biology major)
  • Mathematics 7-12
  • Physical Science 6-12 (Chemistry major)
  • Science 7-12
  • Social Studies 7-12
  • Speech 7-12
EC - Grade 12
  • Art
  • LOTE-Spanish
  • Music
  • Physical Education (SES major)
  • Special Education 
  • Theatre Arts

Step 2: Select the appropriate teacher preparation program. 

Teacher Preparation with a Bachelor's Degree

This traditional undergraduate program is for students seeking a bachelor’s degree along with their teacher certification. Students will take the university core curriculum, plus content hours in their teaching field, as well as professional education coursework. 

Teacher Preparation with a Master's Degree

The Master of Arts in Teaching is a graduate-level program for individuals who have earned a bachelor's degree and wish to enter the teaching profession.  

Post-baccalaureate Teacher Certification

The Panhandle Alternative Certification for Educators (PACE) program is an online, university-based teacher certification program for individuals with a bachelor's degree who want to make a career transition into the teaching profession. The program, which ultimately culminates in Texas educator certification, begins with testing, early field-based experiences, and online graduate coursework. An eligible candidate may be employed as a Texas teacher or may complete clinical teaching under the supervision of an experienced teacher.

Contact Us

We are located in Old Main 413 and 415. 

Office of Educator Preparation (806) 651-2668
Dr. Crystal Hughes Executive Director of Educator Preparation (806) 651-2605
Gilbert Antunez Associate Director of Educator Preparation
Director of Field Experience and Placement
Lead Certification Officer		 (806) 651-2908
Ray Rigoni Certification Support
Academic Advisor for Secondary Students		 (806) 651-2642
Dr. Robin Johnson Testing Coordinator (806) 651-2610
Allison Kleman Teacher Residency Site Coordinator (806) 651-2916
Heidi Brooks Lead Academic Advisor (806) 651-3625
Pyxa Sovilay PACE Coordinator (806) 651-2613
Aubrye Ham Administrative Associate III (806) 651-2668

Upcoming Certification Changes

TEA Testing Notifications

The following content-pedagogy assessments will be updated to include both multiple-choice and constructed-response questions. The dates below represent the current target launch date and are subject to change to a later date. Any updates to the schedule will be made on this site.

All new assessments will have approved new or updated exam frameworks released about 12-18 months before the scheduled launch and will be posted online as soon as they become available.

TEA Notification Small

Discontinued Exams and Deadlines to Apply