Omar Bennett
The criteria for what constitutes a highly qualified teacher in Texas has evolved over time. Previously, the term highly qualified was used to describe teachers who met specific standards, such as holding a bachelor's degree, being certified to teach in Texas, and demonstrating competency in their subject area. However, with the passage of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) in 2015, the term highly qualified was repealed, and the focus shifted towards ensuring that teachers are certified and licensed according to state standards. Today, the criteria for a highly qualified teacher in Texas may vary, with some sources suggesting that it is based on evaluations, such as the PDAS, or the opinion of the principal during the interview process. Nonetheless, the state continues to emphasize the importance of paraprofessionals meeting certain qualifications, particularly in Title I, Part A programs, to ensure that students receive a quality education.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Qualification | A bachelor's degree |
| Certification | Certified to teach in Texas |
| Competency | Demonstrated competency in their core academic subject area |
| Tests | Pass the TEXES exam |
| College credits | Middle and high school teachers need college credits in their subject |
| Paraprofessionals | Completion of two years of higher education |
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What You'll Learn
Teachers must hold a bachelor's degree
In Texas, teachers must hold a bachelor's degree to be considered highly qualified. This requirement varies depending on the level of education they wish to teach. Elementary teachers, for instance, need only a bachelor's degree and a passing score on the TExEs exam to be considered highly qualified. For middle and high school teachers, the requirements are more stringent. They must possess college credit in their chosen subject area, demonstrating competency beyond their degree. This typically involves completing a certain number of college hours or upper-level courses relevant to their teaching specialization.
The specific number of college hours required can vary by subject and state certifications. For example, in Texas, teachers must complete 24 college hours in their desired subject to teach in middle or high school. This ensures that teachers have a strong foundation in the subject matter they will be instructing.
The term "highly qualified" has been repealed with the passage of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) in 2015. However, ESSA still requires teachers to be certified and licensed according to state standards. In Texas, this is overseen by the Texas Education Agency (TEA), which ensures that teachers meet the necessary qualifications.
To summarize, while the specific definition of a "highly qualified" teacher may have changed, the requirement for a bachelor's degree remains a fundamental aspect of ensuring teacher competency in Texas. This degree serves as a foundation for further specialization and certification, ultimately contributing to the overall quality of education in the state.
It is worth noting that, in addition to academic qualifications, teachers in Texas may also need to undergo evaluations, such as the PDAS evaluation, to demonstrate their competency and effectiveness as instructors. This holistic approach to teacher qualification recognizes that, beyond academic credentials, practical skills and pedagogical abilities are also essential components of a successful educator.
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Teachers must be fully certified to teach in Texas
The term "highly qualified" was repealed with the passage of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) in 2015. ESSA requires teachers to be certified and licensed according to Texas state standards. This means that teachers must be fully certified to teach in Texas.
To be certified to teach in Texas, teachers must hold at least a bachelor's degree and demonstrate competency in their core academic subject area. Elementary teachers need a bachelor's degree and must pass the TExEs exam to be certified. They must also pass a test to show that they are highly qualified. Middle and high school teachers need college credit in their subject area. They must have 24 college credit hours in their subject to be certified to teach in middle or high school.
To demonstrate competency, teachers must pass a TEXes test specific to their subject. For example, to teach secondary Spanish, a teacher must pass the secondary Spanish TEXes test. This demonstrates that they are competent to teach that subject. Teachers must also be licensed to teach in Texas.
Paraprofessionals working in any type of Title I, Part A program and providing instructional support must meet the previous No Child Left Behind standards. This includes completing two years of higher education or demonstrating knowledge and ability to assist in the instruction of reading, writing, or math through a formal state or local assessment.
Overall, to be certified to teach in Texas, teachers must hold a bachelor's degree, pass the necessary TEXes exams, and meet any additional requirements such as college credit hours or licenses. By meeting these standards, teachers can ensure that they are fully certified and qualified to teach in the state of Texas.
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Teachers must demonstrate competency in their subject area
In Texas, teachers must meet specific requirements to demonstrate competency in their subject area and be considered highly qualified. While the term "highly qualified" has been repealed with the passage of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) in 2015, teachers in Texas are still required to obtain certification and licensure according to state standards.
For teachers in Texas to demonstrate competency in their subject area, they must meet certain educational requirements. Elementary teachers, for instance, typically need to hold at least a bachelor's degree and pass the required exams, such as the TExES test, to be considered highly qualified. Middle and high school teachers often have additional requirements, including obtaining college credit in their specific subject area. This typically involves completing a certain number of college hours or upper-level courses relevant to the subject they will be teaching. For example, a teacher may need 24 college credit hours in a particular subject to be considered highly qualified to teach it.
The specific subject-area competency requirements can vary depending on the subject being taught. For instance, a teacher seeking to teach secondary Spanish would need to take the secondary Spanish TExES exam and hold a degree and certification to be considered highly qualified in that subject. Similarly, teachers in other subjects may need to demonstrate competency through specific exams or by meeting particular educational requirements.
In addition to formal education, teachers in Texas may also demonstrate competency through alternative pathways. For example, they may be able to provide evidence of relevant professional development, training, or work experience that contributes to their subject-area expertise. This could include participating in specialized training programs or seeking additional certifications related to their teaching field.
Ultimately, the determination of whether a teacher demonstrates competency in their subject area in Texas is typically made through a combination of educational achievements, exam results, and, in some cases, professional development or work experience. By meeting these requirements, teachers can ensure they have the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively instruct their students in their chosen subject areas.
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Elementary teachers must pass the TExEs exam
The term "highly qualified" was repealed with the passage of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) in 2015. ESSA requires teachers to be certified and licensed according to Texas standards. However, elementary teachers in Texas previously only needed a bachelor's degree and to pass the TExES exam to be considered highly qualified.
The TExES exam is a standardized test that evaluates an individual's competency to teach a specific subject. For example, if one wants to teach secondary Spanish, they must pass the secondary Spanish TExES exam to be qualified to teach that subject. This is in addition to having a degree and being certified to teach in Texas.
The TExES exam is designed to assess an individual's knowledge and ability to teach a particular subject effectively. It covers various areas, including pedagogy, subject-specific content, and teaching methods. By passing the TExES exam, elementary teachers in Texas can demonstrate their competency and qualification to teach their chosen subject.
While the specific test structure may vary depending on the subject area, the exam generally assesses an individual's understanding of the subject matter and their ability to convey it effectively to students. Teachers can prepare for the TExES exam by reviewing the relevant subject material, familiarizing themselves with teaching methodologies, and practicing with sample test questions.
It is important to note that the requirements for becoming a highly qualified teacher in Texas may evolve over time. While the TExES exam is a crucial component, there may be additional certifications, licenses, or requirements necessary to meet the state's standards for highly qualified educators. Prospective teachers should stay informed about the most recent criteria and consult with the relevant educational institutions and authorities in Texas.
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Middle and high school teachers need college credit in their subject
The term "highly qualified" was repealed with the passage of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) in 2015. ESSA requires teachers in Texas to be certified and licensed according to the state's standards. However, prior to this, there were certain requirements that determined whether a teacher was considered highly qualified.
For middle and high school teachers in Texas, one of the requirements was to obtain college credit in their subject area. This meant that teachers needed to demonstrate competency in their specific subject by completing a certain number of college-level courses. The number of required college hours could vary depending on the subject and grade level being taught. For example, a teacher may need 12 hours of upper-level courses in addition to their basic degree to be considered highly qualified.
The rationale behind this requirement was to ensure that teachers had a strong foundation in the subject matter they would be teaching. By requiring college credit, the state aimed to guarantee that middle and high school students were being taught by individuals with a demonstrated knowledge and understanding of their specific subject area.
While the specific term "highly qualified" may no longer be in official use, the principle of demonstrating competency through college credit can still be relevant for teacher certification and licensing processes in Texas. It is important for aspiring teachers to be aware of the specific requirements and standards set by the state to ensure they meet the necessary qualifications for their desired teaching position.
Additionally, it is worth noting that there may be other factors and evaluations that contribute to determining a teacher's qualifications beyond their college credits, such as performance assessments and professional development activities. Nonetheless, obtaining college credit in one's subject area remains a crucial aspect of becoming a certified and competent middle or high school teacher in Texas.
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Frequently asked questions
The term “highly qualified” was repealed with the passage of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) in 2015. Now, teachers in Texas are required to be certified and licensed according to the state’s standards.
Elementary teachers need a bachelor's degree and to pass the TExEs exam to be qualified to teach.
Middle and high school teachers need college credit in their subject and a certain number of college hours.
