Teacher Certification

There are multiple routes to becoming a teacher in Texas. If you are interested in pursuing a career in teaching, we have information regarding options below. We are always looking for new teachers to join our CCISD family and we are excited to meet you!

See the information below, and contact us to answer any questions you may have about CCISD or the certification process.

Jennifer Brown - (361) 695-7256
Certification Officer
JenniferN.Brown@ccisd.us

Out-of-State/Out-of-Country

If you are currently a certified teacher in another state or country, you can apply for a credential review with the Texas Education Agency (TEA).

Info: https://tea.texas.gov/texas-educators/certification/out-of-state-certification

University Based or Alternative Certification Prgs

If you are not certified, there are five requirements to becoming a certified teacher in Texas:

Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university.
Complete an approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP) through a university-based program or through an Alternative Certification Program (ACP).
Pass the appropriate teacher certification exams.
Apply to be certified after all requirements are met and your EPP has verified that you are eligible.
All first-time applicants must be fingerprinted as part of a national criminal background check.

Info: https://tea.texas.gov/texas-educators/certification/initial-certification/becoming-a-classroom-teacher-in-texas

Educator Preparation Programs

For your convenience, some programs that we see most in our area are listed below:

University programs:

Texas A&M, Corpus Christi, 361-825-2662: https://www.tamucc.edu/education/certification/index.php
Texas A&M, Kingsville, 361-593-4051: https://www.tamuk.edu/education/ceps.html

Alternative Certification Programs (ACP):

Education Service Center (Region 2) – 209 North Waters St, 78401, 361-561-8400: https://acp.esc2.net
A Career in Teaching, 361-452-2482 (local office): https://acareerinteaching.org
A+ Texas Teachers, 877-888-2640: https://www.teachersoftomorrow.org/texas/
iTeachTEXAS, 940-383-8100: https://iteach.net
Teachworthy, 210-874-5094: https://teachworthy.org
Web-Centric, 832-220-3451: https://online-distance-learning-education.com

Additional links

Certification Info on TEA website: https://tea.texas.gov/texas-educators/certification
University Based Programs: https://tea.texas.gov/texas-educators/preparation-and-continuing-education/becoming-a-certified-texas-educator-through-a-university-program
Alternative Certification Programs: https://tea.texas.gov/texas-educators/preparation-and-continuing-education/becoming-a-certified-texas-educator-through-an-alternative-certification-program
TEA Approved Educator Preparation Programs: https://tea-texas.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/8fdeed6e29b741ba8bac151ac023186d
TExES Exam Registration and Info: https://www.tx.nesinc.com/Home.aspx

District of Innovation (DOI)

As of Spring 2021, CCISD is also a District of Innovation (DOI) with approval to hire uncertified teachers in Career and Technology Education (CTE) areas only. If a certified, qualified applicant is not available to fill a CTE position, non-certified, but otherwise qualified persons may be considered using the District of Innovation hiring criteria listed below.

CTE District of Innovation Hiring Criteria:

Valid and Current Certification, Licensure, or Documented Expertise in the Subject; and
Work Experience exceeding (2) years of full-time employment in the industry; and
Associates Degree or higher from an accredited college or university (preferred)