Become a Certified Teacher in Texas with Region 4 Inspire Texas
Whether you’re a recent graduate, career changer, paraprofessional, substitute, or returning educator, our flexible pathways—Paid Internship, Residency, Clinical Teaching, or Accelerated Model—support you every step of the way.
For more information, email r4EPSinfo@esc4.net.
Our Value at a Glance
TEA-Approved
Trusted by Texas. Region 4 Inspire Texas is a Texas Education Agency (TEA)-approved program with 30+ years of proven success.
Certified Quality. Proven Support.
Quality Matters®-certified courses, expert mentors, and personalized support—built to prepare you for the classroom.
Flexible Entry Points
Start when you’re ready. Monthly cohorts make it easy to begin on your schedule.
Proven Success
88% pass rate for Inspire Texas teachers. Our expert training, coaching, and support prepare you to succeed on your exams and in your classroom.
Pathways & Pricing
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| Pathway | Description | Cost & Payment Structure |
| Paid Internship (2 semesters) | Full salary + benefits | $5,200 if paid in full, or $5,484 via installments.
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| Residency (2 semesters) | Partial salary + benefits | $4,295 full cost, or $4,545 via installments with identical payment arrangement. |
| Clinical Teaching (1 semester) | Unpaid, structured field placement | Flat rate of $3,600.
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| Accelerated Model (8 weeks) | Intensive, self-paced format | $1,500 full cost, or $1,600 in installments.
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All pathways have a $100 application fee. This fee is non-refundable, but reimbursable through Teach for Houston.
For more information, email r4EPSinfo@esc4.net.
Fees & Financial Aid
- Application Fee:Â $100 (non-refundable, but reimbursable through Teach for Houston).
- Preservice Training Payments:Â Begin with $100/month, with full payment due upon placement for internship or clinical teaching.
- Support Opportunities:
- Teach for Houston offers fee reimbursement and scholarship funds.
- Workforce Solutions may provide up to $6,000 toward certification.
- Incentives available for certification areas like bilingual education, STEM, and special education
Get Started Today!
Free Information Webinars
Join us for a Region 4 Inspire Texas information meeting to explore how you can become a certified teacher in Texas. You’ll get all the details on program requirements, admissions, fees, and hear directly from those who’ve completed the program.
Bring your questions, and let’s talk about your future!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is eligible to apply for the program?Â
- Anyone who holds a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is eligible to apply.Â
Do I need a bachelor’s degree to enter the program?Â
- Yes, a bachelor’s degree is required. Â
Can I apply if my degree is from outside the United States?Â
- Yes! If your degree is from outside the U.S., you are welcome to apply. However, your official transcripts must first be evaluated course-by-course by an approved credential evaluation service to confirm U.S. equivalency.Â
Do I need a degree in Education? Â
- No, a degree in education is not required. Â
I received my degree in the US. Where do I send my transcripts? Â
- Your university must send your official transcripts directly to us by email or mail. Transcripts must come directly from the issuing institution to be considered official. They may be emailed to transcripts@esc4.net. Or mail directly to us at 7145 W Tidwell Rd, Houston, TX 77092 ATTN: AdmissionsÂ
I received my degree outside of the US. Where do I send my transcripts? Â
- Send all documents that have undergone credential evaluation to international@esc4.net or mail them directly to us at 7145 W Tidwell Rd, Houston, TX 77092 ATTN: AdmissionsÂ
How do I know if I have to take the TOEFL exam?Â
- You will need to take the TOEFL if your degree was not earned in the United States or in a country where English is the official language of instruction.Â
 How do I know if I am exempt from taking the TOEFL exam? Â
- Getting a bachelor’s or master’s degree from the United States. Â
- Completing your degree in a TEA-approved country, follow this link.
How long does Texas Teacher Certification take?Â
- Here at Region 4: Inspire Texas, the program is self-paced. Coursework can be completed in as little as 8 weeks for non-STR-impacted areas. Candidates have 1 year to complete the program from the date of their formal acceptance. Â
When can I apply for candidacy?Â
- You can apply for candidacy after you have completed the following: 150 hours of coursework/training, 50 hours of field-based experience, and passed all of your exams. Â
When can I request my Statement of Eligibility? Â
- Complete 150 hours of coursework/training Â
- Complete 50 hours of field-based experienceÂ
- Pass TExES and PPRÂ
I have completed all the necessary steps, and I am ready for my SOE. Where do I go?Â
- Please email SOETeacher@esc4.net. Â
How much does the program cost?Â
- View the information in the Pathways and Pricing section above.
Are there additional fees for exams or certification?Â
- Â Yes. Books, study materials, and all required certification exams are separate from program fees and must be paid for by the candidate.Â
Are there payment plans or financial aid options available?Â
- Yes! For more information, please contact region4epsfinance@esc4.net.Â
Where can I discuss payment options and finances? Â
I am ready to take my test. Where do I request permission?Â
- Please send all test permission requests to testpermission@esc4.net Â
Do you offer test prep help? Â
- Yes, we offer 240 tutoring and Certify TeacherÂ
What exams will I need for certification? Â
- Texas requires candidates to pass the content-specific TExES exam and the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities exam (PPR)Â Â
Resources
Contacts
Assistant Director
Assistant Director