Want to become a teacher and make a difference? Region 4 Inspire Texas offers flexible certification options and support to help you get started.
You’ll get all the details on program requirements, admissions, fees, and hear directly from those who’ve completed the program. Register for one of our weekly virtual information sessions here.
Questions? Give us a call at 713.744.6323 or email us at r4epsinfo@esc4.net today!
- Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
You must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Candidates with various degree backgrounds are eligible. - Enroll in an Approved Educator Preparation Program
Complete a Texas Education Agency-approved program (like ours), which prepares you to meet all state certification requirements. - Pass State Certification Exams
Take and pass the certification exams that match your intended teaching area. - Gain Classroom Experience
Choose a pathway:- Internship (full-year paid position)
- Clinical Teaching (one-semester unpaid placement)
- Get Fingerprinted
Complete a national background check through fingerprinting. - Apply for Certification
After completing all requirements and passing exams, apply for your Texas Standard Teaching Certificate.
If you would like to learn more about how to become a teacher in the state of Texas, Region 4 Educator Preparation can answer your questions. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team to learn more!
What You’ll Need to Apply
To begin your certification journey, you must:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
- Have a minimum GPA of 2.50, either:
-
- on all coursework attempted, OR
- on your last 60 semester credit hours
It All Starts with Completing Your Online Teacher Certification!
Step 1: Apply
Complete the online application. The application fee is $100 and is non-refundable. Submit the following documents to Region 4 Inspire Texas at least five (5) days prior to the application deadline.
- Official transcript(s) emailed to transcripts@esc4.net or mailed/dropped off in sealed envelopes, of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university with a minimum 2.50 GPA.
- Service record, if you have prior teaching experience.
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you would like your transcript(s) returned to you.
PLEASE SEND ALL MATERIALS TO:
Region 4 Inspire Texas
7145 W. Tidwell Rd., Houston, TX 77092
If you hold a degree from outside of the U.S., please click here for international candidate application requirements.
NOTE: You have up to 60 days to complete the online application once it is started.
After your application is submitted and documents received, you will be notified of your acceptance into the program and the certification areas for which you are eligible.
Step 2: Register for Training
Region 4 Inspire Texas pre-service training is offered multiple times a year.
ONLINE (16-31 WEEKS)
* Depending on the area of certification (EC-6/4-8 Core Subjects, 4-8 ELAR, and ELAR/SS 31 weeks, Single/Dual 16 Weeks).
Online training is offered monthly (twelve times a year). It is fully supportive and instructor-led, and it provides flexibility as you complete your certification coursework. You can complete this program anywhere there is web access, allowing you to work at your own pace.
Click here for training schedules and deadlines.
Courses meet the needs of various learning styles. Should further accommodations be necessary for disabilities, please contact our offices at 713.744.6323 or r4epsinfo@esc4.net. We will be happy to assist with the appropriate accommodation.
Step 3: Begin Classroom Experience
After completing pre-service training and passing the corresponding content TExES exam, you will then have an opportunity to complete either a 1-year paid internship or a 14-week unpaid clinical teaching assignment.
INTERNSHIP
You will apply for and accept a salaried position in an accredited Texas public, private or charter school of your choice. As you work toward completing your certification requirements, you will serve as a teacher of record with the roles and responsibilities of a first-year teacher, including a first-year teacher salary, any benefits provided by the district or charter school, and Teacher Retirement System (TRS) enrollment.
CLINICAL TEACHING
You will teach alongside an experienced, certified teacher as a clinical teacher for 14 weeks. Clinical teaching is a guided assignment that allows you to practice before you teach. Clinical teaching is unpaid and no district benefits are provided; however, it is a shorter route to certification than an internship. Candidates must undergo a criminal history background check prior to clinical teaching.
[19 TAC §227.1(b)(2)]
Step 4: Get Certified
The final stage is here!You are required by the Texas state board for educator certification to pass a minimum of two tests for obtaining teacher certification. Specific certification areas require additional tests.
TEXES CONTENT EXAM
All teacher candidates must pass the designated state certification content and PPR exams. Test permission is given once candidates engage in successful test preparation.
All candidates are required to go through a criminal history background check. Region 4 reserves the right to disqualify an applicant who has a criminal history record. Per TAC §227.1 (d) The EPP has informed applicants and candidates of the required information regarding criminal history. The applicant will be notified when the report is run, and Region 4 Inspire Texas receives the results. In addition, the applicant has the right to request their results. Candidates who defer the program and re-enter after six (6) months will go through a new criminal history background check.
Please note: Applicants who have committed and been convicted of a criminal offense, per the Texas Administrative Code §227.1 (d)(1), may be ineligible for certification as a teacher in the State of Texas. Per the Texas Administrative Code §227.1 (d)(1), applicants have the right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the Texas Education Agency to determine if a convicted criminal offense has rendered them ineligible. Full information on this process may be found at: https://tea.texas.gov/texas-educators/investigations/preliminary-criminal-history-evaluation-faqs.
Region 4 Inspire Texas teacher training includes a built-in network of education professionals who contribute not only to your preparation as a teacher but also to professional development throughout your career in education. Unlike many other programs, Region 4 Inspire Texas provides more than just training. Your fees include expert instructor-led coursework and Quality Matters© certified curriculum, class cohorts, mentorships, free job fairs, the ability to certify in other areas of education, and direct resources from our parent organization—Region 4 Education Service Center.
Upon acceptance into our program, you have the option of paying your pre-service training fee in monthly installments. The remaining balance is not due until you land your first teaching job (Internship or Clinical Teaching). We do our best to provide affordable solutions for you while you’re on your journey to getting your teacher certification.
Choose Your Certification Pathway
Internship Pathway
- Two-semester paid internship
- Full salary and benefits
- Mentor teacher and field supervisor support
- Starts August–March
- $100 application + $5,200 paid in full or $5,484 in installments
Clinical Teaching Pathway
- One-semester unpaid experience
- Paired with a cooperating teacher
- Starts August/September or January
- $100 application + $3,600 flat rate
Accelerated Option Pathway
- 4-day week, 8-week self-paced model
- Ideal for fast-track learners
- $100 application + $1,500 paid in full or $1,600 in installments
All Pathways Include:
- Quality Matters™ certified online courses
- Test prep tools (240 Tutoring or Certify Teacher)
- Field-based experience hours
- District matching and support
- Coaching from a certified field supervisor
TEACH for Houston offers personalized support and resources for every step of the journey into teaching. As part of their commitment, they reimburse up to $100 in application-related fees for candidates applying to partner Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs), including Region 4 Inspire Texas. This initiative helps reduce the financial burden of starting a teaching career.
To access reimbursement and explore scholarship opportunities, follow the steps outlined below.
- Initiate TEACH for Houston Application:
- Begin your application with TEACH for Houston by visiting TEACH for Houston Application.
- Apply to Our Program:
- Upon completion of the TEACH for Houston application, proceed to apply to our program via teacher application. Please note that a $100.00 application fee is required to qualify for the reimbursement.
- Reimbursement Process:
- After submitting the application fee, you may request a $100.00 reimbursement through TEACH for Houston. Use the following link to access the reimbursement request form. Ensure that you are signed in to your TEACH for Houston account for a seamless experience.
Additionally, TEACH for Houston extends the opportunity for a limited number of $1,000 scholarships to applicants partnering with Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs) involved in their regional partnerships. If you wish to apply for the scholarship, please use this link. Successful scholarship recipients will receive further instructions within 15 business days of the scholarship deadline.
- $1,000 Future Teacher Scholarship:
- Apply by April 30, 2024: ontch.org/houftscholarship431
Workforce Solutions (Teacher Program only)
Region 4 Inspire Texas is an approved provider for Workforce Solutions scholarships, supporting training for high-skill, high-growth careers. When applying, select “Region 4 Education Service Center” to align with our partnership for faster processing and added support.
Approved certification areas include:
We recommend providing Workforce Solutions with at least a 30-day window to process your financial application documentation needed for the issuance of a service voucher.
-
- Chemistry (Grades 7-12
- Core Subjects 4-8
- Core Subjects EC-6
- English Language Arts and Reading (Grades 4-8) with STR
- English Language Arts and Reading (Grades 7-12)
- Family and Consumer Sciences (Grades 6-12)
- Life Science (Grades 7-12)
- LOTE Spanish All-Levels (Early Childhood-Grade 12)
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- Physical Education All-Levels (Early Childhood-Grade 12)
- Physical Science (Grades 6-12)
- Social Studies (Grades 4-8)
- Social Studies (Grades 7-12)
- Core Subjects and Bilingual (Early Childhood-Grade 6 and/or Grades 4-8)
- Math (Grades 4-8 and/or Grades 7-12)
- Science (Grades 4-8 and/or Grades 7-12)
- Special Education All-Levels (Early Childhood-Grade 12)
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) - College Access Loan (CAL) Program
The College Access Loan (CAL) Program, offered by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, helps Texas students cover the full cost of attending college. It provides an alternative funding option for those who need additional financial support beyond traditional aid.
Military OneSource
Military OneSource is provided by the Department of Defense at no cost to active duty, Coast Guard, and Reserve service members (regardless of activation status), their families, and survivors. Visit Military OneSource today at http://www.militaryonesource.mil or call 800-342-9647.
Veteran Readiness and Employment (Chapter 31)
Region 4 Inspire Texas is approved to accept benefits under Chapter 31: Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E). This program supports eligible Veterans and Service members with service-connected disabilities in preparing for, finding, and maintaining employment.
To use Chapter 31 benefits with our program, Veterans must work with a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) to determine eligibility. Please note that this benefit applies only to the Veteran or Service member.
To learn more or apply, visit VA VR&E or call 800-698-2411 (ext. 0).
Contact Us
For inquiries regarding financial aid options and support, please contact our Office of Finance Support within the Educator Development Department:
Email: region4EPSfinance@esc4.net
Phone: 713.744.6381
ALL LEVELS (EARLY CHILDHOOD–GRADE 12)
- Art
- Health
- Music
- Physical Education
- Special Education
- Theatre Arts
- LOTE (Languages Other Than English): Arabic, Chinese, Chinese (Mandarin), French, German, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Latin, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, Vietnamese
EARLY CHILDHOOD–GRADE 6
- Core Subjects
- Core Subjects and Bilingual
- Core Subjects and ESL
GRADE 4–8
- Core Subjects
- Core Subjects and Bilingual
- Core Subjects and ESL
- Math
- Science
- Social Studies
- English Language Arts and Reading
- English Language Arts and Reading/Social Studies
- Math/Science
GRADES 6–12
- Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources
- Family and Consumer Sciences Composite
- Physical Science
- Technology Education
GRADE 7–12
- Chemistry
- English Language Arts and Reading
- History
- Journalism
- Life Science
- Math
- Math/Physics
- Science Composite
- Social Studies Composite
- Speech
CTE (CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION)*
- Family and Consumer Sciences Composite
- Hospitality, Nutrition, and Food Sciences
- Human Development and Family Studies
*INSPIRE TEXAS’ CTE areas of certification require a bachelor’s degree.
Due to this certificate inventory, we do not accept SOQ in lieu of a degree with certification area-aligned coursework.
Are You Ready To Complete Your In-Person or Online Teacher Certification?
Reach out to our team to learn more about Region 4, our alternative certification programs, and online teacher certification programs.
The Region 4 Inspire Texas Online Substitute Training is an affordable, self-paced course designed to prepare individuals for success in the classroom. As a substitute teacher, you play a vital role in maintaining instructional continuity by supporting and implementing the teacher’s lesson plans.
This interactive training covers essential topics such as professional responsibilities, instructional basics, classroom organization, and effective classroom management strategies. Whether you’re new to substitute teaching or looking to strengthen your skills, this course offers practical guidance to help you thrive in both elementary and secondary school settings.
We welcome your interest in applying here at Region 4 Inspire Texas. Please read carefully the information within this section if your background and education are from Puerto Rico or a foreign country.
Getting Started
If you are applying for bilingual teacher certification and your bachelor’s degree or equivalent comes from a non-English-speaking university outside the United States, the following is required:
Application Requirements
- A four- or five-year university degree: Degree from an accredited college or university in the United States or equivalent.
- A four- or five-year university degree from outside of the U.S. must be evaluated, verified, and deemed equivalent to a bachelor’s degree by an approved credential evaluation service. When requesting your credential evaluation from one of the approved TEA evaluation companies, please make sure to request it to include, GRADE by GRADE, GPA, and VERIFICATION. Please visit the TEA website for a list of approved credential evaluation companies.
- GPA: 2.50 Grade Point Average (GPA) or equivalent.
- English Language Proficiency Assessment: Must be demonstrated before preservice training by one of the following:
-
- Completion of an undergraduate or graduate degree at an institution of higher education in the United States.
- Proof of oral English language proficiency through verification of minimum scaled scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-based Test (TOEFL iBT) of 20 for speaking, 17 for listening, 18 for reading, and 17 for writing. You may use the institution code 4805 when registering for the TOEFL on the ETS website to have scores submitted directly to Region 4 Inspire Texas. NOTE:TOEFL scores are valid for two years after the test date. If your scores are older than two years, you will be required to retest.
- Please register at the Education Testing Center (ETS)
- Information concerning the Texas Education Agency English language proficiency requirements, including new score requirements for the Test of English as a Foreign Language – Internet Based Test (TOEFL-iBT)
- List of countries outside of the United States approved by the State for Educator Certification (SBEC).
** Region 4 Educator Certification offers preparation and test administration for the TOEFL exam.
5. Credit hours in content areas:
-
- Core Subjects EC–6, Special Education, ESL, and Bilingual EC–6 areas of certification: 24 total semester hours including English, mathematics, science, and social studies with a minimum of 3 semester hours in each subject.
- Core Subjects 4–8, Special Education, ESL, and Bilingual 4–8 areas of certification: 36 total semester hours including English, mathematics, science, and social studies with a minimum of 6 semester hours in each subject.
- Mathematics 4–8 and/or 7–12: 15 semester hours must be in mathematics.
- Composite Science 4–8 and/or 7–12: 15 semester hours in science and at least 6 semester hours in at least two teachable subjects.
- Documents Needed
- Copy of “diploma” and copy of “cédula professional” (Only for Mexico graduates)
- Copy of diploma stating that a bachelor’s degree was conferred
- Original transcripts from all universities attended
- Original credential evaluation (if available)
- Criminal history record (“Carta de no-antecedentes penales”)
Please Mail Materials To:
Region 4 Inspire Texas
7145 West Tidwell Road
Houston, Texas 77092
OR
Email To:
INTERNATIONAL@esc4.net
(Please do not include any message in the body of the email.)
Please Allow 10 Days for Document Review
After your application is submitted and documents are received, you will be notified via email of your acceptance into the program and the certification areas for which you are eligible. When you receive your notification, choose the training date that works best for you.
Getting Certified
TExES Content Exam
All teacher candidates must pass the designated state certification content exam. Test permission for all content exams is given after the completion of the 240 Tutoring or Certify Teacher practice exam and a score of at least 80% is obtained.
Pedagogy Exam (PPR)
All candidates will take the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR) EC–12 exam, and must pass it to receive a standard teaching certificate.
Pre-Requisite Training (Phase One)
Pre-Requisites Program Fee
We offer two courses to help candidates pass the TOEFL iBT test:
-
- Effective Writing for Educators (EWE)—5 weeks online $250
- TOEFL Review Course—6 weeks online $295
If a candidate has the English proficiency to pass the TOEFL independently, they will not need these two courses.
University Courses
If a candidate needs university courses to meet the minimum credit hour requirements, they will pay the university directly. $200 (each course)
Teacher Program Fees
Once you are accepted into the teacher training program (Phase 2), training and candidacy fees are combined for your convenience. Explore the different pathways available by visiting our Program Cost and Fees page.
Additional Fees Required for Certification
TOEFL iBT: Varies by Location
Certification Tests: $116 per exam
Probationary/Intern Teacher Certificate fee: $78
Standard Teacher Certificate fee: $78
Criminal History Check Fee: $52
NOTE: Textbooks and materials fees will depend on syllabus requirements.
Free Teacher Information Meetings
Any questions? Many questions? Seek answers about the certification process by attending a free information meeting. Learn about our programs, admissions, costs, alumni experiences, and more. We know it’s a significant step, and we want you to be in the best position to make a well-informed decision.
Self-Paced Training
Online training is conducted entirely on your computer or mobile device. This format maximizes convenience and allows you to work at your own pace within the training time frame.
Program Start Dates
June 4, 2025
Location: Zoom
Application Deadline: May 28, 2025
Registration Deadline: May 30, 2025
June 18, 2025
Location: Zoom
Application Deadline: June 11, 2025
Registration Deadline: June 13, 2025
July 9, 2025
Location: Zoom
Application Deadline: June 25, 2025
Registration Deadline: June 27, 2025
July 23, 2025
Location: Zoom
Application Deadline: July 16, 2025
Registration Deadline: July 18, 2025
August 6, 2025
Location: Zoom
Application Deadline: July 30, 2025
Registration Deadline: August 1, 2025
August 20, 2025
Location: Zoom
Application Deadline: August 13, 2025
Registration Deadline: August 15, 2025
Clinical Teaching Timelines
Clinical teaching allows you to practice before you teach on your own. It is an unpaid, 490-hour assignment in which you will teach alongside an experienced, certified teacher. Clinical teaching is a shorter route to certification than the teaching internship, which is one school year (75,600 minutes) placement.
Fall 2025
Application Deadline: June 23, 2025
Requirements Deadline: July 7, 2025
Clinical Orientation: August 6, 2025
Start Date: August 18, 2025
End Date: December 19, 2025