Teachers play a significant role in motivating and inspiring students to dream big and work hard to achieve their goals. If you want to make a difference in students’ lives and are wondering how to become a teacher, Region 4 Inspire Texas is the solution.
Whether you are a recent college graduate, changing career paths, a paraprofessional, a substitute, or new or re-entering the workforce, we offer various instructional models in our teacher certification program. Our staff will help you choose a model that best meets your needs and support you throughout your journey.
Your journey to completing an alternative certification program begins! In as little as one year, you can become a Texas-certified state teacher. The Region 4 Inspire Texas Teacher Certification Program offers a comprehensive approach toward preparing you for Region 4 classrooms with the flexibility to suit your budget and your schedule. Along the way to becoming a state teacher, you can choose which type of training works best for you: online instruction or blended instruction (a combination of online and in-person classes).
As your training to become a state teacher continues, you will work as either a paid full-time teaching intern for one year or as an unpaid clinical teacher alongside an experienced teacher for 14 weeks. Either way, we have you covered throughout the entire process. Our state teacher candidates have unparalleled access to experienced state teachers for mentoring and networking. If you’ve been asking yourself how to become a Region 4 teacher in Houston, TX, you’ve found the perfect solution for your next major career move with our alternative certification program!
At Region 4 Inspire Texas, we believe in breaking down financial barriers to education. Through scholarships, loans, and flexible payment plans, we ensure that aspiring educators have access to our alternative certification program. Our goal is simple: to empower passionate individuals to pursue their teaching dreams without worrying about program costs. Explore our financial aid options today and take the first step towards a rewarding career in education.
TEACH for Houston
We know that applying to an Educator Preparation Program can be a big decision, and you may have questions along the way. Our partners at TEACH for Houston (1) have created a suite of free tools and services that help future teachers like you navigate the process of becoming a teacher. Features:
- An interactive tool (2) to compare educator prep programs in the area.
- $100 fee reimbursements (3) towards application and testing expenses.
- 1-on-1 expert advice (4) for any question along the way.
- How-to guides (5) for eligibility, applications, testing and finances.
The Region 4 Teacher Apprenticeship Program aims to strengthen, diversify, and stabilize the teaching workforce by recruiting and retaining prospective teachers.
Region 4 partners with school districts throughout the state to establish and sustain the Teacher Apprenticeship Program, while meeting the unique needs of each district community.
Joining the Teacher Apprenticeship Program is an investment by the apprentice teacher, the mentor teacher, and sponsoring school district as it creates a pathway into a thriving, well-supported teaching career.
Key Contacts

713.744.8196

713.744.8113
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.
Pathway A
Pre-Classroom Training with a Two Semester Paid Internship Experience- self-guided online courses
- Onsite and Technology Based Field based experience hours
- Subscription of 240 tutoring’s or certify teacher
- Enrollment in test preparation courses
- Placement for one school year
- Full Salary and emplouee benifts
- Readiness profile shared with districts
- Internship matching support
If you are working towards becoming a professional educator in Region 4 and beyond, we can help you gain the required accreditations with our alternative certification programs. Our agency offers a variety of state teacher certification programs for all grade levels and subject matters, as well as alternative teacher certifications.
Explore the options below and feel free to contact us for more information. When you are ready to take the next step in your educational career, click “APPLY NOW” and we’ll help you get started on completing all your state and alternative teacher certifications! We offer in-person and online teacher certification programs.
ALL LEVELS (EARLY CHILDHOOD–GRADE 12)
- Art
- Health
- Music
- Physical Education
- Special Education
EARLY CHILDHOOD–GRADE 6
- Art
- Health
- Music
- Physical Education
All TExES exams are administered as computer-administered tests (CAT).
The fees are $116 for most TExES exams, and $58 for individual Core Subjects exams (#901-905). The Texas.gov fee will continue to be assessed.
Testing Vendor
TExES, TExMaT, TASC, and TASC-ASL
Vendor: Pearson
Phone: 800.877.4599
The Region 4 Inspire Texas Online Substitute Training is a cost-effective, self-paced online solution that provides quality interactive training and increases your effectiveness as a substitute teacher. Your role is essential for maintaining continuity on what students learn in class by supporting and advancing the lesson plans of the classroom teacher.
Training includes topics on:
- the professional and routine duties of the substitute teacher,
- the basics of instruction and classroom organization, and
- principles of classroom management.
If your goal is to substitute teach in elementary and/or secondary schools, this course is designed for you. Take advantage of this innovative e-learning course to effectively support the students in your classroom. This training is an affordable way for participants to gain or improve their substitute teaching skills.
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.
Region 4 Inspire Texas is partnering with districts around the state to help launch your career as a Texas teacher. Leverage your bachelor’s degree to join a teacher residency program and earn while you learn!
Read on if you’re interested in how to become a teacher. We offer a wide range of educational programs to get you on your way to becoming a state teacher in the near future.
House Bill 3, passed during the 86th Texas Legislature, established the requirement that all teacher candidates who teach students in grades Pre-K-6 demonstrate proficiency in the science of teaching reading on a new, standalone teacher certification exam. This requirement takes effect on January 1, 2021.
- Application materials and FAQs can be found here.
- Follow the instructions for completing the test limit waiver application found here.
- Please note: all educational activities must be completed after your last unsuccessful attempt. A list of approved CPE Providers can be found here.
- Inspire Texas will not complete Section C until we have received a complete application to review.
Once your application is complete, please email a copy to r4epsinfo@esc4.net.
If all areas of the application are complete, we will complete section c and return it to you.
Submit your completed application to TEA.