● Educator Certification · TEA-Approved

Region 4 Inspire Texas

An alternative certification program based in Houston, preparing teachers, principals, counselors, and superintendents across Texas for more than thirty years.

30+
Years certifying educators 		99th
NCTQ percentile, teacher prep 		4
Certification pathways

What Is the Inspire Texas Program?

Region 4 Inspire Texas is an alternative certification program based in Houston and approved by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). For more than thirty years, it has certified teachers, counselors, principals, and superintendents across the state — offering flexible, TEA-approved pathways designed to fit around a candidate’s existing work and life, whether completed online or in person.

Direct district connections

As part of the largest education service center in Texas, candidates connect directly with Region 4 school districts.

Mentor & field supervisor support

Every candidate is paired with experienced mentors and field supervisors throughout the program.

Exclusive job fair access

Candidates get access to the largest education job fair in the Texas Gulf Coast.

Our Mission

Preparing confident educators who inspire scholars across the state of Texas to reach their full academic, social, and emotional potential.

As part of the largest education service center in Texas, Inspire Texas connects candidates directly with Region 4 school districts and exclusive access to the largest education job fair in the Texas Gulf Coast.

Teacher Quality Project

A research-based certification experience built to go beyond state minimums — candidates complete rigorous admissions steps, pass TExES exams prior to practicum, and work alongside vetted mentors and cooperating teachers.

99th
Percentile, elementary prep 		99th
Percentile, secondary prep

Policies & Partnerships

Details that matter once you’re evaluating a specific path.

Background Check Policy

All candidates undergo a criminal history background check. Region 4 and Inspire Texas reserve the right to disqualify an applicant with a disqualifying criminal history record, per TAC §227.1(d). Candidates are notified when the report runs and may request their own results. Re-entry after a deferral of six or more months requires a new background check.

Applicants with a prior criminal conviction may request a preliminary criminal history evaluation letter from TEA to determine eligibility before applying. View the TEA FAQ →

University of St. Thomas Collaboration

Inspire Texas partners with the University of St. Thomas on two advanced degrees: a 30-hour M.Ed. in Educational Leadership leading to the Principal as Instructional Leader certificate, and a 48-hour M.Ed. in Counselor Education focused on school counseling.

Email admissions@stthom.edu for registration information.

Prior Coursework & Military Credit

Under 19 TAC §228.35(a)(5)(A-B), Region 4 Inspire Texas recognizes relevant prior experience toward certification requirements. Military service members and veterans may receive credit for verified service, training, or education directly related to their pursued certification. Non-military candidates may request to substitute prior training or education completed within the past five years, if directly related and outside internship or practicum requirements.

To request a review, email r4epsinfo@esc4.net with your certification area and supporting documentation (transcripts, certificates, course descriptions).

Ready to look closer at a path?

Each certification page covers requirements, timeline, and cost in detail.

Teacher Principal Counselor Superintendent