Teacher Certification

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.

Apply Today!

Teacher Certification Information Webinars

Start teaching in Texas with confidence. Region 4 Inspire Texas hosts free information webinars every Tuesday at 4 p.m. In each session, you’ll get:

A clear overview of admissions, requirements, and program costs
Guidance on test prep and certification timelines
Details on mentorship, internship placement, and job connections
Tips from program staff and recent completers

Secure your seat for an upcoming date and move one step closer to the classroom.

Steps to Certification

1. Apply

Submit a $100 non-refundable application fee (fully reimbursable through Teach for Houston), provide official transcripts, and complete the required criminal background check.

2. Coursework & Field-Based Experience

Complete preservice training, which includes online coursework and 50 hours of field-based experience (25 hours in-person + 25 hours online video observation).

3. Pass TExES Exam

Successfully complete the required state certification exams for your content area and the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR).

4. Choose Your Pathway

Select one of our routes: internship, residency, or clinical teaching.

5. Fingerprinting & Background Check

Complete Texas Education Agency (TEA) background clearance prior to certification application.

6. Apply for Certification

Once all steps are fulfilled, submit the requested documentation, and get recommended for your Texas Standard Teaching Certificate.

7. Certification Issued

TEA issues your official teaching credentials upon successful completion of all requirements.

You’re a Certified Teacher!

Pathways & Pricing


Pathway	Description	Cost & Payment Structure
Paid Internship (2 semesters)	Full salary + benefits	$5,200 if paid in full, or $5,484 via installments Begin with a $100 initial payment, then pay the remaining balance over nine (9) interest-free installments.
Residency (2 semesters)	Partial salary + benefits	$4,295 full cost, or $4,545 via installments Begin with a $100 initial payment, then pay the remaining balance over nine (9) interest-free installments.
Clinical Teaching (1 semester)	Unpaid, structured field placement	Flat rate of $3,600 Begin with a $100 initial payment, then pay the remaining balance over four (4) interest-free installments.
Summer Fast Track (8 weeks)	Intensive, self-paced format	$1,500 full cost, or $1,600 in installments Option to pay via three monthly or five bi-weekly interest-free payments.

All pathways have a $100 application fee. This fee is non-refundable, but fully reimbursable through Teach for Houston.

For more information, email r4EPSinfo@esc4.net.

Fees & Financial Aid

Application Fee: $100 (non-refundable, but reimbursable through Teach for Houston).
Preservice Training Payments: 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!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who is eligible to apply for the program?

Anyone who holds a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is eligible to apply.

Do I need a bachelor’s degree to enter the program?

Yes, a bachelor’s degree is required.

Can I apply if my degree is from outside the United States?

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.

Do I need a degree in Education?

No, a degree in education is not required.

I received my degree in the US. Where do I send my transcripts?

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: Admissions

I received my degree outside of the US. Where do I send my transcripts?

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: Admissions

How do I know if I have to take the TOEFL exam?

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.

How do I know if I am exempt from taking the TOEFL exam?

Getting a bachelor’s or master’s degree from the United States.

Completing your degree in a TEA-approved country, follow this link.

How long does Texas Teacher Certification take?

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.

When can I apply for candidacy?

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.

When can I request my Statement of Eligibility?