Becoming a journalism teacher in Texas involves a series of defined steps, from earning the right degree to passing required exams and completing a preparation program. This overview walks you through each stage, so you know exactly what to expect as you move toward certification and begin preparing for the classroom.

1. Steps to Become a Journalism Teacher in Texas

Journalism teachers help students grow as writers, thinkers, and informed consumers of media. If you’re drawn to storytelling, current events, and the fast-changing world of communication, teaching journalism in Texas gives you the chance to guide students as they learn to report, analyze information, and express ideas clearly. The certification path is structured, and understanding each step will help you move forward with confidence.

Your educational background forms the core of this journey. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university is required, ideally in journalism, communications, or a related field that demonstrates strong subject knowledge. While a journalism major isn’t mandatory, it strengthens your preparation for certification exams and classroom expectations, especially when teaching reporting, media ethics, and writing fundamentals.

Texas provides several pathways for earning your teaching credentials:

• Traditional Route: Earn a bachelor’s degree with at least a 2.5 GPA and complete a university-based educator preparation program.

• Alternative Certification: For candidates who already hold a degree, TeacherBuilder offers online certification options designed for adults transitioning into teaching careers.

• Post-Baccalaureate Programs: University-based programs intended for degree holders seeking a structured route to certification.

Aspiring journalism teachers must pass the TExES Journalism 7–12 (256) content exam and the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR) Exam (160). Preparation programs typically provide study resources and guidance tailored for these assessments, helping candidates review media history, reporting techniques, ethics, and the instructional principles tested on the PPR exam.

Hands-on classroom experience is also part of the process. Teacher preparation programs typically include approximately 50 hours of classroom observation and transition into either student teaching or a paid teaching internship. These experiences help you understand the realities of teaching journalism, from managing production deadlines in a student newsroom to giving feedback on writing and supporting students through the creative process.

2. Certification Exams and Requirements for Journalism Teachers

Meeting the requirements for how to become a journalism teacher in Texas includes satisfying the standards set by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). Knowing each requirement ahead of time helps streamline the process and prevents delays as you approach testing, applications, and background checks.

Two exams are required for those entering the journalism field: the TExES Journalism 7–12 Content Exam (256) and the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR) Exam (160). The content exam measures your understanding of journalistic writing, law, ethics, media production, and communication theory. The PPR exam evaluates your readiness to teach through 100 selected-response questions that cover instructional planning, creating productive learning environments, delivering effective instruction, and fulfilling professional responsibilities.

Texas Teacher Certification Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree: Earned from an accredited college or university
• Educator Preparation Program: Completion of an approved preparation program
• Certification Exams: Successful completion of the required journalism and PPR exams
• State Application: Submission of your certification application after all steps are met
• Fingerprinting: Completion of a national background check

Be prepared for the associated fees, which include:

• TEA Technology Fee ($35)
• Content Exam ($116)
• PPR Exam ($116)
• Fingerprinting ($50)
• Certification Application Fee ($78)

Once certified, educators must keep credentials current through continuing professional education (CPE) hours, along with periodic renewal.

Having a clear understanding of these requirements allows you to move smoothly into the next stage, preparing thoroughly for the certification exams. TeacherBuilder offers structured support designed specifically for Texas candidates.

3. Prepare for Certification Exams with Teacher Builder

When learning how to become a teacher in Texas, do not forget about exam prep. Strong exam preparation is essential for anyone pursuing a journalism certification in Texas. TeacherBuilder offers targeted tools and resources designed to match the expectations set by the Texas Education Agency.

One notable advantage is access to 240Tutoring, a respected test-preparation platform included at no additional cost through TeacherBuilder. This gives candidates a solid foundation in both content knowledge and teaching strategies.

TeacherBuilder’s self-paced online structure is especially helpful for adults balancing work or family responsibilities. Candidates can progress through the material as their schedule allows, while still receiving clear guidance throughout the certification process.

• Access detailed study materials tailored to journalism content and pedagogy
• Use practice tests aligned with TEA standards to measure progress
• Work through self-paced online modules that fit around professional and personal commitments
• Receive individualized support from certification specialists familiar with Texas requirements

There is no required order for completing coursework and testing. The only expectation is that candidates provide a testing date within 30 days of entering the program. This model supports career-changers and recent graduates alike, making it possible to complete all requirements without unnecessary delays. TeacherBuilder’s structured approach helps you stay focused and organized from the beginning of the program to the moment you pass your exams.

4. Launching Your Career as a Journalism Teacher in Texas

With certification to be a teacher in Texas complete, you’re ready to step into the classroom. Texas has a consistently high demand for qualified teachers, supported by a growing youth population, about 36% of residents under the age of 18. Pairing your journalism background with the state’s educational needs can open the door to a meaningful and stable career.

Start by preparing a resume and cover letter that highlight your journalism experience. Include writing samples, editing or media production projects, community involvement, and any leadership roles from school newspapers, media clubs, or professional work. TeacherBuilder offers resume and interview preparation webinars that help candidates present their qualifications effectively. Once your application materials are ready, there are several practical ways to position yourself for hiring and prepare for your first year in the classroom:

• Network strategically: Reach out to journalism departments, attend district job fairs, and participate in Texas journalism educator communities online.
• Use trusted job resources: Browse openings on the Texas Education Agency job board, district hiring portals, and TeacherBuilder’s job-placement team.
• Join professional organizations: Groups like the Journalism Education Association (JEA) and the Texas Association of Journalism Educators provide mentorship, conferences, and instructional resources.
• Prepare for year one: Expect 11 classroom observations during your first year of teaching and note that a mentor must be assigned within the first three weeks.

As you establish your program, focus on giving students opportunities to produce real work. This may include launching a school newspaper, podcast, broadcast segment, or digital media platform. These projects help students develop reporting skills, evaluate sources, apply ethical standards, and learn to communicate with clarity and purpose.

A strong journalism classroom encourages exploration, curiosity, and responsibility. Your influence extends beyond writing. Students learn to think critically about the media they consume and create, giving them tools they will use far beyond high school.

If you’re ready to teach in Texas, Teacher Builder provides a streamlined, flexible path to certification. With support available across more than 25 certification areas, including Journalism, their online alternative certification program offers comprehensive guidance from application through job placement. Begin your path today and move closer to a meaningful teaching career. Learn more and apply now!