Not having a bachelor’s degree in education should not deter you from pursuing your passion of becoming a teacher. If transitioning to teaching has been on your mind ever since you were in high school, then there are ways you can become a teacher now.

Can You Teach in Texas without a Degree?

Yes — but only in a limited way. You can work in education roles such as substitute teacher, paraprofessional, or teacher’s aide without a bachelor’s degree. These positions let you gain classroom experience while you work toward a degree. To become a fully certified teacher in Texas, you’ll eventually need at least a bachelor’s degree plus completion of an approved educator preparation program. Starting now in support or substitute roles is a smart way to build experience and move toward certification.

Jobs That Don’t Require Certified Teachers

While Texas law requires teachers to be certified, there are exceptions for certain roles and circumstances. Some school districts and private institutions may hire individuals without certification for specific positions.

• Not-For-Profit School Jobs

While it is true that you have to be certified to be able to teach at a high school or an elementary school as a subject teacher, some private or charter schools don’t ask for state licensure or a teaching degree.

• Substitute Teacher Jobs

Substitute teaching gigs are an excellent way to gain real classroom experience, especially for recent graduates without teaching certification. You can also apply for a preschool teacher or teaching assistant job, even with an associate’s degree.

• Emergency Teacher Jobs

You will need to receive an emergency teaching certificate. It is a temporary license awarded to teach in certain areas. Some of these areas include foreign languages, STEM subjects, and special education.

• Private and Charter Schools

Some private and charter schools may hire non-certified teachers, particularly for subjects with high demand.

Texas and other states grant this certification, where qualified candidates are in short supply. Bachelor’s degree holders in the related field have to pass the licensing exam to get the emergency teacher status.

Alternative Teacher Certification Programs (ACPs)

If you have a master’s degree, just not in education or teaching, you can become a teacher in a public or private college or a university. If you don’t, you can enroll in a master’s program in education or teaching. Otherwise, there are Alternative Certification Programs (ACPs) that can help you become a teacher in Texas.

What Are ACPs?

Alternative Certification Programs (ACPs) are accelerated pathways for individuals without education degrees to earn certification while teaching. They can be completed in as little as a year and often include supervised internships or clinical experiences (TEA).

How to Get Started

1. Choose your subject/grade area for certification based on your interests and background (TEA).

2. Select a TEA-approved program—available through universities, community colleges, Education Service Centers, or approved private providers.

3. Meet the entry requirements, including GPA, basic skills, and content knowledge.

4. Enroll in and develop your certification plan, which includes coursework and hands-on training.

5. Secure a teaching internship or placement, often with mentorship and supervision.

6. Apply for a Probationary Certificate, valid for one year during your internship.

7. Complete program requirements and apply for standard certification once all training and assessments are completed.

An ACP is a teaching certification designed for graduates of an unrelated field. You can become teachers in K-12 public schools and teach the subject in which you majored. After completing the program, you can apply to the Texas Department of Education.

Can You Be a Teacher With an Associate’s Degree in Texas?

With only an associate’s degree, you cannot hold a full Texas teaching certificate, but you still have options. You may qualify for roles such as a teacher’s aide, paraprofessional, or substitute teacher. While you work, you can complete your bachelor’s degree and then enter an alternative certification program to become a fully certified teacher. This route allows you to gain hands-on classroom experience while progressing toward full licensure.

Program Spotlight: Teacher Builder

If you’re seeking an accessible, fully online ACP, check out Teacher Builder’s online certification program. It’s designed for flexibility and efficiency, helping candidates become certified in weeks rather than years.

Program Timeline Comparison

Types of Alternative Teaching Programs (ACPs) in Texas

The TEA (Texas Education Agency) designs the ACP’s and set the guidelines, which means the general standards, pre-service training, and grading are the same as traditional programs.

Typically, these short and intensive alternative programs allow you to get your teaching license faster than the traditional routes of the education program. TFA (Teach for America) and TNTP (The New Teacher Project) are two popular non-profit programs that allow you to be a teacher in underserved communities without a degree. These programs can be classroom-based or online format, and you may be eligible to get financial aid from the US government. The Teacher Builder is a similar program that assists you in getting a full teaching degree.

Probationary Certificate

To complete the teaching assignment in an ACP program in Texas, you will be granted a Probationary Certificate, with a validity of one year. To receive this, you should apply online and submit a recommendation for the certificate program that you are completing. The procedure is the same for career and technical alternative certification programs.

Transferring Teaching Certificates from another State

If your issue is that you do not have a teaching certificate from Texas, but hold one from another state, there is a possibility that you can transfer it here. Texas recognizes specific out-of-state teaching licenses, provided you pass the assessments designed by Texas-certified educators and meet the general requirements.

FAQs

Q: Can I become a certified teacher in Texas without a degree?
A: Yes—with a relevant bachelor’s degree, you can use an ACP or emergency certificate. Those without a degree can teach in limited roles (e.g., Career and Technical Education, CTE) if they meet the experience and credential guidelines.

Q: How long does an ACP take?
A: Most programs can be completed in about 1 year, including coursework and internship requirements (Teacher Builder.

Q: Do private schools accept non-certified teachers?
A: Often—especially for substitute roles or teaching assistant positions. Some private and charter schools do not require state licensure.

Q: What’s an emergency certificate, and who qualifies?
A: A short-term license granted in areas with teacher shortages to degree-holders, such as STEM or special education fields. Certification exams are typically required.

Becoming a teacher in Texas without a traditional education degree is achievable through alternative certification programs and non-certified teaching roles. Additionally, various career alternatives in the education sector can leverage your skills and experience. It’s essential to research and consider all available options to find the path that best aligns with your career goals.

👉 Ready to take the next step in your teaching journey? Learn more about Teacher Builder’s alternative certification programs.

This article does not contain legal, educational, or government advice. As regulations can change from time to time, readers are advised to check with their local education departments to receive up-to-date information.