Pathways forward
Your path to the classroom can start anywhere. Explore programs, early classroom experience, college and certification options, and opportunities to jump in while you're still in high school.
01 / Start early
District programs
Many Dallas County districts offer Career & Technical Education programs that can help you start early. Here are just a few options that combine coursework, certification, and real classroom experience.
02 / Try it out
Early experience
Want to see what teaching is actually like before you graduate? CTE pathways let you observe and assist in real classrooms.
- Garland ISD
- Grand Prairie ISD
- Richardson ISD
- Irving ISD
- Mesquite ISD
- Cedar Hill ISD
- Duncanville ISD
- Coppell ISD
- Lancaster ISD
- Sunnyvale ISD
Grow 2 Teach
Richardson ISD's Grow 2 Teach connects students who complete the CTE Teaching Internship with opportunities to launch their careers.
03 / Go to college
Education pathways
Traditional, hybrid, and flexible degree and certification programs are available across DFW. Find the one that works for you!
Traditional & hybrid degree paths
- East Texas A&M
- The University of Texas at Arlington
- The University of Texas at Dallas
- Denton Campus University of North Texas
- University of North Texas at Dallas
In-person & hybrid routes
- The University of Texas at Dallas
- Dallas Baptist University
- Southern Methodist University
- Texas Wesleyan University
- Texas Woman's University
Accelerated
TechTeach Distance's One Year Fast-Track Program offers a hybrid, accelerated path to certification.
04 / Get support
Financial supports
Grants and programs can help you pay to become a teacher, and many can be applied to certification exam fees.
G.I. Bill — Program Costs
Veterans education benefits can cover teacher certification programs approved by the Texas Workforce Commission Veterans Affairs Office. Amounts vary by benefit and program.
Learn moreG.I. Bill — Test Fees
Veterans and other eligible people can be reimbursed for the cost of certification tests through the State Board for Educator Certification.
Learn moreGrow-Your-Own Programs
Some Texas districts offer financial aid to students who agree to return and teach in the district after college. Contact your district to learn more.
PREP Program Allotment
Funds five partnership types, including preservice residency, Grow Your Own, and mentoring. In many cases the money goes directly to teacher candidates.
Teacher Loan Forgiveness
The Taxpayer-Teacher Protection Act authorizes up to $17,500 in loan forgiveness for eligible teachers.
Texas Workforce Commission
Offers special programs and incentives to help people become and remain teachers.
Other Financial Aid
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board administers grants for college. You may also qualify for other aid, student loans, or scholarships.
05 / Get rewarded
Bilingual educators
Speaking another language is a major advantage. Many Dallas County districts offer additional stipends and incentives for bilingual educators.
$5,000 hiring incentive
$5,000 hiring incentive for Elementary Bilingual (includes a $4,000 annual stipend); $500 incentive for earning an ESL certification.
Learn moreTIA Program
Participates in the state's Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) program; bilingual and ESL factor into compensation planning.
Learn more$6,000 stipend
Learn moreAssignment-based stipends
Learn more$4,000 stipend
Learn more$6,000 annual stipend
Learn moreSigning bonuses + yearly stipends
Learn more$6,000 annual stipend
Learn moreTIA Program
Participates in the state's Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) program.
Learn more
06 / Get ahead
College credits
Start earning college credit before you graduate! Some programs even offer the chance to earn an associate degree while you are still in high school.
Dallas ISD
Partnerships with Texas colleges offer academic and workforce dual-credit courses. P-TECH students can earn up to 60 hours of free college credit plus a tuition-free associate degree.
Learn moreGarland ISD
Earn 60+ credit hours and an associate degree via Early College High School and Collegiate Academy programs. P-TECH is offered at all high school campuses.
Learn moreGrand Prairie ISD
OnRamps dual enrollment partners with UT Austin, and two Early College High Schools with Dallas College offer a free associate degree.
Learn moreRichardson ISD
Dual credit through College Board, Dallas College, and UT Austin (OnRamps), with multiple P-TECH/ECHS campuses. Earn up to 42 transferable hours with added GPA weighting.
Learn moreIrving ISD
Dallas College partnership for Core Curriculum and CTE courses taught by Dallas College faculty. Singley Collegiate Academy (ECHS/P-TECH) and an EMT dual-credit track are offered.
Learn moreMesquite ISD
A pilot OnRamps program runs at three high schools, plus broader AP and dual-credit options. P-TECH/ECHS is offered at six campuses.
Learn moreCarrollton-Farmers Branch ISD
Dallas College dual credit and an Early College High School with Brookhaven / Dallas College offer a free associate degree.
Learn moreCedar Hill ISD
A Dallas County Community Colleges partnership and Early College Academy offer up to 60 college credit hours.
Learn moreDuncanville ISD
Dual credit is offered under the district's Advanced Academics program.
Learn moreCoppell ISD
A TSI / dual-credit program is offered through Coppell High School.
Learn moreLancaster ISD
A P-TECH/ECHS option with Dallas College is offered.
Learn moreSunnyvale ISD
Dual credit is offered through Dallas College.
Learn moreReal stories. Real teachers.
See where a career in teaching could take you.
Follow along
