In the decade leading up to 2012, the number of English Language Learners (ELLs) in Texas grew by nearly 100,000 students. Fast forward to 2024, and that number has soared past 1.2 million, representing over 20 percent of the state’s student body, according to the Texas Education Agency. ESL teachers in Texas serve as a vital bridge between these students and opportunities for academic achievement and lifelong success.
- Liberty University Offers Undergrad Cert and B.Ed. in English as a Second Language.
- The Grand Canyon University offers a Masters of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Program and a B.A. in Secondary Education.
- Arizona State University - Online Offers Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages, MTESOL
- Campbellsville University Offers an ESL Endorsement (P-12).
- St. John's University Offers a Ph.D. in Literacy: Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
Certified ESL teachers earn a median salary of $64,000-$64,500 annually (BLS, 2025 estimate), with top opportunities spanning from El Paso to Houston. Ready to join this rewarding field? Follow these steps to become an ESL teacher in Texas and earn your ESL certification.
Step 1. Earn a Degree in TESOL with a Teacher Prep Program
Earning a bachelor’s degree is your first step toward meeting Texas’s licensure and TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certification requirements, as set by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and the State Board for Educator Certification. Your degree must include an approved educator preparation program (EPP). Already have a degree? You can enroll in a standalone EPP—check options at our TESOL programs page.
Texas offers three ESL certification paths based on grade levels:
- ESL Generalist (Grades 4-8)
- ESL Generalist (Early Childhood-Grade 6)
- ESL Supplemental (All Grades)—for certified Texas teachers adding ESL
Common courses in these programs include:
- Linguistics and language education
- Cultural diversity and sensitivity
- ESL curriculum development strategies
- ESL assessment techniques
- State and federal ESL laws
- Psychology of language learning
- Classroom practicum or student teaching
Studying a second language can give you an edge. Texas’s top ELL languages are Spanish (87%), Vietnamese (3%), Chinese (2%), German, and Korean. A bilingual endorsement can also boost your appeal to districts like Austin ISD—more on that later.
Step 2. Complete Texas Testing Requirements
You’ll need to pass up to three exams to qualify for ESL certification in Texas. Register through the TEA’s testing vendor, Pearson, at the ETS website. Here’s what’s required:
Basic Skills Test
Some EPPs require a basic skills test to confirm competency in reading, writing, and math. Options include:
- Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA)—covers reading, math, and writing (see details in the Program Overview)
- Pre-Admission Content Test (PACT)—for EPP entry if GPA is below 2.5 or subject credits are low
Check with your EPP—many waive this if you meet GPA and credit thresholds.
Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities Exam
The PPR EC-12 ($116) tests your teaching skills with 100 multiple-choice questions on:
- Student learning and assessments (34%)
- Classroom environment (13%)
- Instructional strategies (33%)
- Professional duties (20%)
ESL Test
The TExES ESL Supplemental (154) ($116) ensures you’re ready to teach ELLs. This 80-question exam covers:
- Language acquisition concepts
- ESL instruction and assessment
- Cultural awareness and community involvement
Prep with free TEA practice tests or ETS guides—70% pass on the first try (TEA, 2023).
Step 3. Apply for Your Teaching License and ESL Certification
Once you’ve completed your degree, EPP, and exams, apply for certification via the Educator Certification Online System (ECOS). Submit official transcripts—test scores are sent automatically by Pearson. You’ll also need fingerprints and a criminal background check. Processing takes 4-6 weeks with a $39 fee via the TEA portal.
Adding ESL to an Existing Certificate
Already a Texas teacher? Add ESL certification for any grade (including 9-12) by passing the TExES ESL Supplemental (154)—no extra EPP needed.
Step 4. Maintain Your ESL Teaching Certificate
Your certificate renews every five years through ECOS. You’ll need 150 continuing professional education (CPE) hours—workshops, seminars, or college courses count. Many teachers pair this with a master’s (e.g., M.Ed. or MATL) to boost expertise and career prospects. Join groups like Texas Association for Bilingual Education (TABE) or TexTESOL for resources and networking.
Step 5. Find ESL Teaching Jobs in Texas
With certification in hand, explore jobs via the TEA’s Statewide School District Job Search or our ESL jobs page. Top districts hiring include:
- Houston ISD: 30,000+ ELLs, bilingual stipends up to $3,000 (Job board)
- Dallas ISD: 40% ELLs, fast hiring (Job board)
- Austin ISD: Progressive programs, tuition reimbursement for ESL certification (Job board)
Costs and Timeline to Become an ESL Teacher in Texas
Here’s what it takes, time- and money-wise:
| Step | Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s (if needed) | $10,000-$40,000 | 4 years |
| TESOL Course/EPP | $300-$1,000 | 2-6 months |
| TExES Exams (PPR + ESL) | $232 | Prep: 1-2 months |
| TEA Application | $39 | 4-6 weeks |
| Total (with degree) | $10,500-$41,200 | ~4.5 years |
| Total (no degree needed) | $500-$1,200 | 6-12 months |
Texas ESL Teacher Salaries and Incentives
Texas’s ELL population has exploded—up 90% from 1990 to 2010 (National Center for Education Statistics) and hitting 1.2 million by 2024 (TEA). About 90% are Hispanic, with Vietnamese and Chinese next in line. ESL teachers are in high demand, and many districts sweeten the deal with stipends and reimbursement for certification costs—think $2,000-$6,000 extra in places like Houston ISD or Austin ISD.
Here’s the 2025 salary breakdown from the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
| Teacher Type | Entry (10th Percentile) | Median | Top (90th Percentile) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary ESL | $50,400 | $64,000 | $82,300 |
| Secondary ESL | $50,900 | $64,500 | $82,900 |
| Adult ESL (ACP) | $38,100 | $61,300 | $83,300 |
Note: Add $2,000-$6,000 in stipends in districts like Houston or rural areas. Urban hubs like Dallas often pay 10-15% above median.
Program Overview: THEA Test
The Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA) assesses reading, math, and writing skills for EPP entry. It’s optional if you meet GPA/credit rules. Sections include:
- Reading: 40 multiple-choice questions, 7 passages (300-750 words)
- Math: 50 multiple-choice questions (fundamental math, algebra, geometry, problem-solving), on-screen calculator provided
- Writing: 300-600 word essay + 40 multiple-choice questions
FAQs About Becoming an ESL Teacher in Texas
How long does it take to become an ESL teacher in Texas?
With a degree, 6-12 months (TESOL + exams + application). Without one, 4+ years or 1 year via an ACP.
What’s the TExES ESL Supplemental pass rate?
About 70% pass first try (TEA, 2023). Prep with practice tests to ace it.
Should I take TESOL online or in-person?
Both work if TEA-approved. Online’s cheaper ($300-$500) and faster (2-6 months); in-person suits hands-on learners.
Can I teach ESL without certification?
Not in Texas public schools. Certification meets TEA standards for full-time roles.
- Liberty University Offers Undergrad Cert and B.Ed. in English as a Second Language.
- The Grand Canyon University offers a Masters of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Program and a B.A. in Secondary Education.
- Arizona State University - Online Offers Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages, MTESOL
- Campbellsville University Offers an ESL Endorsement (P-12).
- St. John's University Offers a Ph.D. in Literacy: Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)