TEA Offers Certification Information, Guidance, and Reminders

Editor's note: This article has been updated to include information for the 2025-2026 school year.

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) educator preparation and certification team has helpful information, guidance, and reminders available to assist district HR staff in navigating beginning-of-the-year certification challenges.

Webpage Links and Forms

Links and forms are periodically updated on the TEA website for quality and continuous improvement. District HR staff should check bookmarked links and downloaded forms to ensure the most up-to-date information is being used. Quick access to certification information and available forms are in the Certification section of the TEA website.

HR staff also may refer to the School District Hiring Information page on the TEA website to access information regarding teacher assignment information, teacher certification information, Educator Certification Online System (ECOS) for entities information, and educational aide assignments. Helpful links and a frequently asked questions section are included in each of the categories listed above.

Permits

The 2025-2026 emergency permit application opens on July 1. HR staff can use the TEA Emergency Permits Guidebook to assist with the application process. The guide provides the following information:

• Emergency permit basics
• Types of emergency permits
• Specific assignment requirements for emergency permits
• Preparing to submit an application
• School district access in ECOS
• Applying for the emergency permit in ECOS
• Frequently asked questions

The TEA Out-of-State Certifications webpage has recently been updated to include a detailed checklist with step-by-step instructions for applying for a credential review to become a Texas certified teacher. 

District HR staff with the appropriate access level in ECOS can view educator-related information such as credential review letters, submitted documents, application status, and fingerprint status. Access is on the left-hand menu under “Educator Information.” The “TEA Results of Review of Credentials” letter is located in the educator’s “My Documents” tab and outlines the applicant’s next steps for obtaining certification. If additional documentation is required to complete the review, a “Notification from TEA to Educator” letter will be available.

Special Education Resources

The new Special Education Personnel Assignment Guidance webpage outlines updated certification requirements for special education teachers to determine content competency based on the newly adopted Texas Content Competency Worksheet for Special Education Teachers of Record (Grades EC-12). Included are implementation guidance and resources and a link to a recently recorded webinar. The current elementary and secondary HOUSSE options will expire on September 1, 2025. An administrator must attest to the use of HOUSSE for individuals previously qualified to be content competent by completing Sections B and F of the new worksheet.

Educational Aides

Educational aide certification information, including the application process, can be found in the Becoming an Educational Aide in Texas page on the TEA website. Educational aide certificates are not renewable. An educational aide must reapply every two years with a district recommendation for issuance. HR staff should create a process to track these certifications to ensure no lapse in certification.

Military Community

The State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) has updated 19 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) Chapter 234, effective March 2025. The Military Community and First Responders webpage has information about fee exemptions and pathways to becoming certified Texas teachers to guide members of the military community, including active-duty service members, military spouses, and veterans, as well as first responders. It also includes a detailed checklist to guide the military community members through the credential review process.

Visiting International Teachers

The Visiting International Teacher (VIT) program is a TEA-approved program supporting foreign educators coming to Texas to teach, study, conduct research, demonstrate special skills, and share teaching practices and experiences.

These eligible out-of-country certified educators receive a visiting international teacher certificate while participating in a TEA-approved J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor Program. The certificate is valid for three years and may be extended for two additional years, for a maximum of five years. The individual must be actively enrolled and in good standing with a VIT Program.

Additional information may be found on the TEA webpage Visiting International Teachers. Only approved school districts that are partnered with a TEA-approved J-1 Visa Exchange Program have access to submit the VIT application via the ECOS for Entities.

Other Information

The Certification Assignment Flexibility webpage provides a chart outlining educator certification options for districts to address the most common certification challenges and scenarios. If HR staff still needs assistance after viewing these resource links, they can call TEA educator preparation and certification staff Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at 512-936-8400, option 2.