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How to Become a Teacher in Austin

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates there are over 29,000 K-12 teachers in the Austin-Round Rock metropolitan area.1 Many of these teachers work in the Austin Independent School District (AISD), the city’s publicly-funded school system. You will need at least a bachelor’s degree to earn your teaching certificate from the Texas Education Agency, which is required for public school jobs in Austin. For more information about teaching jobs in public, private, and charter schools, continue reading below.

Austin Teacher Certification Requirements

Becoming a teacher in Texas requires you to earn teacher certification either through traditional or alternative methods. Traditionally, candidates complete an approved teacher preparation program as part of a bachelor’s degree, which includes a student teaching component. Learn more on our Texas certification page. If you already have a bachelor’s degree, you can complete an alternative educator program that may allow you to gain teaching experience while working towards certification. You can find more information about this path on our Texas alternative certification page.

Once you have completed a program, you must take the appropriate exams for the level you wish to teach and then submit your application with a fingerprint background check to the Texas Education Agency (TEA). The TEA will then issue your teaching certificate.

Teacher Certification Programs in Austin

The following colleges and universities in the Austin metro area offer teacher preparation programs that can qualify you for state certification or, if you are already certified, additional endorsements. You can read more about preparation programs across the state on our Texas schools page

  • Austin Community College
  • Concordia University
  • Huston-Tillotson University
  • Southwestern University
  • St. Edwards University
  • Texas State University
  • University of Texas-Austin
  • Western Governors University


Austin School District Steps for Becoming a Teacher

Hiring for K-12 public schools in Austin is overseen by the Austin Independent School District (AISD) Talent Acquisition and Development Department, which acts as a central hiring portal for area schools. The AISD has established the following steps for those interested in teaching jobs in Austin public schools.

Step 1: Complete the online application.

The first step is to complete the Austin Independent School District online application and submit it with your transcripts, cover letter, resume, and proof of certification.

Step 2: Attend an interview with a school leader or panel.

Once your application has been approved in the school district database, principals will be able to review it and contact you to set up an interview if your skills are a match. Interviews are organized directly by each school and are typically done in-person. Many interviews require you to prepare lesson plans or give a sample lesson to your peers so that they can get a sense of your teaching style.

Step 3: Complete the hiring process.

If you are offered a position, you will be required to fill out several forms related to payroll and benefits. Each school may also have specific instructions for you before you start your first day of work.

Contact Information

Austin Independent School District
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/austinisd/?ref=ts
Twitter: https://twitter.com/austinisd

1111 W 6th St
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 414-1700
https://www.austinisd.org

How to Become a Substitute Teacher with the Austin School District

To obtain work as a substitute teacher with the Austin Independent School District, you should complete the online application. Two types of substitute positions are available. The Classified (or Clerical) Substitute position is open to any individual with a high school diploma or GED. You should have some experience working with children and administrative skills. The other position, Substitute Teacher, is open to any applicant who has completed at least 60 hours of community college credit, although you will earn more per day if you have a bachelor’s degree. Also, a Texas teaching certificate and experience working with students are preferred for this position.

To apply for either position, complete the online application and submit a fingerprint background check and college transcripts (if applicable). You will also need to complete new hire forms and attend an orientation session, which is offered weekly throughout the school year. Both short- and long-term placements are handled through the district’s Substitute Office.

Private and Charter School Teacher Requirements in Austin

Unlike public schools, private and charter schools do not always require you to have teaching certification, but it may be an asset. Relevant experience and subject knowledge are important and a bachelor’s degree is likely the minimum requirement for private or charter school teaching jobs in Austin. To find jobs outside the public school system, contact schools directly, search job banks online, and attend job fairs and networking events. The hiring process often involves submitting a resume and cover letter and attending an interview with the principal or other school officials. Private schools are funded through private donations and revenue while charter schools are publicly funded but operate according to unique charter agreements according to their location or area of expertise.

The Largest K-12 Schools in Austin

To help you compare public, charter, and private schools in Austin that may be hiring qualified teachers, we have compiled the following table that compares the largest schools in the Austin metro.

SchoolTypeGrade Level# StudentsStudent-Teacher
Ratio
Bowie High SchoolPublic9-122,89417:1
Akins High SchoolPublic9-122,68016:1
Anderson High SchoolPublic9-122,21716:1
Murchison Middle SchoolPublic6-81,32815:1
Gorzycki Middle SchoolPublic6-81,27916:1
Kealing Middle SchoolPublic6-81,22414:1
Kiker Elementary SchoolPublicPreK-51,04915:1
Baranoff Elementary SchoolPublicPreK-51,02018:1
Patton Elementary SchoolPublicPreK-598217:1
Harmony School of EndeavorCharterPreK-1293616:1
Jubilee-Wells BranchCharterK-888315:1
Idea Allan AcademyCharterK-571628:1
Regents School of AustinPrivateK-121,03410:1
St. Andrew’s Episcopal SchoolPrivateK-129406:1
St. Stephen’s Episcopal SchoolPrivate6-126966:1

See Table Notes and References at bottom of page.

Austin Teacher Salary and Jobs Outlook

According to the BLS, teachers in the Austin-Round Rock metropolitan area make similar annual incomes regardless of the age range taught. As of 2018, excluding special education, Austin elementary school teachers earned an average of $58,920 per year, middle school teachers earned an average of $57,010 per year, and secondary school teachers earned an average of $57,930 per year.1 These averages are in line with Texas averages overall, which show elementary school teachers earning an average of $56,520, middle school teachers an average of $56,580, and high school teachers an average of $58,190.2 The AISD is also currently offering a $3,500 per year stipend for bilingual teachers, a $1,500 per year stipend for special education teachers, and a $2,000 per year stipend for National Board Certified teachers, as well as sign-on bonuses for special education and bilingual teachers.3

Strong job growth is predicted for Austin-area teachers over the coming years. According to the Texas Labor Market Information System, elementary, middle, and secondary school teaching jobs are expected to grow by approximately 27% through 2026.4 These estimates predict stronger job growth in Austin than in Texas overall, where elementary school teacher job growth is predicted at 20.4%, middle school teacher job growth at 20.5%, and secondary school teacher job growth at 20.6% over the same time period.5

Austin Teacher Shortage Areas

The US Department of Education bases some student loan forgiveness programs on teacher shortage areas, meaning that your chances of qualifying for loan forgiveness may be stronger if you are teaching a subject that has been formally identified as a shortage area. You may also qualify for other funding opportunities or a more competitive salary based on your endorsement(s). Note that shortage areas may change from year to year, so you should be sure to check with state education agencies, your selected education program, and your student loan providers about funding options. For the 2020-2021 school year, the following subject areas were recognized as shortage areas in Texas (statewide):6

  • Bilingual/English as a Second Language (Elementary and Secondary)
  • Career and Technical Education (Secondary)
  • Mathematics (Secondary)
  • Special Education (Elementary and Secondary)
  • Technology Applications and Computer Science (Secondary)

Austin Teaching Jobs Boards

Online job boards are a great way to find opportunities in the many public, private, and charter schools throughout Austin.

Additional Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: How much do teachers make in Austin?

Answer: Austin elementary school teachers earn an average of $58,920 per year, middle school teachers earn an average of $57,010 per year, and secondary school teachers earn an average of $57,930 per year.1 Teacher salaries are dependent on a number of factors, including education, experience, grade level(s) and subject(s) taught, and the type of school at which a teacher is employed.

Question: How do I find private school jobs in Austin?

Answer: There are numerous private schools in Austin that regularly hire qualified teachers. Checking online job listings through organizations like the Texas Private Schools Association or our teaching jobs board can help you find open positions.

Question: Do I need a Texas teaching credential to teach in Austin?

Answer: To teach in Austin’s public schools and public charter schools, you will need to have a teaching certificate issued by the Texas Education Agency. Private schools in Austin might not require teacher certification, though this will vary based on individual school standards.

Table Notes and References:
1. Niche, Best Schools in the Austin Area: https://www.niche.com/k12/search/largest-schools/t/austin-travis-tx/

References:
1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2018 Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, Austin-Round Rock, Texas: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_12420.htm
2. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2018 Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, Texas: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_tx.htm
3. Austin Independent School District: https://www.austinisd.org/hc/careers/compensation
4. Texas Labor Market Information, Employment Projections: https://texaslmi.com/LMIbyCategory/Projections
5. Projections Central Long Term Occupational Projections: https://projectionscentral.org/Projections/LongTerm
6. Texas Education Agency, Student Loan Forgiveness for Teachers: https://tea.texas.gov/about-tea/news-and-multimedia/correspondence/taa-letters/2020-2021-teacher-shortage-areas-and-loan-forgiveness-programs