How to Become a Teacher in San Antonio
Public schools in San Antonio may be part of the Northside Independent School District (106,700 students in 119 schools), North East Independent School District (66,101 students in 75 schools), San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD) (50,683 students in 99 schools), Southwest Independent School District (13,873 students in 18 schools), and several smaller districts operating within city limits.1 Of these, the Northside Independent School District (NISD) is the largest, and will therefore be the main district discussed on this page.
Candidates for teaching jobs within San Antonio’s public schools must hold current Texas teacher certification. To earn certification prospective teachers must complete a bachelor’s degree and an approved teacher preparation program as well as pass the Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES). Eligible candidates can apply for teaching jobs with the district of interest online. Jobs in charter and private schools are also available throughout the city and may have different requirements; see the Private and Charter Schools in San Antonio section further below. Continue reading to learn more about teaching careers in San Antonio.
San Antonio Teacher Certification Requirements
To become a teacher in San Antonio public schools, an individual must hold the appropriate teaching certificate from the Texas Education Agency. To be eligible for certification, teachers must provide evidence of successful completion of a bachelor’s degree, a teacher preparation program, and the relevant TExES exam(s). Certification is finalized upon completion of a background investigation and fingerprinting. The traditional way to fulfill these requirements is by completing a bachelor’s degree and an approved teacher preparation program. To learn more about the traditional path to teacher certification in Texas, visit our Texas teacher certification guide.
Individuals who possess a bachelor’s degree in a field other than education can still earn the necessary credentials to teach in Texas by completing an alternative educator preparation program, such as a one-year certificate or a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree. Texas alternative teacher certification can allow prospective teachers to teach in the San Antonio Independent School District while completing the necessary coursework. Learn more through our guide to alternative teacher certification in Texas.
Teacher Certification Programs in San Antonio
The following colleges and universities in the San Antonio metro area offer teacher preparation programs that can lead to first-time certification or, for already licensed teachers, additional endorsement areas. You can also check out our Texas schools page for more information about options in the state.
- Our Lady of the Lake University
- St. Mary’s University
- Texas A&M University-San Antonio
- Texas Lutheran University
- Texas State University
- Trinity University
- University of the Incarnate Word
- University of Texas-San Antonio
San Antonio School District Steps for Becoming a Teacher
To be considered for a teaching position with the Northside Independent School District, you must have a teaching certificate. You can apply for certification through Texas Education Agency (TEA). You can complete the requirements through the traditional route of completing a bachelor’s degree with a teacher preparation component or the alternative route of completing a post-graduate teacher preparation program if you already have a bachelor’s degree. See the certification section for more details. Teaching candidates who have certification must complete the multi-step application process outlined below to work for the Northside ISD:
Step 1: Complete your application.
Fill out an online application for a position in your area of certification. You will be required to upload the necessary documentation, including a resume, official transcripts, and a copy of your teaching certificate. Candidates with previous teaching experience are required to provide copies of three recent performance reviews.
Step 2: Attend an interview with a school leader or panel.
If your application is a match for a position, you may be invited to an interview with the hiring school. You may be asked to bring supporting documents, such as a resume or sample lesson plans at this time.
Step 3: Complete the hiring process.
Once you have been offered a position with the school system, you will need to complete administrative paperwork and other requirements. As per Texas law, newly hired candidates will be required to submit a fingerprint-based background check.
Contact Information
Northside Independent School District
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NorthsideISD
5900 Evers Rd
San Antonio, TX 78238
(210) 397-8500
https://www.nisd.net/
How to Become a Substitute Teacher with the San Antonio School District
To apply for the substitute teaching pool in the Northside Independent School District, apply online during an open recruiting period. The minimum requirements are a high school diploma and passing a fingerprint-based background check. You will likely be invited to an interview and be asked to submit supporting documents depending on the position. These requirements are typical for school districts in the San Antonio area.
Private and Charter School Teacher Requirements in San Antonio
Private and charter schools may have different hiring requirements than those of the San Antonio Independent School District. To work in San Antonio charter schools, teachers are not always required to hold state certification but are required to pass the Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES). Private school teachers are exempt from Texas teacher certification requirements. However, individual schools may prefer to hire certified candidates. Take a look at private and charter school websites to learn more about their hiring practices and requirements.
The Largest K-12 Schools in San Antonio
To help you compare public, private, and charter schools in San Antonio that may have openings for teachers, we compiled the following table that compares the largest schools in the San Antonio metro.
| School | Type | Grade Level | # Students | Student-Teacher Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Behlau Elementary School | Public | PK-5 | 1,105 | 18:1 |
| Bulverde Creek Elementary School | Public | PK-5 | 1,101 | 17:1 |
| Hoffman Elementary School | Public | PK-5 | 1,013 | 16:1 |
| Jefferson Middle School | Public | 6-8 | 1,509 | 18:1 |
| Garcia Middle School | Public | 6-8 | 1,474 | 18:1 |
| Luna Middle School | Public | 6-8 | 1,358 | 18:1 |
| Reagan High School | Public | 9-12 | 3,517 | 19:1 |
| O’Connor High School | Public | 9-12 | 3,327 | 18:1 |
| Madison High School | Public | 9-12 | 3,287 | 17:1 |
| Brooks Academy of Science & Engineering | Charter | K-12 | 1,700 | 21:1 |
| George Gervin Academy | Charter | PK-12 | 1,209 | 24:1 |
| Jubilee Academies | Charter | K-12 | 1,150 | 19:1 |
| Cornerstone Christian Schools | Private | PK-12 | 1,326 | 13:1 |
| San Antonio Christian Schools | Private | PK-12 | 1,001 | 8:1 |
| Saint Mary’s Hall | Private | PK-12 | 974 | 10:1 |
See Table Notes and References at bottom of page.
San Antonio Teacher Salary and Jobs Outlook
According to 2018 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, San Antonio teachers earn average salaries comparable to Texas averages.2,3 Kindergarten, elementary, middle, and secondary school teachers in San Antonio all earned averages between $56,990 and $59,480 compared to statewide averages between $54,780 and $58,580.2,3 These ranges are below the national averages, which fall between $58,370 and $64,340; however, this may be accounted for in part by the lower cost of living in Texas.4
The job outlook for teachers in San Antonio is excellent, with the kindergarten, elementary, middle, and secondary school teacher occupational group projected to see jobs growth of 12% to 13% through 2026.5 Replacements will add to the job opportunities available to San Antonio teachers during this time period.5 Elementary school teachers are expected to see the greatest growth by additions overall, with 1,640 jobs added during this time period.5
San Antonio 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)
San Antonio Teaching Jobs Boards
Teaching jobs are posted throughout the year for opportunities in San Antonio public, private, and charter schools. Search online job boards to find positions in San Antonio that match your skills. You can also check out our jobs board to search for teaching jobs in San Antonio.
- Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools
- Archdiocese of San Antonio Catholic Schools
- Texas Charter Schools
- San Antonio Independent School District
Additional Resources
- San Antonio Northside Independent School District (NISD): The largest public school district in the San Antonio metro.
- San Antonio Alliance of Teachers and Support Personnel: The elected employee union representing the San Antonio Independent School District.
- San Antonio Music Teachers Association (SAMTA): Provides information and resources for area music teachers and their students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What is the average San Antonio teacher salary?
Answer: Teacher salaries in San Antonio tend to vary by grade level, school, teacher experience level, and other factors. In the San Antonio metro, kindergarten teachers make an average salary of $56,990 per year, compared to $59,480 per year for secondary school teachers.2 Career and technical education and special education teachers make slightly more.2
Question: How much do substitute teachers in San Antonio make?
Answer: The pay level for substitute teachers in San Antonio varies by district. In the largest school district, the Northside Independent School District, substitutes with at least 90 semester hours of college credit earn $80 per day; substitutes with a bachelor’s but not teacher certification earn $90 per day; and substitutes with teacher certification earn $100 per day.7 Additional pay is offered for long-term substitute assignments. Substitutes who complete special education training can earn up to $10 per day more when serving in specialized instruction environments.7
Question: How do I find teaching jobs in San Antonio?
Answer: Since there are various districts in San Antonio and each maintains their own hiring requirements and processes, you may have better chances of landing employment if you apply to multiple districts. San Antonio school districts you can consider applying to include the Northside Independent School District, the North East Independent School District, the San Antonio Independent School District, the Harlandale Independent School District, the Southwest Independent School District, and the Edgewood Independent School District, among others.
Table Notes and References:
1. Niche, Largest Schools in San Antonio: https://www.niche.com/k12/search/largest-schools/t/san-antonio-bexar-tx/
References:
1. Niche, Largest School Districts in San Antonio: https://www.niche.com/k12/search/largest-school-districts/t/san-antonio-bexar-tx/
2. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2018 Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX Metropolitan Division: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_41700.htm#25-0000
3. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2018 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, Texas: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_tx.htm#25-0000
4. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2018 National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, United States: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nat.htm#25-0000
5. Texas Labor Market Information: https://texaslmi.com/LMIbyCategory/Projections
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
7. Northside Independent School District Substitute Handbook: https://www.nisd.net/sites/default/files/documents/substitute-handbook.pdf