How to Become a Teacher in Dallas
The main school district in the city of Dallas is the Dallas Independent School District (DISD), which is the second-largest school district in Texas.1 To become a teacher in Dallas, you must have a bachelor’s degree and be certified by the Texas Education Agency. Certification typically involves completing an approved teacher education program and passing the Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES). Many private and charter schools in Dallas also require certification. See the private and charter school section below, and continue reading to learn more about becoming a teacher in Dallas.
Dallas Teacher Certification Requirements
All prospective Dallas public school teachers must possess a bachelor’s degree, complete an approved educator preparation program, and pass the state’s certification exams to become certified to teach in Texas. Upon successful completion of the state certification exam, teachers must fill out a state application for a teaching certificate and submit a fingerprint-based background check. Learn more about certification requirements through our Texas teacher certification guide.
Aspiring teachers who possess a bachelor’s degree but did not complete formal teacher preparation must complete an alternative certification program. Candidates may be permitted to teach under a provisional certificate while earning the proper credentials. To learn more about the alternative path to teaching in Dallas, check out our guide to alternative teacher certification in Texas.
Teacher Certification Programs in Dallas
The Dallas-area colleges and universities below offer teacher preparation programs that have been approved by the Texas Education Agency. These programs can lead to first-time certification or, if you are already certified, additional endorsements. You can also read about other programs in the state on our Texas schools page.
- Amberton University
- Criswell College
- Dallas Baptist University
- Dallas Christian College
- Mountain View College
- Paul Quinn College
- Southern Methodist University
- University of Dallas
- University of North Texas-Dallas
- University of Texas-Dallas
Dallas School District Steps for Becoming a Teacher
To earn a teaching certificate in Texas, you will need to complete a bachelor’s degree and an approved teaching preparation program. Hiring for Dallas public school teachers is centralized through the Dallas Independent School District (DISD). Prospective teachers with the Dallas Independent School District will need to follow these steps to be considered for a teaching position:
Step 1: Complete the application.
To begin the hiring process, complete the online application. You will need to provide a resume and complete two essays and a data analysis exercise as well as pass certification and background checks. Check the school board’s website for any upcoming job fairs where you can complete an application in person.
Step 2: Be interviewed by a school leader or panel.
Next, you will be invited to a phone interview with the Recruitment and Selection team and a group interview depending on the position. Typically, in a group interview, you should expect group discussions and activities as well as a brief personal interview. If you pass this stage of the process, you may be invited to principal interviews or hiring events at Dallas schools that have current job openings.
Step 3: Complete the hiring process.
Once you are offered a position with the school system, you will need to complete the hiring process, including administrative tasks and human resources paperwork. The district also has an orientation program, the New Teacher Academy, that you will attend before your first day.
Contact Information
Dallas Independent School District
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dallasisd
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dallasschools
3700 Ross Ave
Dallas, TX 75204
(972) 925-3266
https://www.dallasisd.org/dallasisd
How to Become a Substitute Teacher with the Dallas School District
To become a substitute teacher in the Dallas Independent School District, you will need to have a high school diploma and at least 60 college credits, although a bachelor’s degree and teaching certification are preferred. Substitute teachers must be available to teach at least three days per week or 10 days each month. You can apply online and send your resume and official transcripts to be part of the substitute teaching pool.
Private and Charter School Teacher Requirements in Dallas
Private and charter schools in Dallas may have different requirements for hiring teachers than the public school system. Though the majority of private and charter schools require prospective teachers to possess a bachelor’s degree, Texas teacher certification is not always required to work in non-public schools. These schools may set their own guidelines for teacher hiring requirements. Check with individual schools for further details on hiring requirements.
The Largest K-12 Schools in Dallas
We compiled the table below that allows you to compare the largest public, charter, and private schools in Dallas that may be hiring teachers.
| School | Type | Grade Level | # Students | Student-Teacher Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| George W. Truett Elementary School | Public | PK-5 | 1,193 | 16:1 |
| Anne Frank Elementary School | Public | PK-5 | 1,145 | 17:1 |
| Rosemont Elementary School | Public | PK-5 | 1,022 | 17:1 |
| WE Greiner Exploratory Arts Academy | Public | 6-8 | 1,721 | 17:1 |
| JL Long Middle School | Public | 6-8 | 1,480 | 15:1 |
| Seagoville Middle School | Public | 6-8 | 1,363 | 15:1 |
| Skyline High School | Public | 9-12 | 4,535 | 16:1 |
| WT White High School | Public | 9-12 | 2,230 | 17:1 |
| Moises E. Molina High School | Public | 9-12 | 2,221 | 17:1 |
| Trinity Basin Preparatory | Charter | PK-8 | 3,152 | 18:1 |
| Faith Family Academy | Charter | PK-12 | 2,300 | 18:1 |
| Advantage Academy | Charter | PK-12 | 1,666 | 18:1 |
| The Episcopal School of Dallas | Private | PK-12 | 1,158 | 8:1 |
| Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas | Private | 9-12 | 1,133 | 8:1 |
| Parish Episcopal School | Private | PK-12 | 1,130 | 10:1 |
See Table Notes and References at bottom of page.
Dallas Teacher Salary and Jobs Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average teacher salary in the Dallas-Plano-Irving metropolitan area in 2018 tended to be slightly above the statewide average and slightly below the national average.2,3,4 Kindergarten, elementary, middle, and secondary school teachers all earned averages between $53,720 and $61,180 annually in the Dallas area compared to between $54,780 and $58,190 in Texas overall and between $58,370 and $64,340 nationally.2,3,4
Through 2026, over 14% job growth is expected for Dallas-area elementary, middle, and secondary school teachers.5 Similar growth is expected for special education teachers in the Dallas metro over the same time period, with slightly stronger job growth (16%) predicted for preschool special education teachers.5
Dallas 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)
Dallas Teaching Jobs Boards
Look for job openings in the Dallas area online on teaching job boards. Here are a few to check out. You can also check out our jobs board to search for teaching jobs in Dallas.
- Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools
- Catholic Diocese of Dallas
- Texas Charter Schools Association
- Dallas Independent School District
Additional Resources
- Dallas Independent School District (DISD): The Dallas public school district administers PreK-12 public schools In Dallas and collar cities.
- Dallas Music Teachers Association (DMTA): Provides support and resources for music teachers and their students.
- Teach for America Dallas-Fort Worth: Offers alternative teacher certification through classroom teaching commitments and supplemental coursework.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What cities does the Dallas Independent School District cover?
Answer: In addition to schools within Dallas city limits, the Dallas Independent School District oversees public schools in Cockrell Hill, Seagoville, Addison, Wilmer and parts of Carrollton, Cedar Hill, DeSoto, Duncanville, Farmers Branch, Garland, Grand Prairie, Highland Park, Hutchins, Lancaster and Mesquite–an area encompassing 384 square miles and 6.5 million residents.1
Question: How much do Dallas teachers make?
Answer: The beginning ranking (Progressing) for full-time, first-year Dallas teachers started at a salary of $54,000 to $54,500 per year as of the 2019-2020 school year.7 Teachers ranked Proficient and Exemplary made between $58,500 and $82,000.7 The highest teacher ranking, Master Teacher, was aligned with an annual salary of $90,000 for the same school year.7
Question: How much do substitute teachers make in Dallas?
Answer: As of the 2019-2020 school year, Dallas substitutes with no degree or certification earned a flat rate of $85 per day, while substitutes with a degree but not certification earned $100, and substitutes with both a degree and teacher certification earned $110.7 Bilingual teachers covering vacancies for regular bilingual classroom teachers earned even more, at $160 per day.7
Table Notes and References:
1. Niche, Largest Schools in Dallas: https://www.niche.com/k12/search/largest-private-schools/t/dallas-dallas-tx/
References:
1. About Dallas ISD: https://www.dallasisd.org/Page/335
2. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2018 Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, Dallas-Plano-Irving Metropolitan Division: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_19100.htm
3. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2018 Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, Texas: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_tx.htm
4. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2018 Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, United States: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nat.htm#25-0000
5. Texas Labor Market Information, Dallas County WDA Long-term Occupation Projections: 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. Dallas Independent School District Compensation Resource Book 2019-2020: https://www.dallasisd.org/cms/lib/TX01001475/Centricity/Domain/110/Dallas%20ISD%202019-2020%20Compensation%20Handbook_updated_04FEB20.pdf