How to Become a Teacher in Austin
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates 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 and the fifth largest school district in the state.2 You will need to earn your teaching certificate from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to work as public school teacher in Austin. Continue reading for more information about becoming a teacher in Austin.
Table of Contents
- AISD Steps for Becoming a Teacher
- How to Become a Substitute Teacher
- Private and Charter School Teacher Requirements
- The Largest Austin K-12 Schools
- Teacher Salary and Jobs Outlook
- Additional Resources
- Frequently Asked Questions
Austin School District Steps for Becoming a Teacher
Becoming a teacher in Texas requires you to earn teacher certification by completing an approved teacher preparation program as part of a bachelor’s degree, which includes a student teaching component. You must also complete the Texas Educator Certification Examination Program (TExAS) exams. Learn more on our Texas teacher 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 teacher certification page.
Hiring for K-12 public schools in Austin is overseen by the AISD Office of Talent Strategy, 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 an AISD online application and submit it with your transcripts, cover letter, resume, and proof of Texas certification.
Step 2: Attend an interview with a school leader or panel.
Once your application has been approved in the school district database, school administrators can review it and contact you to set up an interview if your skills match an open position. You can also apply for open jobs directly on the Vacancy Dashboard. 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 the interviewers can get a sense of your teaching style.
Step 3: Complete the hiring process.
If you are offered a position, you must complete several forms related to payroll and benefits. Each school will also have specific instructions before you start your first day of work.
Contact Information
Austin Independent School District
1111 W 6th St
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 414-1700
https://www.austinisd.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/austinisd/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/austinisd/
X (formerly known as Twitter): https://x.com/austinisd
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 education schools page.
- Austin Community College
- Concordia University
- Huston-Tillotson University
- Southwestern University
- St. Edward’s University
- Texas Lutheran University
- Texas State University
- University of Texas-Austin
How to Become a Substitute Teacher With the Austin School District
To obtain work as a substitute teacher with the AISD, you should complete the online application. Two types of substitute positions are available. The Classified (or Clerical) Substitute position is open to anyone with a high school diploma or GED. The other position, Substitute Teacher, is open to applicants who have completed at least one hour of college credit, but those with fewer than 60 college credit hours are only eligible for assignments in elementary or middle school. Substitute teachers with a degree earn a higher rate than those without a degree.
To apply, complete the online application and submit a fingerprint background check and college transcripts (if applicable). You must also complete new hire forms and attend an orientation session. Both short- and long-term placements are handled through the district’s Substitute Management Center (SMC).
Private and Charter School Teacher Requirements in Austin
Unlike public schools, private and charter schools do not always require you to have a teaching certificate, 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 area.3
| School | Type | Grade Level | # Students | Student-Teacher Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bowie High School | Public | 9-12 | 2,894 | 17:1 |
| Akins High School | Public | 9-12 | 2,680 | 16:1 |
| Anderson High School | Public | 9-12 | 2,217 | 16:1 |
| Murchison Middle School | Public | 6-8 | 1,328 | 15:1 |
| Gorzycki Middle School | Public | 6-8 | 1,279 | 16:1 |
| Kealing Middle School | Public | 6-8 | 1,224 | 14:1 |
| Kiker Elementary School | Public | PreK-5 | 1,049 | 15:1 |
| Baranoff Elementary School | Public | PreK-5 | 1,020 | 18:1 |
| Patton Elementary School | Public | PreK-5 | 982 | 17:1 |
| Harmony School of Endeavor | Charter | PreK-12 | 936 | 16:1 |
| Jubilee-Wells Branch | Charter | K-8 | 883 | 15:1 |
| Idea Allan Academy | Charter | K-5 | 716 | 28:1 |
| Regents School of Austin | Private | K-12 | 1,034 | 10:1 |
| St. Andrew’s Episcopal School | Private | K-12 | 940 | 6:1 |
| St. Stephen’s Episcopal School | Private | 6-12 | 696 | 6:1 |
Austin Teacher Salary and Jobs Outlook
During the 2024-2025 school year, first-year teachers started at a minimum annual salary of $55,844 but those with advanced credentials or qualifications may receive higher salaries.2 Teachers also receive higher salaries commensurate with experience, along with stipends for duties considered beyond the scope of their contract.2
The table below compares various classroom teaching roles in Austin by the total number employed, median annual salary, 90th percentile annual salary, and 10-year job growth projections. Note SPED is an abbreviation for special education.
| Teacher type | # Employed1 | Median Annual Salary1 | 90th Percentile Annual Salary1 | Proj. Job Growth 2022-324 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten Teachers | 1,190 | $63,250 | $82,540 | 12.6% |
| Elementary School Teachers | 10,370 | $63,110 | $82,840 | 12.7% |
| Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers, SPED | 2,050 | $64,880 | $82,360 | 12.5% |
| Middle School Teachers | 5,040 | $62,470 | $82,280 | 13.1% |
| Middle School Teachers, SPED | 770 | $63,010 | $80,700 | 12.5% |
| Secondary School Teachers | 6,950 | $63,270 | $82,740 | 13.4% |
| Secondary School Teachers, Career/Technical Education | 1,050 | $64,100 | $83,320 | 12.3% |
| Secondary School Teachers, SPED | 990 | $64,770 | $82,530 | 10.4% |
Austin Teacher Shortage Areas
The US Department of Education ties certain student loan forgiveness programs to teacher shortage areas. If you teach a subject officially designated as a shortage area, your eligibility for loan forgiveness may be higher. You may also qualify for other funding opportunities or a more competitive salary based on endorsements in these areas. Note that shortage areas may change yearly, so you should check with state education agencies, your selected education program, and your student loan providers about funding options. You can find a list of teacher shortage areas in the state on our Texas certification guide.
Additional Resources
- Education Austin Teachers Union (EDAustin): Represents educators in Austin’s public schools.
- Texas Classroom Teachers Association (TCTA): Provides news and updates impacting Texas educators as well as member resources such as professional liability insurance and continuing education.
Austin Teaching Jobs Boards
Online job boards are a great way to find opportunities in the many public, private, and charter schools in Austin.
- AISD Vacancies
- Independent Schools Association of the Southwest (ISASW)
- Texas Private Schools Association (TPSA) Jobs Board
Frequently Asked Questions
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 TPSA 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 must have a teaching certificate issued by the TEA. Private schools in Austin might not require teacher certification, but individual school standards vary.
References:
1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, Austin-Round Rock, Texas: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_12420.htm
2. Austin Independent School District: https://www.austinisd.org/hc/careers/compensation
3. Niche, Best Schools in the Austin Area: https://www.niche.com/k12/search/largest-schools/t/austin-travis-tx/
4. Texas Labor Market Information, Employment Projections: https://texaslmi.com/LMIbyCategory/Projections