How to Become a Teacher in Dallas
The main school district in the city of Dallas is the Dallas Independent School District (Dallas ISD), which is the second-largest school district in Texas.1 To become a teacher in Dallas, you must be certified by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). Continue reading to learn more about becoming a teacher in Dallas.
Table of Contents
- Dallas ISD Steps for Becoming a Teacher
- How to Become a Substitute Teacher
- Private and Charter School Teacher Requirements
- The Largest Dallas K-12 Schools
- Teacher Salary and Jobs Outlook
- Additional Resources
- Frequently Asked Questions
Dallas School District Steps for Becoming a Teacher
All prospective Dallas public school teachers must possess a bachelor’s degree, complete an approved educator preparation program, and pass the Texas Educator Certification Examination Program (TExAS) exams to become certified to teach in Texas. Learn more about certification requirements on our Texas teacher certification guide. Aspiring teachers who already have a bachelor’s degree but need formal teacher preparation can pursue an alternative certification program. To learn more about the alternative path to teaching in Dallas, check out our guide to alternative teacher certification in Texas.
Hiring for Dallas public school teachers is centralized through the Dallas ISD. Prospective teachers must follow these steps to be considered for a teaching position:
Step 1: Complete the application.
To begin the hiring process, submit an online application through the Talent Management System (TMS). You will need to upload your certification information, resume, and transcripts. If you are determined to be eligible, you will be entered into the candidate pool. Eligible candidates’ information will be shared with principals and they will be invited to hiring events.
Step 2: Be interviewed by interested school campuses.
Next, you will be invited to an interview with the administration team of interested schools. Typically, in a group interview, you should expect group discussions and activities as well as a brief personal interview. Be ready to present and discuss either a sample lesson or a portfolio.
Step 3: Complete the hiring process.
Once you are offered a position with a school, you will complete the hiring process, including administrative and human resources paperwork. The district also has an orientation program, the New Teacher Academy, that you will attend before your first day.
Teacher Certification Programs in Dallas
The Dallas-area colleges and universities below offer teacher preparation programs that are approved by the TEA. 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 education schools page.
- Arlington Baptist University
- Criswell College
- Dallas Baptist University
- Dallas Christian College
- Paul Quinn College
- Southern Methodist University
- Texas Christian University
- Texas Wesleyan University
- University of Dallas
- University of North Texas-Dallas
- University of Texas-Arlington
- University of Texas-Dallas
Contact Information
Dallas Independent School District
3700 Ross Ave
Dallas, TX 75204
(972) 925-3266
https://www.dallasisd.org/dallasisd
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dallasisd
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dallasisd/
X (formerly known as Twitter): https://x.com/dallasschools
How to Become a Substitute Teacher With the Dallas School District
To become a substitute teacher in the Dallas ISD, you must have a high school diploma, at least 60 college credits, and pass a background check. Substitute teachers must teach at least five days each month and are highly encouraged to work more than the minimum requirements. You can apply online and send official transcripts to be considered for 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 most 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.2
| 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 |
Dallas Teacher Salary and Jobs Outlook
During the 2024-2025 school year, first-year teachers started at a minimum annual salary of $62,000 but those with advanced credentials or qualifications may receive higher salaries.1 Teachers also receive higher salaries commensurate with experience, along with stipends for duties considered beyond the scope of their contract.1
The table below compares various classroom teaching roles in Dallas 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 | # Employed2 | Median Annual Salary2 | 90th Percentile Annual Salary2 | Proj. Job Growth 2022-323 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten Teachers | 3,690 | $64,810 | $72,400 | 8% |
| Elementary School Teachers | 37,350 | $65,370 | $70,820 | 7.9% |
| Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers, SPED | 6,470 | $65,310 | $76,400 | 7.3% |
| Middle School Teachers | 17,370 | $65,370 | $72,900 | 8% |
| Middle School Teachers, SPED | 2,240 | $65,420 | $78,120 | 7.4% |
| Secondary School Teachers | 27,950 | $65,940 | $79,610 | 8.3% |
| Secondary School Teachers, Career/Technical Education | 4,050 | $66,230 | $80,310 | 7.1% |
| Secondary School Teachers, SPED | 3,400 | $65,370 | $75,580 | 7.6% |
Dallas 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
- 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.
- 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.
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 (TAPPS) Jobs Board
- Catholic Diocese of Dallas
- Texas Charter Schools Association
- Dallas ISD Jobs
- Texas Private Schools Association (TPSA) Jobs Board
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What cities does the Dallas ISD include?
Answer: In addition to schools within Dallas city limits, the Dallas ISD 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 substitute teachers make in Dallas?
Answer: As of the 2024-2025 school year, Dallas substitutes with no degree or certification earned a flat rate of $110 per day, while substitutes with a degree but not certification earned $115, and substitutes with both a degree and teacher certification earned $120.7 Bilingual teachers covering vacancies for regular bilingual classroom teachers earned even more, at $170 per day.1
References:
1. Dallas Independent School District: https://www.dallasisd.org/
2. Niche, Largest Schools in Dallas: https://www.niche.com/k12/search/largest-private-schools/t/dallas-dallas-tx/
3. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, Dallas-Plano-Irving Metropolitan Division: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_19100.htm
4. Texas Labor Market Information, Dallas County WDA Long-term Occupation Projections: https://texaslmi.com/LMIbyCategory/Projections