Becoming an Educational Aide in Texas
Educational Aides support student learning in Texas public schools under the supervision of certified educators. The rules specific to issuance of the Educational Aide Certificate can be found in 19 TAC Chapter 230. Professional Educator Preparation and Certification, Subchapter E. Educational Aide Certificate. The completion of the criminal history review, which includes the fingerprinting process is a general certification requirement for all SBEC-issued certificates (e.g., educational aide, intern, probationary, one-year certificate, standard certificate, and emergency permit).
To obtain an Educational Aide certificate, you must first be employed by a Texas school district and be instructed by that district to apply. Contact your employing school district for application instructions. If you have not been advised to do so by your employing school district, you may not apply. Your application will not be processed. For high school students, please see the section below titled Educational Aide I Certification for High School Students.
Before You Apply
Do not apply for an Educational Aide certificate unless your employing school district has instructed you to do so.
To be eligible to apply, you must:
- Be employed by a Texas school district.
- Receive instructions from your employing district to apply.
- Create a TEAL and ECOS account.
- Submit an Educational Aide application through ECOS.
- Receive a recommendation from your employing district.
Important: Individuals who are not employed by a school district and have not been instructed to apply by their district are not eligible for certification, and applications will not be processed.
Current Educational Aides: Reapplying for Certification
Educational Aide Certificates Cannot Be Renewed
As of January 1, 2018, Educational Aide certificates are no longer renewable. Instead, Educational Aides must apply for a new certificate every two years.
Important: If your Educational Aide certificate is nearing expiration, you must submit a new application and receive a new recommendation from your employing school district. An individual who holds a Standard 5-year Educational Aide certificate will no longer be able to renew and must reapply for the new 2-year, non-renewable Educational Aide certificate. Every two years, you will need to apply for a new Educational Aide certificate and be recommended by your employing district.
Educational Aide Certification Process
Step 1: Become Employed by a Texas School District
Educational Aide certificates are issued only in connection with employment in a Texas school district. Contact local school districts regarding employment opportunities.
Step 2: Create Your TEAL and ECOS Accounts
Once your district instructs you to apply, establish your TEAL and ECOS accounts.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Log in to ECOS, select Applications, choose Educational Aide Certificate, and follow the prompts to complete the application and submit payment. A step-by-step application guide is available on the Applying for Educational Aide Certificate document.
Step 4: District Recommendation
After you apply, your employing school district must recommend you for certification and indicate whether you qualify as an Educational Aide I, II, or III. The school district determines the certificate level based on your qualifications.
Step 5: Certificate Issuance
Once all requirements have been met, TEA will issue the Educational Aide certificate. TEA conducts required background checks for certification applicants before certificates can be issued. In some cases, these reviews may extend processing times. Because each review is unique, TEA cannot provide an estimated completion date while a review is pending. We appreciate your patience as we work to process certificates as quickly as possible while ensuring student safety.
Educational Aide Certificate Levels and Requirements
Your employing school district determines the certificate level for which you qualify.
Educational Aide I Requirements
You must:
- Hold a high school diploma, the equivalent of a high school diploma, or higher; and
- Have experience working with students or parents as approved by the employing superintendent.
OR
- Qualify through the high school student pathway described below.
Educational Aide I Certification for High School Students
Eligible high school students may qualify for an Educational Aide I certificate by being a program of study completer. To qualify, students must complete three or more courses for four or more credits from the list of courses in subparagraphs (A)-(H) of this paragraph, with at least one course being a Level 3 or Level 4 course. Credits must be verified by the school district in which they were earned. Approved coursework includes:
- (A) Principles of Education and Training; or
- (B) Human Growth and Development; or
- (C) Child Development; or
- (D) Child Guidance; or
- (E) Communication and Technology in Education; or
- (F) Instructional Practices; or
- (G) Practicum in Education and Training; or
- (H) Practicum in Early Learning
The Educational Aide I certificate for high school students is utilized for purposes of awarding industry-based certification (IBC).
While the current Educational Aide application was not designed to meet the needs of the Educational Aide I certificate for high school students, school districts may utilize the application for such purpose. Students will select the appropriate district in the drop-down list for the employing school district when completing the application. While the district may not actually be employing the students, they must still make the selection for the application to process. TEA understands the dual use of the educational aide application.
Educational Aide II Requirements
You must:
- Hold a high school diploma, the equivalent of a high school diploma, or higher;
- Have experience working with students or parents as approved by the employing superintendent; and
- Meet one of the following:
- Two creditable years of experience as an Educational Aide I;
- At least 15 semester credit hours of college coursework, including coursework related to child growth and development; or
- Demonstrated proficiency in a specialized skill area as determined by the school district.
Educational Aide III Requirements
You must:
- Hold a high school diploma, the equivalent of a high school diploma, or higher;
- Have experience working with students or parents as approved by the employing superintendent; and
- Meet one of the following:
- Three creditable years of experience as an Educational Aide I or II; or
- At least 30 semester credit hours of college coursework, including coursework related to child growth and development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply before I am hired by a school district?
No. You must first be employed by a Texas school district and instructed by that district to apply.
Can I apply directly to TEA?
No. Your employing school district must instruct you to apply and must recommend your application before certification can be issued.
Who determines whether I receive an Educational Aide I, II, or III certificate?
Your employing school district determines the certificate level for which you qualify based on your credentials and experience.
How long is an Educational Aide certificate valid?
Educational Aide certificates are valid for two years and must be reapplied for rather than renewed.
Do I contact TEA or my school district about my certification recommendation?
Questions regarding recommendation eligibility, certificate level, employment requirements, or recommendation status should be directed to your employing school district.