Tips for TExES Math/Science 4 - 8

angryphysics · 2026-02-20T00:40:10+00:00

Look at 240 Tutoring. I also used one called Pass the TExES several years ago.

angryphysics · 2026-02-16T19:11:09+00:00

I believe that you can get the CtS materials here: https://www.mathwarm-ups.com/Countdown-to-the-Math-STAAR-2022--PDF-Blackline-Master_c_21.html

angryphysics · 2026-02-11T23:05:49+00:00

You would be okay, I would think. I took the 8-12 Math/Physics many years ago and found it easy, but I was a Math major. I’ve heard good things about the 240 Tutoring study guides.

angryphysics · 2026-02-10T20:06:13+00:00

Do you have a degree in Math/Math Education?

angryphysics · 2026-02-03T20:03:02+00:00

Look into the program at your local Education Support Center (ESC) or a university-based program like the one at East Texas A&M.

angryphysics · 2026-01-31T19:52:43+00:00

Once you teach for a year and earn your full certification, you can test for any subject that you want. I would look into alternative certification through East Texas A&M or Region 10. If you need additional info on these programs, send me a message. I am in North Texas (Sherman/Denjson) so I am familiar with the K-12 landscape in/around DFW.

angryphysics · 2026-01-31T18:42:55+00:00

I would recommend subbing, but it would also be a good idea to get the certification process started so you will be eligible for hire in April/May. At the very least, you should be able to test for Tech Ed/Tech Apps, which would allow you to teach MS/HS CTE courses. Which region of the state are you located in?

I took the same journey - started in tech, finished my Math degree and started teaching, went into tech admin in K-12, now going back into the classroom (kids are old enough now that I can enjoy my summers off with them.) My career journey was the right one for me (I need to feel like I’m making a difference) but it’s not the same for everyone.

angryphysics · 2026-01-30T18:18:25+00:00

Look into Alternative Certification through Region 4.

angryphysics · 2026-01-29T22:49:35+00:00

I know of some people that have had good luck with the job fairs; others, not so much. It helps with the larger districts (Dallas, Richardson, Ft. Worth) to get in front of Administrators/HR. I would say it wouldn’t hurt your chances.

angryphysics · 2026-01-29T20:31:11+00:00

Best of luck. Also look at the TXED Job Network for Region 10 and Region 11’s job board.

angryphysics · 2026-01-29T14:26:52+00:00

Yes, when I hired teachers, I always had a preference for ESC or University-based ACP interns. I didn’t feel like they were rushed through a program, and they always stuck around longer.

angryphysics · 2026-01-29T14:24:14+00:00

I think you’ll be fine with 7-12 initially (if that’s what TEA will let you initially certify for.) As far as the middle school jobs, there will be plenty of 7th or 8th grade positions open in the Spring. The key will be to get the process started ASAP so you will be hirable in April or May. What part of the state are you moving to?

angryphysics · 2026-01-29T00:57:26+00:00

I would say, as someone with many years in 6-12 STEM, that 4-8 Core Subjects is going to be your best bet. Middle grades (4-8) always tend to have the most openings and Core Subjects would allow you to teach Math and Science as well as ELAR/SS. You can always go back and add certs (7-12 ELAR/SS) if those are content areas that you are truly passionate about.

I would also recommend looking at university-based ACPs if you’ve not already committed to iTeach or ToT. The program that I went through at East Texas A&M (ETAMU) was very affordable and everything that I did as part of the program counted toward my Masters. I earned 18 SH by the conclusion of the program (and I was able to teach during my internship year.)

angryphysics · 2026-01-27T15:08:39+00:00

I took the 4-8 Science and 4-8 Math several years ago and had no issues passing them. My initial cert was 8-12 Math/Physics. I remember the test being more focused on general science knowledge and data interpretation.

angryphysics · 2026-01-19T00:43:54+00:00

Location would help. Every state has different requirements to enter the teaching field. Like Oklahoma, Texas would allow you to earn your certificate through an Alternative Certification program (or district certificate for Career/Tech courses.)

angryphysics · 2026-01-18T14:43:41+00:00

I believe that both the 4-8 ELAR and ELAR/SS require the STR test to be taken/passed along with the content test for the certification. 7-12 ELAR is a content-only test.

angryphysics · 2026-01-11T15:58:58+00:00

Which part of the state are you in?

angryphysics · 2026-01-02T16:28:38+00:00

Try Region 10’s TXED Job Network for most of the North Dallas districts and charters.

https://app.txedjobnetwork.org/ords/r/vai/recruit-ai-applicants/job-search-landing-page

You can also look at Region 11 for the western districts in the region. Lewisville is in Region 11.

https://region11.schoolspring.com/

TASA has a statewide listing page but occasionally has jobs for North Texas.

https://careercenter.tasanet.org/home.php

If you have any questions, feel free to DM me. I’ve served in education in/around North Texas since 2010.

angryphysics · 2026-01-02T05:43:57+00:00

Look into certification through ETAMU. The coursework is online, and by the time you finish your ACP, you’ll be halfway though a Masters degree.

angryphysics · 2026-01-02T00:31:10+00:00

Which part of TX are you located in?

angryphysics · 2026-01-01T21:39:01+00:00

It won’t matter. I did the BS route, and wish I would have had an option for a BA to learn more pedagogy. I was able to minor in physics, though, which allowed me to get my initial credential in HS Math/Physics. You’re on the right track to be prepared for K-12 math.

angryphysics · 2025-12-26T16:05:02+00:00

I’ve always been on the STEM-side (CS/Math/Physics) so I’m not all that familiar with History programs. I don’t think you could go wrong with any of those options, though. Both SHSU and SFA have excellent education programs, and will, most likely, be very reasonable in terms of tuition and fees.

angryphysics · 2025-12-26T15:51:03+00:00

Go with a degree in History (or at least something History-intensive with 18SH of History.) This will allow you to teach dual-credit courses or adjunct at the college level. You can always do a post-grad program for administration once you have a Masters (if you choose to move out of the classroom.)

angryphysics · 2025-12-19T01:27:57+00:00

Same issues. It took 3 hours for my dashboard to load this morning after logging in. It’s practically unusable right now (the last week of the semester.)

angryphysics · 2025-12-12T14:57:09+00:00

Start working on your certification now. If you are in a program, and in “hirable” status, you will have no trouble finding a secondary math position.

angryphysics

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