The majority of corps members joining Teach For America Dallas-Fort Worth will join the corps as "non-certified" corps members, and will work directly with the Onboarding Team to pass all required tests, enroll in an educator preparation program, and complete all actions necessary to be certified as a teacher in Dallas-Fort Worth. This same team will work with you directly if you hold—or will hold—a standard teaching certificate (whether it's issued by the state of Texas or otherwise) to ensure that your credentials are in order before the start of the academic year.

Our region works with Southern Methodist University's Teacher Preparation Program.

Becoming Certified to Teach

• All corps members must take and pass one or more Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES) exams, depending on teaching assignments before starting summer Pre-Service.
• While the cost of alternative certification and personal preparation for tests are the responsibility of incoming corps members, support from regional staff along with study sessions and guides are available to ensure success throughout the certification process.
• Estimated start up certification costs range between $300-500.
• Certification program tuition is approximately $6,000, but can be entirely offset by using one Americorps Education Award, and payment can be delayed until receipt of this award. This results in very little out of pocket costs for certification.

Graduate School

Second year corps members and alumni may pursue a Master's in education with a variety of focus areas through Southern Methodist University's master's program at the Annette Caldwell Simmons School of Education and Human Development. Corps Members and Alumni receive discounted tuition rates and can choose to use their second Americorps Education award towards a graduate degree as well.