If you're thinking about becoming a teacher in Amarillo, this guide walks you through what it feels like to teach here, the concrete steps to get certified in Texas, where to look for jobs, typical pay ranges, top local districts, and clear next actions you can take right now.
Teaching in Amarillo
Teaching in Amarillo combines the tempo of a mid-sized Texas city with a strong sense of community and regional pride.
Class sizes, school cultures, and resources can vary widely between Amarillo proper and surrounding Panhandle districts, but many educators highlight supportive colleagues and close-knit relationships with students and families.
You'll find a mix of traditional public schools, charter options, and alternative programs, which means there are opportunities in many subject areas and grade levels.
Classroom culture and community
Classroom culture tends to emphasize practical skills, community involvement, and strong extracurricular programs, including athletics and career & technical education.
Many schools host community events and welcome local business partnerships that support student learning and internships.
Student demographics and needs
Amarillo schools serve diverse populations with a range of socioeconomic backgrounds; some campuses have higher needs for wraparound services, while others are more affluent and well-resourced.
This creates opportunities for teachers interested in special education, bilingual education, and social-emotional learning work.
Work-life and cost of living
Compared with large Texas metro areas, Amarillo generally has a lower cost of living, which can stretch a teacher's salary further for housing and everyday expenses.
That said, salaries are typically lower than in Austin, Dallas, or Houston, so it's important to consider district pay scales and benefits when choosing where to work.
What Makes Teaching in Amarillo Unique?
- Close-knit community feel where teachers build strong relationships with families and students.
- Wide range of school environments—from urban campuses to rural-edge schools within Amarillo ISD.
- Strong support for new teachers through mentoring, induction programs, and district-level resources.
- Growing CTE, agriculture, and trades pathways that reflect the region’s economy and offer diverse teaching opportunities.
- Lower cost of living compared to many Texas cities, helping teacher salaries stretch further.
- Rich local culture influenced by West Texas traditions, arts, and community pride.
Steps to Become a Teacher in Amarillo
Texas requires a clear set of steps to move from a degree-holder to a certified classroom teacher; below is a practical pathway you can follow.
1. Earn a Bacholor's Degree
Start with a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. While many candidates major in education, you can also earn subject-matter degrees (for example, math, English, science) and later complete teacher preparation.
- If you already have a bachelor's in another field, look into alternative certification routes offered in Texas.
- Consider coursework in classroom management, adolescent development, and subject-specific pedagogy if you can choose electives.
2. Complete an Educator Preparation Program
After your degree, you must complete an approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP). This program includes student teaching or supervised clinical practice and prepares you for classroom realities and state certification exams.
In and around Amarillo, options to explore include higher education institutions and alternative providers that partner with districts.
- West Texas A&M University (Canyon) — traditional teacher education programs and partnerships with area schools.
- Amarillo College — coursework and transfer pathways that can pair with a four-year institution or alternative routes.
- District-linked consortia and residency pathways (e.g. via Amarillo Independent School District / AISD “Path2Teaching” initiative) — For career-changers or baccalaureate-holders, AISD and its regional partners offer alternative routes to certification that include mentorship, internships, and district support.
- State-approved alternative certification providers — for candidates who already hold a bachelor's degree in another field and want an expedited route.
When choosing an EPP, confirm it is approved by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) so your certification will be valid for state licensure.
3. Pass Certification Exams
Texas requires passing scores on state exams administered by the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC), typically the Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES) or appropriate content exams.
- Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR) exam is commonly required for classroom teachers.
- Content-area exams test subject knowledge (e.g., Mathematics 7-12, English Language Arts and Reading 4-8, etc.).
- Special certifications (bilingual, special education) may require additional exams or endorsements.
4. Submit Application and Fingerprinting
Once you have your degree, completed an EPP, and passed required exams, apply for your Texas teaching certificate through the TEA online system (regionally called the Educator Certification online portal).
The application process includes background checks and fingerprinting. Schools cannot hire you for classroom duties until your certification clears and background is complete.
Keep careful records of transcripts, test scores, and program completion documents to speed processing.
Finding A Teaching Job in Amarillo
Searching for a teaching job is both a matter of where you look and how you present yourself. Good timing and networking help more than you might expect.
Where to search
Primary places to look for Amarillo-area teaching jobs include district HR websites, TEA job boards, general job boards, and local staffing events.
- District websites (Amarillo ISD, Canyon ISD, etc.) — posted vacancies and substitute openings.
- TEA or ESC Region 16 career pages — region-specific listings for certified positions.
- General job sites: Indeed, Glassdoor, LinkedIn — useful for filterable searches and alerts.
- Local teacher recruitment fairs and university placement centers — good for on-the-spot interviews and building contacts.
Tips and tricks for the job search
Make a strong, targeted application that includes a clear cover letter aligned to the campus mission and a resume highlighting relevant experience and measurable outcomes.
- Network with current teachers and administrators—many positions are filled through referrals.
- Apply early in spring for the next school year; mid-summer hires happen frequently when turnover or new positions emerge.
- Consider substitute teaching or paraprofessional roles to get your foot in the door and gain local experience.
- Prepare a short teaching portfolio (sample lesson plans, student work artifacts, classroom management strategies) to share at interviews.
Interview and hiring expectations
District interviews may include a panel with administrators and grade-level teachers, a demonstration lesson, and questions about classroom management and differentiated instruction.
Be ready to discuss data-driven instruction and ways you support ELs, SPED students, and family engagement.
How much do teachers get paid in Amarillo?
Teacher pay in Amarillo is influenced by district budgets, experience, education level, and specific campus needs. Below are typical ranges and factors that drive pay.
Average Salary for Amarillo
Approximate average salaries can fluctuate, but here are typical figures to help set expectations. (All numbers are approximate and should be verified against current district pay scales.)
| Position | Typical Average Annual Salary (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Elementary Teacher | $48,000 - $54,000 |
| Middle School Teacher | $50,000 - $56,000 |
| High School Teacher | $52,000 - $58,000 |
| Average for Amarillo-area public school teachers | $50,000 - $56,000 |
What Impact Salary?
- Experience and years on the salary schedule — most districts increase pay annually for each year of service.
- Education level — a master's degree or additional certification often raises pay by a bump on the salary scale.
- Campus and district funding — some districts have higher pay scales due to local tax base or incentives.
- Specialized roles — bilingual teachers, special education, STEM, and hard-to-fill subject areas may receive stipends or extra pay.
Also consider benefits like health insurance, retirement (TRS), and stipends for extracurriculars which add significant value beyond base salary.
Top Districts in Amarillo
Below are top Amarillo-area districts often highlighted for schools, programs, and community reputation. These listings reference common rankings such as those found at sources like Niche.com and local education reports.
| Rank | District | # of Schools |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Canyon ISD | 21 |
| 2 | Panhandle ISD | 3 |
| 3 | Bushland ISD | 4 |
| 4 | Happy ISD | 2 |
| 5 | Amarillo ISD | 55 |
| 6 | Boys Ranch ISD | 3 |
| 7 | Highland Park ISD | 3 |
| 8 | River Road ISD | 4 |
How To Get Started
Ready to take the first steps? Below are three clear actions you can do right now to begin your teaching journey in Amarillo.
Make Sure You Meet All The Requirements
Confirm you hold the required bachelor's degree, check TEA certification requirements, and enroll in an approved EPP if you haven't already. If you already have a degree in another field, research alternative certification providers and residency programs that will get you classroom-ready while offering mentorship.
- Check TEA educator certification rules and required exams.
- Order transcripts and gather any previous teaching-related paperwork.
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Research Districts You Want To Work in
Explore HR pages for Amarillo-area districts, compare salary schedules, benefits, and school ratings. Visit campuses if possible and talk to current teachers about culture, leadership, and priorities.
- Make a short list of 3–5 districts you prefer and follow their job pages.
- Attend local hiring events and university career fairs to make in-person connections.
Start Applying for Jobs
Build a targeted resume and cover letter for each role, prepare a short teaching portfolio, and apply early in the hiring season (late winter–spring for the next school year). Also apply for substitute positions to build local experience and gain referrals.
- Set job alerts on district and general job sites.
- Reach out to campus principals or HR with a concise email introducing yourself and attaching your resume.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you start as an undergraduate education major, the typical timeline is four years for a bachelor’s plus the EPP and certification steps completed during your degree. If you already have a bachelor’s, alternative certification routes can take 12–24 months depending on program length and exam timing.
Texas may issue certification based on out-of-state credentials, but you still must meet TEA requirements, which can include passing Texas exams and completing any additional coursework required by the state. Apply through TEA for out-of-state reciprocity information.
Yes. Hard-to-staff subjects—such as math, science, special education, bilingual/ESL, and CTE—often have higher demand and sometimes come with signing bonuses, stipends, or expedited hiring. Check district postings for incentives.
Substitute teaching, paraprofessional positions, instructional aide roles, and after-school program staff are common entry points. These roles provide local experience and networking that can lead to full-time certified positions.
Yes. Many districts and EPPs offer mentoring for new teachers, induction programs, and in some cases paid residencies that pair new teachers with experienced mentors. Ask district HR or your EPP about formal mentorship and support options during the hiring process.
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