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How To Become A Teacher in Irving

Nov 17, 2025

Becoming a teacher in Irving, Texas is an exciting and rewarding path that combines a passion for learning with a commitment to community. This guide walks you through the local landscape, the required steps, job-search tips, salary expectations, top districts, and clear next steps you can take today to start your teaching career in Irving.

Teaching in Irving

Teaching in Irving

Teaching in Irving means becoming part of a vibrant, culturally diverse community within the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. Classrooms here reflect a rich mix of languages, backgrounds, and experiences, giving educators the chance to create meaningful, inclusive learning environments. Teachers who value multicultural education and connection often find Irving especially rewarding.

The city’s public and charter schools are supported by active district initiatives and community organizations that prioritize student achievement and teacher success. Educators benefit from professional development, mentorship opportunities, and programs designed to strengthen classroom instruction.

Outside of school, Irving offers a dynamic blend of urban convenience, cultural events, and family-friendly neighborhoods providing a balanced lifestyle for teachers both in and out of the classroom.

What Makes Teaching in Irving Unique?

  • Diverse, multilingual student population that enriches daily classroom experiences
  • Strong need for bilingual and culturally responsive educators
  • Mix of traditional public, magnet, and charter schools offering varied teaching environments
  • Opportunities for professional growth, collaboration, and district-supported training

Community and Support

Teachers in Irving experience a strong sense of community. Local businesses, cultural groups, and nonprofit organizations frequently partner with schools to support enrichment programs, extracurricular activities, and student services. This community involvement helps create a collaborative and positive environment where both educators and students can thrive.

Steps to Become a Teacher in Irving

Steps to Become a Teacher in Irving

Texas has a clear state certification system; below are the main steps most candidates follow to become a certified teacher eligible to work in Irving.

1. Earn a Bacholor's Degree

You must obtain at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Your major can be in education or a content area you wish to teach, such as English, math, science, or social studies.

If your degree is in a non-education field, you can still become certified via alternative certification routes.

2. Complete an Educator Preparation Program

After or during your degree, you must complete an Educator Preparation Program (EPP) approved by the Texas Education Agency (TEA).

EPPs provide coursework, student teaching or clinical experience, and preparation for certification exams.

Local and nearby EPP options for Irving residents include:

  • University-based programs - University of Texas at Dallas (UTD), University of North Texas (UNT), and nearby public universities offer traditional routes.
  • Alternative certification programs - TEA-approved programs such as Teach For America, Region 10 alternative programs, and private providers that accelerate certification for career changers.
  • Community college partnerships - Some community colleges partner with universities or districts for 2+2 pathways into certification.
  • District-based residency programs - Some Irving-area districts run grow-your-own or residency programs that combine paid work with coursework toward certification.

When choosing an EPP, check TEA approval, clinical placements, mentor teacher support, and success rates on certification exams.

3. Pass Certification Exams

Texas requires passing scores on the appropriate Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES) tests for your certification area.

Typical exams include the content exam for your subject/grade level and the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR) exam for classroom management and instruction.

Study resources include official TExES preparation materials, practice tests, local prep courses, and study groups.

4. Submit Application and Fingerprinting

Apply for your Texas educator certificate through the TEA’s Educator Certification Online System (ECOS).

The application includes submitting official transcripts, proof of EPP completion, exam scores, and undergoing state-required fingerprinting and background checks.

District hiring may require additional onboarding steps such as drug testing, district orientations, and verification of prior employment.

Finding A Teaching Job in Irving

Finding A Teaching Job in Irving

Searching for a teaching job in Irving is easier when you use multiple channels and tailor your materials to district priorities and school needs.

Start with the major public districts and expand to charter and private schools. Networking and targeted applications yield better results than mass-applying.

Where to search

Primary job search locations include:

Tips and tricks

  • Customize your resume and cover letter to each district and school, emphasizing experience with the grade band and subjects they need.
  • Highlight bilingual ability, ESL experience, and any special certifications (e.g., Special Education, Bilingual/ESL, GT) which are in demand.
  • Prepare a short teaching portfolio with sample lesson plans, student work examples (anonymized), and classroom management strategies to share during interviews.
  • Attend local job fairs, district hiring nights, and substitute teach to get foot-in-the-door opportunities and district familiarity.

How much do teachers get paid in Irving?

How much do teachers get paid in Irving

Teacher pay in Irving varies by district, experience, education level, and the specific school assignment. Below are general averages and factors that influence pay.

Average Salary for Irving

Average teacher salaries in Irving-area districts typically fall within the broader Dallas–Fort Worth pay range. As of recent trends, approximate averages are:

  • Average classroom teacher salary: $55,000 to $65,000 per year (varies by district).
  • Elementary teacher average: $52,000 to $62,000 per year.
  • Middle school teacher average: $54,000 to $64,000 per year.
  • High school teacher average: $56,000 to $66,000 per year.

These numbers are approximate and can change year-to-year with budget decisions and cost-of-living adjustments.

Below is a simple table showing an illustrative pay schedule by experience for an Irving-area district (example values):

ExperienceTypical Annual Salary
0–2 years$48,000
3–7 years$55,000
8–15 years$62,000
15+ years$68,000+

What Impact Salary?

  • Education level - Master’s degrees and advanced certifications often move teachers up the pay scale.
  • Years of experience - Salary schedules typically increase each year up to a cap set by the district.
  • District pay scales - Some districts in the region pay higher starting salaries or offer stipends for hard-to-fill subjects.
  • Additional roles - Coaching, department chairs, and extracurricular sponsorships often bring stipends.
  • Location and school assignment - Schools with challenging staffing needs may offer incentives or differential pay.

Top Districts in Irving

Top Districts in Irving

Using Niche.com rankings and common regional recognition, here are top districts and notable school systems that serve Irving and its surrounding area. These districts are evaluated for academics, teacher quality, diversity, and resources.

Notable districts (based on local footprint and Niche-like rankings)

RankDistrict / School SystemNotesNiche Profile / Link
1Irving Independent School District (Irving ISD)Main district for Irving; diverse student body; strong teacher supportNiche – Irving ISD
2Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD (CFBISD)Nearby, highly rated; strong academics and extracurricularsNiche – CFBISD
3Dallas Independent School District (Dallas ISD)Large district with many campus options; diverse programsNiche – Dallas ISD
4Richardson ISD (RISD)Strong academics in parts of the region; high college readinessNiche – RISD
5Coppell ISDSuburban district with strong ratings and student outcomesNiche – Coppell ISD
6Plano ISDCompetitive nearby district; robust programs and student performanceNiche – Plano ISD
7Garland ISDNeighboring district with many campuses; diverse student populationNiche – Garland ISD
8Carrollton-based Charter Networks & Regional ChartersVarious performance profiles; often STEM or arts-focused
9Private Schools in Irving & Nearby CitiesVaried curricula, programs, and compensation options
10Specialized Magnet Programs (Regional Districts)STEM, arts, and career-tech programs; selective admission

When evaluating districts, check Niche.com for community reviews, TEA report cards for academic performance, and district HR pages for specific salary schedules and benefits.

How To Get Started

Take clear, actionable steps to move from interest to the classroom. Below are three immediate things you can do to begin.

Make Sure You Meet All The Requirements

Verify that you have or are pursuing a bachelor’s degree, enroll in an approved EPP if needed, and prepare for TExES exams. Start fingerprinting and collect official transcripts early.

Create a checklist of TEA certification requirements and track progress in ECOS.

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Learn more about how 240 Certification can help you get your certification and get into the classroom.

Research Districts You Want To Work in

Identify 2–4 target districts around Irving. Review their salary schedules, teacher support, professional development offerings, and school cultures.

Contact HR or district recruiters to ask about substitute opportunities, job fairs, and residency programs.

Start Applying for Jobs

Create a tailored resume, a concise cover letter, and a simple digital portfolio. Apply for open positions and consider substitute teaching or paraprofessional roles to gain local experience.

Attend hiring events, bring copies of your resume, and follow up with district HR a week after applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become a certified teacher in Irving?

Time varies by route. A traditional bachelor’s plus EPP and student teaching usually takes 4–5 years. Alternative certification programs can take 1–2 years if you already hold a bachelor’s degree, depending on program pace and exam timing.

Can I teach in Irving with an out-of-state certificate?

Yes, Texas has procedures to verify out-of-state credentials. You will likely need to apply to TEA for certification equivalency, pass required TExES exams for Texas, and meet any additional TEA requirements such as fingerprinting.

What certifications are in highest demand in Irving?

High-demand areas often include Special Education, Bilingual/ESL, STEM subjects (math, science), and bilingual-certified elementary teachers. Districts may post incentives for hard-to-fill roles.

Do Irving districts offer tuition reimbursement or support for teacher development?

Many districts offer professional development and some offer tuition reimbursement, master’s degree support, or stipends for advanced certifications. Benefits differ by district, so check district HR policies.

Is substitute teaching a good way to get hired full-time?

Yes. Substitute teaching lets you build local experience, network with principals and teachers, and demonstrate reliability. Many districts hire subs into full-time openings when vacancies arise.

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