Skip to main content

STAFF RESOURCES

EMPLOYEE CERTIFICATION INFORMATION

All teachers and paraprofessional staff must be certified. 

**Please Note: To apply for certification on ECOS, you must have created a TEAL account login.**

INFORMATION REGARDING TESTING FOR TEACHERS

As of September 1, 2018 all State Board Exams have a limit of 5 exams, including all previous attempst before September 1, 2015. If you have exceeded you attempt limit, you may apply for a waiver from TEA. For more information visit https://tea.texas.gov/texas-educators/certification/educator-testing/test-limit-waiver-information. 

INFORMATION FOR PARAPROFESSIONALS (educational aids)

A paraprofessional is an employee of a local education agency (LEA) who provides instructional support. Duties of a paraprofessional may include:

  • providing one-on-one tutoring if such tutoring is scheduled at a time when a student would not otherwise receive instruction from a teacher;
  • assisting with classroom management, such as by organizing instructional materials;
  • providing instructional assistance in a computer laboratory;
  • conducting parental involvement activities;
  • providing instructional support in a library or media center;
  • acting as a translator; or
  • providing instructional support services under the direct supervision of an appropriately certified teacher.

APPLYING FOR THE EDUCATIONAL AIDE CERTIFICATE

You must first be employed by a school district before being eligible to apply for an Educational Aide certificate. If you have not been advised to do so by your employing school district, you may not apply. Your application will not be processed. Once you have been advised to do so by your employing school district, you will need to set up your online TEAL and ECOS accounts. Once logged into ECOS, you would select the Applications tab and then Educational Aide Certificate and follow the prompts to apply and pay the fee.

For step-by-step instructions, please view the Applying for Educational Aide Certificate document.  

CURRENT EDUCATIONAL AIDES NEEDING TO REAPPLY 

As of January 1, 2018, Educational Aide certificates cannot be renewed.  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. 

Staff Resources