How Can I Get a Texas High School Teaching Job in Criminal Justice?

I'm a junior interested in both law and teaching and heard that some high schools in Texas offer criminal justice classes. Does anyone know how I could prepare for or land a job teaching this subject in Texas?

Let's start with the educational and certification requirements. To become a high school teacher in Texas, even for a specialized subject like criminal justice, you would need at least a bachelor's degree. This does not necessarily have to be in criminal justice, but having a degree in the field or a closely related field would certainly strengthen your subject knowledge and credibility.

Many high school teachers complete an education program as part of their undergraduate studies, or they might return to school to complete a post-baccalaureate program if they decide to teach after getting their degree.

Next, you need to obtain a certification to teach in Texas. Aspiring teachers must pass the Texas Exams of Educator Standards (TExES) Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR) test, along with a content area test. For you, the content area test would likely be Social Studies, as criminal justice falls under this category.

In addition to these requirements, it would be worthwhile to gain some real-world experience in the field of criminal justice. This could be through internships, part-time work, or volunteering in law enforcement, legal services, social work, or other related areas. Practical experience could enrich your teaching and make the subject matter more relatable for your students.

Once you have the necessary credentials and some experience, start by researching what districts and schools offer criminal justice programs. Keep an eye on their job postings, and consider reaching out to existing criminal justice teachers or department heads for informational interviews. Networking in this way could give you insider advice on landing a position and provide potential job leads.

Remember, teaching goes beyond academic knowledge; interpersonal skills, passion for the subject, and a knack for making complex ideas understandable are also crucial. Building these skills alongside your academic and professional qualifications will make you an appealing candidate for a high school teaching job in criminal justice.