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Scholarships/Understanding Teacher Supply and Demand in Texas/Military service members Prior Coursework & Training Substitution Policy

The Don A. Williams School of Education and Exercise Sports Science houses many academic and endowed scholarships which are made available to students based on academic merit, demonstrated financial need, and additional stipulations associated with each scholarship. Scholarships are awarded to elementary, middle school, and high school education majors as well as exercise sports science majors.

The school of education also strongly encourages students to complete the FAFSA in order to gain access to many state and federal assistance programs designed specifically for educators, such as the TEACH grant.

Understanding Teacher Supply and Demand in Texas

As part of our responsibility under Texas Education Code §21.044(g)(2), the 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ Baptist University Educator Preparation Program provides information about current teacher workforce needs.

• Why it matters: Teacher supply and demand varies by subject area and grade level. Knowing where the greatest need exists can help candidates make informed decisions about certification pathways and career opportunities.

• High-Demand Certification Areas (2025–2026, TEA Shortage List):

  • Bilingual Education / ESL

  • Special Education (all grade levels)

  • Computer Science / Technology Applications

  • Secondary English Language Arts (Grades 7–12)

  • Career & Technical Education (Secondary)

• Current Workforce Trends (TEA 2024–25 data):

  • Teacher attrition rate: ~12.9% statewide

  • New teacher hires down 10% compared to the prior year

  • Elevated levels of uncertified teachers in classrooms, especially in shortage fields

• Opportunities:

  • Candidates certified in shortage areas often benefit from hiring incentives, stipends, and greater job availability.

  • Federal programs such as TEACH Grants and Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) may offer additional benefits in shortage fields.

  • For more information click on the official TEA link  

Military service members Prior Coursework & Training Substitution Policy
In accordance with § 228.35(1)–(2) of Title 19 of the Texas Administrative Code, candidates in our educator preparation programs may request to apply relevant prior experience, training, or education toward program requirements. Military service members or military veterans can submit verified military service, training, or professional education or experience—so long as it is directly related to the the certification being sought—to satisfy training, education, or work experience requirements (excluding certification examinations). Similarly, non-military candidates may request substitution for prior or ongoing service, training, or education that meets the following criteria: (a) was completed through an approved educator preparation program or an accredited institution of higher education within the past five years; (b) is not already counted toward internship, clinical teaching, or practicum requirements; and (c) is directly relevant to the certification area being pursued. All such requests are subject to review by the School of Education, and candidates must submit documentation (e.g. course descriptions, certificates, transcripts) for evaluation to determine eligibility.

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