Tex. Education Code § 21.049

(a) To provide a continuing additional source of qualified educators, the board shall propose rules providing that educator certification programs may be provided by an institution of higher education or another entity. The rules may not provide that a person may be certified under this section only if there is a demonstrated shortage of educators in a school district or subject area.

(b) The board may not require a person employed as a teacher in an alternative education program under Section 37.008 or a juvenile justice alternative education program under Section 37.011 for at least three years to complete an alternative educator preparation program adopted under this section before taking the appropriate certification examination.