Board approves school-district teaching permit for high school athletic trainer to teach sports medicine

The NORTH EAST ISD Board of Trustees approved a school-district teaching permit that will allow a licensed athletic trainer assigned to a high school to teach a sports medicine course, passing the motion 7–0 on June 19.

Staff told the board the state permits a licensed athletic trainer who does not hold a standard teaching certificate to teach if the district issues a school-district permit and submits it to the Texas Education Agency. "It does allow for an individual who does not hold a standard teaching certificate, but does hold the license to serve as an athletic trainer to come to you to seek that approval," said Shiloh Wooden, who presented the item.

Wooden said the district currently employs seven athletic trainers, typically two at each high school. The presenters explained there is no districtwide blanket permit; permits are issued to individuals and must be submitted to the TEA commissioner. Wooden said the permits remain in place for as long as the individual is employed in that assignment; if the district later needs a broader assignment, staff would explore certification or other pathways. The board discussed alternative certification programs and noted that alternative certification usually requires teaching a minimum number of classes in a subject area.

A motion to approve the school-district teaching permit as presented was moved, seconded and approved unanimously (7–0).