Bay City ISD outlines multi‑year plan to certify uncertified teachers and seeks TEA approval
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Summary
District staff presented a phased plan to reduce uncertified teachers from 28% to under 10% by 2028–29, targeting PK–5 certification first and using residency/EPP partnerships and federal funds to support staff through the process.
Bay City ISD presented a district‑level plan to bring uncertified teachers into compliance with state certification requirements while seeking TEA approval for a phase‑in.
A staff presenter told trustees that the district currently has 17 uncertified teachers in pre‑K through grade 5, 7 in grades 6–8 and 9 in grades 9–12. The presenter said those numbers represent roughly 28% of instructional staff categorized as uncertified and that the district’s plan would reduce that percentage across three school years. "So right now, we have 17 PK PK to 5 that are uncertified," the presenter said during the board packet review, describing a phased approach through 2028–29 to reach full certification for current employees.
The plan prioritizes certification in foundational subjects (ELA, math, science and social studies), uses partnerships with educator preparation programs and a residency model to support candidates, and contemplates using federal dollars to fund coursework or supports. Staff emphasized monitoring and accountability — teachers and principals would be tracked and meet regularly to document progress toward certification milestones.
Board questions focused on whether the district would hire uncertified teachers during the phase‑in, how failed certification attempts would be handled, and how Bay City compares with other districts. Staff said recruitment and residency programs would remain part of the strategy and that some statewide tracking tools are still being populated.
If the board approves the plan and TEA grants the requested delay, the district said it will post the plan on its website and continue quarterly monitoring; if TEA denies the plan, the district would have to follow the state's standard certification timetable.
Ending: The board discussed the plan and did not table it for additional action at the same meeting; if approved by TEA the phase‑in would formalize the district’s approach to supporting existing uncertified staff so they meet state requirements.
