SHELDON ISD plans waiver, iTeach partnership to reduce 117 uncertified teachers in core subjects

At a board workshop, the district’s HR director presented a certification transition plan and a proposed memorandum of understanding with iTeach to address uncertified teachers, in response to recent state requirements. "As of right now, we have a 117 uncertified teachers, and then 85 of those are in that core in those core areas," the director said, adding that the district must submit a board‑approved transition plan and application to the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to request an option to delay full compliance.

The presenter said the TEA application window cited in the presentation runs Oct. 16, 2025, through March 2 (year context in the plan) and requires the commissioner’s approval after submission. The district chose to partner with iTeach because the program already has 56 of the district’s uncertified teachers enrolled and offers coursework, test preparation, and staff support; the presenter named John Umland as a district contact at iTeach who services the region.

Staff said incentives will include a TEA $1,000 payment to teachers who become fully certified and a district salary increase from $63,000 to $66,000 for teachers who attain full certification, matching the district’s stated first‑year pay level. The HR director asked the board to approve the transition plan and the iTeach agreement at the Jan. 20, 2026, meeting and to authorize submission of the waiver to TEA by March 2.

Trustees asked clarifying questions about alternative certifications and historical shortages of certified teachers; staff said many districts previously relied on teachers with degrees in teachable fields and that the district has been creating incentives to close the certification gap over recent years. The HR director said he would monitor progress and report back to the board. No board vote on the plan or MOU is recorded in the transcript.