East Central ISD to seek TEA extension for 100% teacher certification timeline, staff outlines three-year plan

District staff told trustees on Feb. 10 that East Central ISD plans to ask the Texas Education Agency for an extension to the state timeline requiring 100% certified foundational teachers (reading, math, science, social studies) by 2030.

Miss Sanders presented a draft detailed plan that staff said will accompany the district’s application to TEA. Sanders outlined current counts of uncertified staff: the document cited 71 two weeks before the meeting and staff reported 61 as of the meeting after recent case-management efforts. Sanders described a coordinator who tracks progress, multiple certification pathways (university programs, alternative certification), partnerships with providers (including Teachworthy) and resident programs that the district says have produced reliable hires.

Staff described year-by-year reduction targets (a 15% reduction the coming year, 25% the following year and incremental progress toward full compliance by 2030) and the case-by-case approach for employees who are performing well but still completing credential requirements. The district emphasized it will not retain nonperforming uncertified employees indefinitely; the extension request would provide flexibility to support staff who are making progress toward certification.

Trustees asked whether the extension would apply to future hires and what happens if TEA denies the request; staff said new hires will be placed on tight timelines and noncompliance could require contract decisions. Staff requested board authorization to submit the plan to TEA and said the draft will be finalized for board action next week.

The presentation referenced supports such as test-prep days with partner organizations, a paid residency program with 30 residents currently, and a planned expansion of a grow-your-own program for paraprofessionals and local teacher-prep students.