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Waco ISD board approves delayed certification plan to reduce uncertified teachers
Summary
The board approved a delayed implementation plan to help uncertified teachers complete certification pathways; staff reported 71 uncertified teachers (about 7.3% of the workforce) and outlined grow-your-own, on-demand and educator-prep partnerships to reach certification ahead of state timelines.
Dr. Carradine presented the district's delayed implementation plan aimed at transitioning uncertified teachers into certification programs while maintaining classroom coverage. She told trustees the district currently employs 71 uncertified teachers (approximately 7.3% of the teacher workforce) and described multiple pathways — grow-your-own (para-to-teacher), on-demand hires who must enter alternative certification programs, and DOI placements with time to test into a new content area.
Carradine detailed supports: partnerships with educator-preparation providers (for example, Grand Canyon University, Western Governors University, Texas Tech, MCC and Abilene Christian University), study groups, mentoring, a Succeed mentor program, and district HR coordination. She said the plan expects to eliminate uncertified teachers at the elementary level by 2027-28 and leave the district well ahead of the 2029-30 state expectation. Trustees asked clarifying questions about job security if an educator fails a content test; Carradine said the district attempts to retain employees and place them into certified positions within the district where feasible.
The board moved and approved the certification implementation plan and directed staff to submit the plan to the Texas Education Agency for commissioner approval.
