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Board authorizes TEA application to delay certification requirements for some teachers
Summary
Trustees approved a transition-plan application to TEA that would allow the district to employ uncertified teachers in foundation curriculum courses while the teachers complete certification by the TEA deadline; trustees discussed that the district currently has about 18 uncertified teachers overall, eight in core subjects.
The board approved a motion to authorize the superintendent to submit a transition-plan application to the Texas Education Agency seeking permission to employ uncertified teachers in foundation-curriculum courses with an expectation they complete certification by the stated deadline. Superintendent said this process allows districts facing staffing shortages to hire candidates with degrees and place them in programs while they pursue subject-certification pathways.
Trustees discussed current district counts and the certification process: staff reported about 18 uncertified teachers overall and eight in core subjects out of roughly 91 teachers, and outlined that certification programs involve module coursework, subject tests and multiple observations that can take months and cost roughly $4,000 per teacher. Trustees emphasized the district's preference for hiring certified teachers first but acknowledged the ongoing statewide teacher shortage and the need for transition flexibility. The board voted in favor of submitting the application.
