ARTICLE 2:
Educator Preparation & Teacher Riglits
CERTIFICATION & EMPLOYMENT RESTRICTIONS
EFFECTIVE FOR SY 2025-26
Local Innovation Plan Limitations
Prohibits districts from using local innovation plans to:
• Hire uncertified teachers for i foundation curriculum courses
• Avoid parental notification requirements under Section 21.057
Employment of Uncertified Teachers
Defines " teacher of record " as to be a person employed by a district who teachers the majority of the instructional day in an academic instructional setting and is responsible for evaluating student achievement and assigning grades
Prohibits the employment uncertified teachers as teachers of record in foundation curriculum courses Temporary exceptions: allows uncertified teachers for grades above 5th in non-ELA / math courses under local innovation plans through the 2026-2027school year
Commissioner may approve delay plans that provide a reasonable timeline and strategy to comply before the 2029-2030 school year
Parental Notification
Requires use of TEA model notification for uncertified teachers, if TEA has developed one
Teaching Permits
Does not prevent waiver requests or local teaching permits
Permit use for an uncertified teacher serving as the teacher of record requires:
• Board approval
• employment as paraprofessional at the district for 180 + during the preceding calendar year
• Currently enrollment in a postsecondary degree program
• On track to receive a probationary certificate by the third year after they receive the teaching permit
INCENTIVES & PAY DIFFERENCE
EFFECTIVE FOR SY 2025-26
Teacher Certification Incentive
Districts receive a one-time $ 1,000 payment for teachers who:
• Were hired in 2022-2023 or 2023- 2024 as uncertified first-year teachers
• Were uncertified as of Jan 1, 2025
• Earned standard certification by end of 2026-2027
• Remained continuously employed since initial hire
( Expires September 1, 2028)
Differentiation of Payment
Requires districts to pay certified zero-year teachers more than uncertified zero-year teachers, outside of a stipend or other form of compensation
Suggested difference( not required):
• $ 3,000 for standard / intern certificate
• $ 6,000 for enhanced standard certificate
Prohibits basing pay solely on certification pathway after 5 years of experience
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