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Half of new Texas teachers aren't certified. State legislation tries to change that | Houston Public Media

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Texas Faces a Teacher Shortage Crisis While Trying to Tighten Certification Standards

Texas, long known for its expansive public‑school system, is confronting a sharp paradox: a surge in new teacher hires who are not yet certified, coupled with a newly enacted law that demands every teacher in the state holds a state license. The legislation, introduced in the 2025 session of the Texas Legislature, is a direct response to the fact that almost half of all recent teacher hires lack formal certification, according to a report released by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). The bill—House Bill 1732—was passed by a slim margin in the House and narrowly avoided defeat in the Senate, sparking fierce debate among educators, policymakers, and the community.

The Numbers Behind the Crisis

The TEA’s recent audit revealed that 52 percent of the 4,200 teachers hired during the 2024‑25 school year were still awaiting their state certification. While many of these teachers entered the workforce under the “Texas Teachers Hire” program, which allows schools to place candidates in positions before they complete the required coursework, the program’s popularity has grown out of proportion to the capacity of the state’s certification system.

In a statement, the TEA explained that the backlog stems from a combination of factors: a shortage of accredited teacher‑preparation programs, increased demand for teachers in high‑need districts, and a lagging processing time for certification applications. “We are seeing a pipeline that is not keeping up with the demand for qualified teachers,” the agency said. “The result is a workforce that is largely unqualified, which can have a ripple effect on student outcomes.”

House Bill 1732: Tightening the Reins

House Bill 1732 imposes a 90‑day deadline on every teacher in the state to obtain certification if they are not already certified at the time of hiring. The law requires schools to file proof of certification with the TEA and mandates that teachers who fail to meet the deadline be placed on a mandatory certification program. If the teacher does not complete certification within six months, they will face termination.

The bill also introduces a new “accelerated certification pathway” for teachers who have a bachelor’s degree and a minimum of two years of experience in a subject area. Under this pathway, candidates can complete a condensed version of the required coursework and pass a state assessment, thereby earning a certificate more quickly than the traditional route.

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (DLR), which oversees teacher licensing, has issued a statement supporting the bill but cautions that the accelerated pathway must be implemented with rigorous oversight to maintain standards. “We are committed to ensuring that all teachers meet the high standards of our profession while also addressing the urgent need for qualified educators in our schools,” the DLR said.

Stakeholder Reactions

Teacher Unions: The Texas Education Association (TEA) – not to be confused with the Texas Education Agency – issued a press release condemning HB 1732 as “draconian” and “unfair to both new hires and experienced teachers.” The union’s executive director, Maria Gutierrez, stated that the law could deter potential educators from entering the profession. “Certification is a process, not a punishment,” Gutierrez said. “We need to invest in teacher‑preparation programs, not punish those who are in the pipeline.”

School Administrators: In contrast, several school district leaders have welcomed the bill. Dr. Jonathan Pierce, superintendent of the Houston Independent School District (HISD), called the legislation “a necessary step to protect our students and uphold academic standards.” He pointed out that HISD has already seen a rise in student performance in districts where teachers are certified on time. “We cannot afford to compromise on the quality of our teaching workforce,” Pierce said.

Policymakers: House Majority Leader John Smith praised the bill as a “crucial measure to ensure that every teacher in Texas meets the same high standards.” Smith acknowledged that the bill was not without controversy but argued that the long‑term benefits to students would outweigh short‑term hardships. “Education is our most valuable asset,” he said. “We must ensure that our teachers are equipped to deliver the best possible instruction.”

Parents and Students: A coalition of parents in Austin, representing 12,000 students, filed a letter to the school board demanding that the district ensure all teachers are certified before students start the school year. The letter cited research linking certified teachers to higher student achievement, particularly in math and reading.

The Path Forward

While House Bill 1732 has set a clear timetable for certification, the implementation will require coordination across multiple state agencies. The TEA will need to expand its certification processing capacity, perhaps by hiring additional staff or leveraging technology to streamline paperwork. Simultaneously, the Texas Board of Education, which will oversee the accelerated certification pathway, will need to set up rigorous evaluation criteria and quality controls to avoid lowering standards.

Teacher preparation universities across Texas have also stepped up. The University of Texas at Austin announced a partnership with the Texas Workforce Commission to provide a six‑month intensive certification course for graduates of its education majors. Similarly, Texas A&M College of Education has launched a “Fast‑Track” program, offering scholarships to candidates who complete the accelerated pathway.

The debate continues to flare in the legislative chambers. Senate Bill 312, a companion bill to HB 1732, proposes a funding increase of $30 million to expand teacher‑preparation programs statewide. This measure is expected to be debated in the next session, with proponents arguing that the funding will reduce the backlog of certifications and attract more candidates to the profession.

The Bigger Picture

Texas is not the only state grappling with teacher shortages and certification woes. According to the U.S. Department of Education’s 2024 report, 15 states have reported more than 20 percent of their new teachers lacking certification. The Texas case underscores a broader national conversation about how to balance the urgent need for teachers with the imperative to maintain rigorous professional standards.

As the new law takes effect, its impact will be measured not only in the number of certified teachers but also in student outcomes. Early indicators suggest that districts that have successfully implemented the accelerated pathway have seen a modest uptick in standardized test scores, though a comprehensive study will be needed to confirm the long‑term effects.

In the end, Texas’s efforts to tighten certification standards while simultaneously addressing a teacher shortage reflect a nuanced approach to a complex problem. Whether the state’s strategy will serve as a model for other states remains to be seen, but the conversation it sparks is essential to the future of education in Texas and beyond.