Uncertified Teachers in Texas Public Schools

The percentage of uncertified teachers working in Texas public schools has hit a new high. Of the more than 350,000 people teaching in the state this year, 12% have not earned a certification, the latest data from the Texas Education Agency reveals.

That means the agency has no record of what kind of training — if any — roughly 42,000 educators received before they stepped into the classroom.

Background Information

The Education Lab provides in-depth coverage of education issues and stories that affect North Texans. Texas has witnessed an explosion of uncertified teachers in the years since the pandemic. During the 2019-20 school year, less than 4% of teachers lacked a state certificate.

The sharp increase is driven by loose Texas regulations and the widespread hiring of first-time educators without previous classroom experience.

Causes of the Problem

Attempts to boost educator quality are working their way through the Legislature, including proposals to gradually limit which classes uncertified teachers can lead. Some lawmakers have conceded that it was their own actions that first opened the “floodgates” for educators with minimal training to enter the workforce.

“We want to make sure that we’re giving kids the absolute best,” Education Commissioner Mike Morath said during an April news conference. “You only get one shot at first grade, so how do we make sure your first-grade teacher is as skilled as possible before the school year starts?”

Impact on Students

When placed in classrooms with teachers who lack training, students can fall behind. Those with new, uncertified teachers lost the equivalent of about four months of learning in reading and three months in math, a Texas Tech University study found.

Many district leaders say they prefer hiring certified teachers, but that isn’t always possible. They are encountering problems with supply and demand: Fewer people are going to college with the goal of becoming teachers while experienced educators are exiting the profession, leaving their slots open.

Teacher Turnover Rate

Prior to the pandemic, Texas typically saw a teacher turnover rate of roughly 10%. That shot up to more than 13% in 2022-23, and it’s nearing that level again.

Methodology of Data Collection

The Texas Education Agency used different methodology to count teachers in the above datasets. For the chart analyzing uncertified teachers, officials removed any person who was not assigned students in a state database due to district reporting practices.

For the chart analyzing attrition, officials limited the teacher population to only those who worked half-time or more.

About the DMN Education Lab

The DMN Education Lab deepens the coverage and conversation about urgent education issues critical to the future of North Texas. The DMN Education Lab is a community-funded journalism initiative, with support from Bobby and Lottye Lyle, Communities Foundation of Texas, The Dallas Foundation, Dallas Regional Chamber, Deedie Rose, Garrett and Cecilia Boone, Judy and Jim Gibbs, The Meadows Foundation, The Murrell Foundation, Ron and Phyllis Steinhart, Solutions Journalism Network, Southern Methodist University, Sydney Smith Hicks, and the University of Texas at Dallas.

The Dallas Morning News retains full editorial control of the Education Lab’s journalism.

Conclusion

The issue of uncertified teachers in Texas public schools is a complex one, driven by a combination of factors including loose regulations and a shortage of qualified teachers. While attempts are being made to boost educator quality, the problem persists, and students are falling behind as a result.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What percentage of teachers in Texas public schools are uncertified?

A: According to the latest data from the Texas Education Agency, 12% of teachers in Texas public schools are uncertified.

Q: Why is the number of uncertified teachers increasing in Texas?

A: The number of uncertified teachers in Texas is increasing due to a combination of factors, including loose regulations and a shortage of qualified teachers.

Q: How does the lack of training affect students?

A: Students who are placed in classrooms with teachers who lack training can fall behind. Those with new, uncertified teachers lost the equivalent of about four months of learning in reading and three months in math, a Texas Tech University study found.

Q: What is being done to address the issue of uncertified teachers in Texas?

A: Attempts to boost educator quality are working their way through the Legislature, including proposals to gradually limit which classes uncertified teachers can lead.