Texas’ Largest Teacher Preparation Program Off Probation After Years of Scrutiny
The Texas State Board for Educator Certification has allowed Texas Teachers of Tomorrow, the state’s largest teacher preparation program, to come off probation after years of scrutiny. The decision comes after the program made significant improvements to address concerns raised by state auditors.
Background
In 2021, an audit found that Texas Teachers of Tomorrow, also known as A+ Texas Teachers, had misled potential educators with its advertising, failed to support candidates with required mentors, and did not demonstrate that its training was based on research. The State Board for Educator Certification placed the program on probation in July 2022, requiring it to make significant changes to operate effectively.
Recent Developments
The program has since made major strides in addressing these concerns. In August 2023, a state-appointed monitor, Pam Wells, examined over 400 candidate files to determine how well the company partnered teacher candidates with qualified mentors, followed state code, and logged field-based training. According to the report, Texas Teachers of Tomorrow exceeded the benchmarks set in the agreement, with Wells stating that "it was about as near-perfect as it can be."
New Developments
The company has also partnered with school districts to focus on helping the state address the issue of uncertified educators. New state data reveals that more than 1 in 10 Texas teachers are uncertified, with over half of new teachers lacking a state certification. The company is working to help address this issue by providing alternative pathways to the classroom for career changers who wish to become certified teachers.
Loss of Certification Fields
Despite the progress, Texas Teachers of Tomorrow did lose three certification fields, including computer science and core subjects for grades four through eight, due to a state requirement that prohibits programs from training candidates in subjects where too many candidates fail certification exams three years in a row. However, the company made enough improvements to continue working with candidates in seven other fields that were at risk.
Going Forward
Wells will continue to conduct quarterly reviews on the company until September. According to Texas Teachers of Tomorrow CEO Heath Morrison, the company is "focused on being the most compliant provider of teacher certification in the state of Texas" and is committed to providing accessible, quality training for career changers who wish to become certified teachers.
FAQs
Q: What was the issue with Texas Teachers of Tomorrow?
A: The program was found to have misled potential educators with its advertising, failed to support candidates with required mentors, and did not demonstrate that its training was based on research.
Q: What were the consequences of these issues?
A: The State Board for Educator Certification placed the program on probation in July 2022, requiring it to make significant changes to operate effectively.
Q: What has the program done to address these concerns?
A: The program has invested millions of dollars in upgrading the program, added staff devoted to customer service, and hired a compliance director. The company has also partnered with school districts to focus on helping the state address the issue of uncertified educators.
Q: What is the current status of the program?
A: The program is no longer on probation and has been allowed to continue operating, pending quarterly reviews by the state-appointed monitor.
