The Explosion of Uncertified Teachers in Texas: A Financial Burden
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) is facing a multimillion-dollar budget hole, which may hinder its ability to investigate educator misconduct. The agency is short $4.6 million, according to state budget documents, due to the rapid increase in the number of uncertified teachers in the state.
The Impact on Investigations
More than half of first-time Texas teachers hired last year were uncertified, meaning they did not have to pay state fees that fund the certification process. These fees are crucial for the agency’s investigations team, which reviews matters including allegations of sexual misconduct, contract abandonment, and other complaints. The team’s budget is primarily funded by teacher certification fees, with 85% of its budget coming from these fees.
The agency’s investigations team is struggling to keep up with an increase in complaints, with reports of educator misconduct rising dramatically in recent years. In the 2024 fiscal year, approximately 4,100 reports were filed, up from about 2,600 three years earlier. As a result, the team is asking for additional funding to hire more staff to ease the workload and reduce the time it takes to resolve cases. Without this funding, the agency may be forced to reduce its oversight of educator misconduct, potentially leading to a decrease in the quality of education provided to students.
The Rise of Uncertified Teachers
The number of uncertified teachers in Texas has exploded in recent years. Of the estimated 30,000 new hires last year, about 56% were uncertified, according to state data. This trend is not only a concern for the agency but also for students, as research suggests that students with new uncertified teachers may lose up to four months of learning in reading and three months in math.
The Burden on Educators and Students
Uncertified teachers are more likely to leave the profession after five years than those who are traditionally certified, according to state data. This trend is not only a financial burden on the state but also on educators and students. "People often think that hiring uncertified teachers helps bypass costs because districts may pay them less," said Jacob Kirksey, a researcher at Texas Tech University. "But on the backend, it can create a lot more burden."
Conclusion
The explosion of uncertified teachers in Texas is not only a concern for the agency but also for students and educators. The agency’s investigations team is struggling to keep up with the increase in complaints, and the lack of funding may lead to a decrease in the quality of education provided to students. The state must address this issue to ensure that educators are properly trained and certified, and that students receive the education they deserve.
FAQs
Q: What is the reason for the increase in the number of uncertified teachers in Texas?
A: The number of people applying for teacher certifications has declined, and the state has had to fill the gap with uncertified teachers.
Q: What is the impact of the lack of funding on the agency’s investigations team?
A: The lack of funding may force the agency to reduce its oversight of educator misconduct, potentially leading to a decrease in the quality of education provided to students.
Q: What is the impact on students of having an uncertified teacher?
A: Research suggests that students with new uncertified teachers may lose up to four months of learning in reading and three months in math.
Q: What is being done to address the issue of uncertified teachers?
A: The state is exploring ways to address the shortage of certified teachers, including offering incentives for districts to hire certified teachers and providing additional funding for teacher preparation programs.
