Introduction to the Issue
More than 400 Houston ISD teachers will not be returning to their teaching positions in the upcoming school year. The district has now explained why. The district employs teachers that are working towards their teaching certification, but they are given a two-year waiver requiring that they earn their credentials within that timeframe.
Reason for Non-Renewal of Teacher Contracts
The district says 406 teachers did not meet the requirement of earning their teaching certification within the two-year waiver period. In an email to KPRC 2, an HISD spokesperson explained that 322 of the teachers were notified that their employment would not continue because they “had not made adequate progress toward certification within the two-year waiver period."
Measures Taken by the District
The district added that this lack of eligibility happened “despite regular progress checks and advanced notice of consequences of failure to comply with this requirement for ongoing employment.” This indicates that the district took steps to ensure teachers were aware of the requirements and the consequences of not meeting them.
Alternative Opportunities for Some Teachers
The other 84 teachers, who also have expiring two-year certification waivers but were rated Proficient 1, were accepted in teacher apprenticeship roles within HISD. This provides an alternative path for some teachers to continue their career development.
Hiring and Support of New Teachers
The district said it is currently hiring teaching candidates and has seen “tremendous interest” from teaching candidates. HISD will continue to support its educators with consistent training and coaching, quality curriculum, compensation that is among the highest in the region, and the opportunity to be a part of schools where students succeed.
Conclusion
The decision not to renew the contracts of over 400 teachers due to their failure to obtain teaching certification within the given timeframe is a significant step by the Houston ISD to ensure that its students receive the best possible education. By hiring new teachers and providing support and development opportunities, the district aims to maintain high standards of education and provide a conducive learning environment for its students.
