Uncertified teacher hiring soared in Texas schools after the pandemic. Now, it’s slowing down.

About 30% of new Texas public school teachers hired in 2024-25 were uncertified — a small drop from the year before, but still triple the rate before the COVID-19 pandemic. New state laws are pushing schools to hire more certified teachers in core subjects, and Houston-area districts are working with local partners to close the gap.

Texas law requires teachers to earn a bachelor's degree, complete a preparation program, and pass a licensing exam to become certified. Starting with the 2027-28 school year, traditional independent school districts (ISDs) must employ only certified teachers in core subjects — math, reading, science, and social studies — though a two-year extension is available. The state is also offering financial incentives: up to about $150 million for districts that build their own teacher preparation programs, and a $1,000 bonus for uncertified teachers who get certified by the end of the 2026-27 school year. In Houston, several large districts are running 'Grow Your Own' programs that help alumni, staff, and paraprofessionals earn their certification.

Use this information to ask better questions at school board meetings or parent-teacher nights. Find out what share of your child's teachers — especially in core subjects — are certified. If your district is working toward certification goals, ask how you can support those efforts. If you work in a school or know someone who does, look into whether your district offers a 'Grow Your Own' or alternative certification program that could help staff move toward full certification.

No fixed date

Not location-specific

This issue connects to broader conversations about school funding equity, student achievement gaps, and teacher retention in Houston. Districts serving economically disadvantaged students face the steepest certification challenges, linking this topic to ongoing work around educational opportunity and community investment across the region.

Research from the University of Texas shows students learn less from uncertified teachers at every grade level and in every subject. Uncertified teachers also leave the profession faster — about 60% are gone within five years, compared to roughly 40% of certified teachers. Districts that serve the most economically disadvantaged students are often the ones hit hardest, which means the students who need the most support are most likely to feel the effects.