A Texas Tech study reveals that over 50% of newly hired teachers in Texas are uncertified, worsening the state's teacher shortage. The issue has spurred discussions among educators and policymakers, with solutions focused on improving teacher training and retention.
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According to Texas Tech University research, the Texas Education Agency certifies less than half of the new teachers hired in Texas. With rural counties most affected, this problem is aggravating the state's mounting teacher shortfall. Over eighty percent of new teachers in forty Texas counties are uncertified; certain West Texas counties also report up to eighty percent of uncertified instructors working in the classroom.
At a conference at Texas Tech University, West Texas teachers and legislators debated these results in light of issues regarding the effect on student learning and teacher retention. Assistant Professor Jacob Kirksey of Texas Tech's College of Education claims that teachers taught under programs including student teaching components typically have higher retention rates than those from other training programs.
According to Kirksey's study, around 20% of uncertified instructors lack a bachelor's degree, and 72% have never worked in Texas classrooms. For the 2022–23 school year, Lubbock County, for instance, had uncertain teacher hiring rates ranging from 40% to 60%. Particularly in rural areas where teacher shortages are most severe, these changes influence the quality of education Texas offers.
Gov. Greg Abbott has responded by promising to solve the teacher shortfall in his State of the State speech; meanwhile, teachers keep advocating for changes that would give top priority to teacher certification, training, and retention.
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