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Research Shows Uncertified Teachers Linked to Learning Loss
Many Texas school districts are facing a significant challenge: they can’t find enough teachers to fill their classrooms. As a result, some have turned to hiring uncertified teachers, which raises concerns about the quality of education students receive.
“We’re all competing for that one or two math teachers amongst 15 or 16 districts,” said Saul Hinojosa, the superintendent of South San Independent School District. This competition highlights the pressing need for qualified educators.
Texas Tech professor Jacob Kirksey has been studying the effects of uncertified teachers on education for years. His research indicates that the presence of uncertified teachers correlates with learning loss in public schools in Texas.
Interestingly, Kirksey’s findings suggest that the situation is different in charter schools. “We’re digging into more about why that might be, but the data suggest that certification matters less for charter school teachers,” he noted in an email. This could be attributed to better hiring practices or enhanced support for new teachers.
Texas law mandates that by the start of the 2029-30 school year, districts must employ certified teachers for core subjects like English, math, science, and social studies. However, this requirement does not extend to charter schools, which operate under different statutory frameworks and have more autonomy.
The Presence of Uncertified Teachers in San Antonio
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has revealed that some charter schools have a high percentage of uncertified teachers. For example, Heritage Academy, which operates in the San Antonio area, reported that 85 percent of its 38 full-time teachers were not certified.
Great Hearts Texas, another charter school network operating in San Antonio, showed that nearly three out of every four full-time teachers also lacked certification. IDEA Public Schools, which has 11 schools in San Antonio and 143 across Texas, reported a similar trend, with seven out of ten teachers being uncertified.
Responses from Charter Schools
When asked about their high rates of uncertified teachers, representatives from IDEA Public Schools emphasized their commitment to hiring qualified educators. They stated, “IDEA Public Schools is committed to hiring and retaining highly qualified, well-prepared, and mission-aligned teachers through a rigorous selection process.” They also highlighted their efforts to develop a strong educator pipeline.
In an email, Travis from IDEA explained that some of their teachers, referred to as “apprentice” teachers, may not yet hold the required credentials, which could inflate their uncertified teacher percentage. “We place an assistant or ‘apprentice’ teacher in nearly every K–5 homeroom to keep ratios lower and help ensure each scholar is known and loved,” Travis wrote.
