Majority of newly hired teachers are uncertified, total number increasing

(The Center Square) – A new law requires public school districts to reduce the number of uncertified public school teachers after data shows the majority of new hires are uncertified.

State data also shows the total number of uncertified teachers has exponentially increased over the past five years, worsening student achievement, education experts argue.

The problem is multifaceted stemming from the COVID-lockdown era beginning in 2020.

A new report from the Texas Education Agency reveals that the number and percentage of uncertified teachers in Texas increased over the past five school years.

In the 2019-2020 school year, 3.8% of Texas’ 344,129 public school teachers, 12,908, were uncertified.

By the 2024-2025 school year, 12% of Texas’ 352,234 public school teachers were: 42,103, according to TEA data.

“Uncertified teachers are individuals who have a te...