However, we recommended that the SBEC strengthen the mentoring provision by specifying that a trained mentor must have at least 10 years of experience, receive additional compensation and have sufficient time to serve as a mentor. The SBEC rejected this suggested amendment. ATPE supports alternative routes to certification and simplifying the temporary-permit process, but we believe Texas certification standards should ensure that the profession s integrity is maintained. ATPE believes this new rule lowers standards by allowing individuals to teach before they have demonstrated mastery of the subject area or instructional techniques. Brock Gregg, manager of ATPE Governmental Relations, testified as such at the SBEC s October meeting, saying, We understand the pressure of dealing with the current teacher shortage, but this is a student issue.
Every student deserves the opportunity to be educated by certified and fully qualified teachers.
We should increase salary and benefits to deal with the shortage, not lower standards for entry into the profession. ATPE also opposes the new rule because it changes current law to allow school districts to assign certified educators outside of their certification areas without their consent. Under the new rule, educators can be forced to teach outside of their certification areas for up to five years. The rule is also a significant change from current law in that it doesn t require districts to verify that there are no certified teachers available before hiring uncertified people. ATPE suggested that the SBEC include in the transitional permit rule the current requirements on districts to obtain educator consent and verify that there are no certified educators available, but the SBEC rejected both suggestions.