Under the new proposal, teachers would have three years to complete certification requirements. Districts would provide the teachers with mentors and training. The board decided Friday to send the plan back to committee for additional work. The issue will be revisited at a Nov. 17 meeting. According to the certification board, Texas will have an estimated 45,000 teacher vacancies of a total teacher work force of about 250,000 this school year.
Teachers say the new system goes beyond allowing school districts to deal with emergencies.
He said lowering standards isn't the way to lure teachers to the field. What we have a shortage of is certified teachers who are willing to teach in Texas. The solution is to improve teacher salaries, benefits and working conditions, he said. Slap in the face' Texas Classroom Teachers Association spokeswoman Holly Eaton said the new plan would send a mixed message about Texas education at a time when lawmakers are emphasizing test scores and higher standards of student performance. She also said she fears the plan would allow districts to replace veteran, certified teachers with uncertified teachers to save on salary expenses.