Embedded Files
Supporting uncertified teachers toward certification requires a clear, proactive, and system-wide approach. This checklist is designed to help leaders take the right actions at the right time, from identifying teacher needs to ensuring long-term staffing stability. This checklist is designed to be used by either a district or Educator Preparation Program (EPP); items specific to district or EPP leaders are labeled accordingly.
While this checklist is most effective when launched in late summer or early in the school year (ideally before or during beginning-of-year professional development), leaders can begin at any point in the year.
The launch phase (Phases 1-2) typically take 3-4 weeks to complete. Phases 3-5 run as ongoing, recurring practices throughout the year.
Leaders can use this checklist as a planning tool and ongoing reference to monitor progress, adjust supports, and stay on track.
Launch Phases
Launch Phases
Phase 1: Identify Needs and Requirements (Week 1-2)
Phase 1: Identify Needs and Requirements (Week 1-2)
Identify a certification lead for your organization
Designate a single point of ownership responsible for coordinating supports, monitoring candidate progress, and communicating actions to teachers and stakeholders.
Become familiar with Texas teacher certification requirements
Questions you’ll want to answer:
What are the different types of Texas teacher certifications?
What is required for first-time certification seekers?
What are the exam requirements for certification?
What is required for those with an out-of-state teaching certificate?
What financial resources exist for certification seekers?
Create a data tracking system to monitor progress
Data to track:
Teacher name and TEAL number
Campus
Campus principal
Teacher mentor
EPP
Teaching assignment
Certification area (ex: Mathematics 7-12)
Exams needed
Test dates
Pass/fail status
Retake plans
Coursework progress
Identify which teachers must be certified
Prioritize pulling list of teachers teaching K-12 foundational subject courses (i.e., reading/English language arts, math, science, and social studies) to remain HB2 compliant
Districts should identify this list across campuses
EPPs should identify this list across districts and campuses
Flag teachers without Texas certification
Review each uncertified teacher’s individual requirements
Identify which educator preparation programs they’re enrolled in/district they’re employed at
Identify which exams or other requirements are outstanding
Make note and document those exams on your tracker
Review HB 2 compliance requirements
Review District of Innovation updates regarding teacher certification
Districts only: Review parental notification requirements
Develop a certification timeline
Set benchmarks and deadlines for exam registration, testing, retakes, coursework completion, and obtaining certification
Districts only: When planning PD or master schedules, determine if/when teachers will have release time to study for certification exams.
EPPs only: When planning seminar structure or course schedules, determine if/when candidates may receive content support or study time for certification exams.
Phase 2: Build a Teacher Support System (Week 2-4)
Phase 2: Build a Teacher Support System (Week 2-4)
Assign certification coaches
Districts: Identify one or more HR leaders, campus leaders, or mentors to monitor progress and check-in regularly with teachers
EPPs: Identify one or more faculty members, field supervisors, or certification officers to monitor progress and check-in regularly with teachers
Provide certification coaches with the resources and tools needed to support candidates effectively
Offer structured test prep supports
Provide teachers with free or low-cost access to practice tests or study materials
Coordinate study groups by content area or exam type
Offer free or low-cost test prep workshops
Execute content coaching cycles tied to exam domains
Offer logistics support
Help teachers create TEAL/Pearson accounts
Help teachers find test centers
Provide exam fee reimbursement when possible
Ongoing Phases
Ongoing Phases
Phase 3: Monitor Progress (Monthly)
Phase 3: Monitor Progress (Monthly)
Hold quarterly principal check-ins
Review teacher progress
Identify barriers
Suggest targeted support or follow-up frequency
Celebrate milestones
Examples:
First attempts or upcoming exams
Passed exams
Benchmarks achieved on time
Phase 4: Communicate Clearly (Ongoing)
Phase 4: Communicate Clearly (Ongoing)
Communicate expectations early and consistently
Examples:
Upcoming deadlines & benchmarks
Required exams
Support available •
Districts only: Establish parent notification plan
Establish clear notification process
Create template letters
Phase 5: Plan for Staffing Stability (Spring-Summer)
Phase 5: Plan for Staffing Stability (Spring-Summer)
Identify risk areas
Campuses or subjects/grades with many uncertified teachers
Plan contingencies
Host spring and summer test prep sessions
Identify hiring priorities
Establish and implement process for mentor selection and support
Districts only: Consider strategic staffing models that support teachers with mentor coaching, studying, and test-taking
Budget for certification support
During annual budgeting processes, identify ways you may be able to support candidates financially. Examples:
Reimbursing for exam fees
Offering free test prep materials
Districts only: Providing substitute coverage for teachers to study or test
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse