AUSTIN, Texas — A new report from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) shows that more school districts in Texas are hiring uncertified teachers.
According to the TEA’s 2024 annual report, 56% of first-time teachers hired during the 2023-24 school year were uncertified, compared to 21% who have traditional and residential teaching experience. The remaining 23% were found to have some sort of alternative certification.
The report also found that 64% of uncertified teachers leave the profession within five years, compared to 34% of traditionally certified teachers within the same time frame.
The TEA’s report highlights the agency’s strategic plan, as well as school funding data and teacher hiring and retention data.
The report comes as Texas lawmakers are in the midst of trying to reach a consensus regarding the budget for the 2026-2027 biennium. The two budget proposals- one pitched by the House and the other by the Senate- each address public schools and potential funding for school vouchers.
The House’s budget bill allocates about $4.85 billion for public education which is contingent on school finance legislation, while the Senate’s bill would allocate about $5.3 billion in funding toward public education.
Both budget bills also allocate $1 billion for school vouchers, a program that would allow residents to use public tax dollars to help pay for private education. Passing a school voucher plan this legislative session is a priority for Republican lawmakers, including Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. Opponents of the voucher program have expressed concern that it would take away much needed funding from Texas public schools.
The full TEA report can be read here.