TX HB5175

School districts would be prohibited from employing uncertified classroom teachers for foundation curriculum courses, with districts of innovation no longer allowed to exempt themselves from this requirement

For the 2026-2027 school year only, districts may still employ uncertified teachers of record for courses above grade 5, excluding reading/language arts and mathematics

The Texas Education Agency would provide a one-time $1,000 payment to districts for each teacher who was hired as an uncertified first-year teacher in 2022-2023 or 2023-2024, was uncertified on January 1, 2025, earned standard certification by end of 2025-2026, and remained continuously employed by the district

Certification examination and application fees would be waived for individuals seeking certification in special education, bilingual education, or other areas specified in the General Appropriations Act, with the State Board for Educator Certification paying vendor fees for first-time exam administrations

The TEA would be required to collect data from school districts and charter schools on vacant teaching positions, including classification, grade level, subject area, and duration of vacancies