TX SB2253

School districts would be prohibited from employing uncertified teachers as teachers of record for foundation curriculum courses (English, math, science, social studies), with districts able to request delayed implementation until the 2029-2030 school year by submitting a compliance plan to the commissioner

Creates a $1,000 one-time certification incentive payment to districts for teachers hired in 2022-2023 or 2023-2024 who were uncertified on January 1, 2025 but earn standard certification by the end of the 2025-2026 school year

Establishes multiple teacher certification pathways including standard certificates, residency standard certificates (requiring one full year of classroom preservice practice), and intern certificates, with higher minimum salaries required for certified teachers ($3,000-$6,000 above uncertified teacher salaries)

Creates Preparing and Retaining Educators through Partnership (PREP) programs providing state allotments to districts ranging from $10,000-$27,000 per teacher candidate for preservice training partnerships, plus $3,000 per new teacher for mentorship programs in their first two years

Expands public education grant eligibility to include students assigned to uncertified teachers or substitutes for more than 30 instructional days in foundation curriculum courses, requiring districts to notify parents of transfer options