Parker’s bill requiring certified teachers in core classes

The text as introduced · 383 words

89R13673 KRM-F

By: Parker
S.B. No. 1893

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the employment of and parental notification regarding

classroom teachers in public schools.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Section 12A.004(a), Education Code, is amended

to read as follows:

(a) A local innovation plan may not provide for the

exemption of a district designated as a district of innovation from

the following provisions of this title:

(1) a state or federal requirement applicable to an

open-enrollment charter school operating under Subchapter D,

Chapter 12;

(2) Subchapters A, C, D, and E, Chapter 11, except that

a district may be exempt from Sections 11.1511(b)(5) and (14) and

Section 11.162;

(3) employment of uncertified teachers of record under

Section 21.0032;

(4) parental notification requirements under Section

21.057;

(5) state curriculum and graduation requirements

adopted under Chapter 28; and

(6) [ (4) ] academic and financial accountability and

sanctions under Chapters 39 and 39A.

SECTION 2. Section 21.001, Education Code, is amended by

adding Subdivision (3-b) to read as follows:

(3-b) "Teacher of record" means a person employed by a

school district who teaches the majority of the instructional day

in an academic instructional setting and is responsible for

evaluating student achievement and assigning grades.

SECTION 3. Subchapter A, Chapter 21, Education Code, is

amended by adding Section 21.0032 to read as follows:

Sec. 21.0032. EMPLOYMENT OF CERTAIN UNCERTIFIED CLASSROOM

TEACHERS. A school district may not employ as a classroom teacher a

person who does not hold an appropriate certificate or permit

issued by the State Board for Educator Certification under

Subchapter B as the teacher of record for:

(1) a reading language arts or mathematics course in

kindergarten through grade five;

(2) a mathematics course in grades six through eight;

or

(3) a course or combination of courses that requires

at least two years of relevant coursework or experience for

appropriate certification.

SECTION 4. This Act applies beginning with the 2026-2027

school year.

SECTION 5. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives

a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as

provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this

Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this

Act takes effect September 1, 2025.