Texas Legislature discusses teacher certification parity between traditional and charter schools

Texas lawmakers are taking significant steps to address disparities in teacher compensation and certification requirements during the Senate Committee on Education meeting held on May 15, 2025. A key focus of the discussions was the inequity faced by teachers in smaller districts compared to their counterparts in larger urban areas.

The committee highlighted that many teachers in smaller districts are earning salaries in the low thirties, while urban districts are offering starting salaries in the upper fifties to lower sixties. This disparity has raised concerns about the retention of qualified teachers, particularly as inflation and rising costs continue to pressure school budgets. The proposed bill aims to level the playing field by increasing salaries for teachers in smaller districts, ensuring they receive fair compensation that reflects their experience and qualifications.

Another critical topic was the certification of teachers in charter schools versus traditional public schools. Currently, charter schools can employ uncertified teachers, which has led to a significant percentage of uncertified educators in traditional public schools. The committee discussed the need for alignment in certification requirements, emphasizing that all students deserve access to certified teachers. The bill proposes that by 2030, traditional public schools will no longer have waivers for uncertified teachers, but similar requirements for charter schools remain under consideration.

Additionally, the committee addressed the removal of a $60 million cap on facilities support for charter schools, allowing funding to be based on average daily attendance. This change is intended to help charter schools manage rising operational costs amid inflationary pressures.

As the committee continues to refine the bill, there is a clear commitment to ensuring that all Texas students have access to quality education and certified teachers. The discussions reflect a growing recognition of the need for equitable funding and support across all school types, with the aim of fostering a more balanced educational landscape in Texas.