Texas House Bill HB874

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to employment of persons with advanced degrees as public school teachers.

Impact

The implementation of HB 874 could significantly impact public education by increasing the pool of qualified teachers. Advocates for this bill argue that allowing those with advanced degrees to teach without standard certifications could address teacher shortages in certain subject areas, especially in secondary education where specialized knowledge is essential. The overarching goal is to enhance the quality of education while providing schools the flexibility to hire talented individuals who may be experts in their fields but lack traditional teaching credentials.

Summary

House Bill 874 proposes amendments to the Education Code of Texas to broaden the employment qualifications for public school teachers, specifically for those who hold advanced degrees. The bill allows individuals with at least a master's degree in a relevant subject area to be employed as teachers for grades 7 through 12, even if they do not possess the specific teaching certificates typically required. This change aims to leverage the expertise of highly educated individuals in the classroom, potentially enriching the educational experience for students.

Contention

However, the bill is not without its critics. Some education experts and stakeholders may raise concerns about the effectiveness of non-certified teachers in delivering the curriculum and managing classrooms. There is apprehension that this could lead to a class of educators who, while knowledgeable in their fields, may lack the pedagogical skills required to engage students effectively. Opponents may argue that standard certification processes exist to ensure educational professionals have the necessary training to provide a coherent educational environment, and bypassing this requirement could be detrimental to student outcomes.