BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 2253 By: Creighton Education K-16 3/28/2025 As Filed AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT A high-quality teacher is the single most important in-school factor affecting student achievement. Yet across Texas, districts continue to face challenges recruiting and retaining effective educatorsespecially in high-need subject areas and hard-to-staff schools. According to recent statewide data, teacher attrition remains high, with nearly one in five Texas teachers leaving the profession annually. Texas also faces ongoing challenges with educator preparation and development. Many new teachers report feeling underprepared to manage classrooms, deliver effective instruction, and meet the needs of diverse learners. A growing share of Texas teachers enter the profession through alternative certification programs, yet data suggests varying levels of preparation quality. To build a strong teacher pipeline and ensure long-term success for students, the state must invest in proven strategies that improve teacher preparation, expand pathways into the profession, and support teachers to stay and thrive in the classroom. S.B. 2253 seeks to address these needs by establishing sustainable, research-based pathways into the profession and improving support for early-career teachers. The bill provides: Residency Pathways and Clinical Preparation: Supports the expansion of teacher residency programs and high-quality clinical experiences for aspiring educators. Mentorship and Coaching: Provides funding and guidance for mentorship programs for first-year and second-year teachers, particularly in high-need schools. Strategic Compensation: Creates targeted stipends and retention bonuses for mentor teachers, residency hosts, and educators in shortage areas. Data and Program Accountability: Strengthens the monitoring and evaluation of Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs), with an emphasis on candidate readiness and long-term teacher effectiveness. Pathways for Paraprofessionals and Aspiring Educators: Expands "Grow Your Own" initiatives and creates pathways for instructional aides and paraprofessionals to earn teaching credentials while continuing to work in schools. By investing in evidence-based strategies to recruit, prepare, and retain educators, S.B. 2253 aims to build a more effective, sustainable teacher workforce that advances outcomes for all Texas students. As proposed, S.B. 2253 amends current law relating to the preparation and certification of public school educators, and certain allotments under the Foundation School Program. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY Rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the State Board for Educator Certification in SECTION 06 (Section 21.04422, Education Code) of this bill. Rulemaking authority previously granted to the State Board for Educator Certification is modified in SECTION 07 (Section 21.0443, Education Code) of this bill. Rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the commissioner of education in SECTION 11 (Sections 21.066 and 21.067, Education Code) and SECTION 15 (Section 21.911, Education Code) of this bill. Rulemaking authority previously granted to the commissioner of higher education is rescinded in SECTION 20 (Section 21.805, Education Code) of this bill. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 01. Amends Section 12A.004(a), Education Code, to prohibit a local innovation plan from providing for the exemption of a district designated as a district of innovation from certain provisions of Title 2 (Public Education), including the employment of uncertified classroom teachers under Section 21.0032 and parental notification requirements under Section 21.057 (Parental Notification), and make nonsubstantive changes. SECTION 02. Amends Section 19.007(g), Education Code, to provide that, in addition to other amounts received by the district under Section 19.007 (Costs to Be Borne by State), the district is entitled to certain monies, including the preparing and retaining educators through partnership program allotment under Section 48.157, and make nonsubstantive changes. SECTION 03. Amends Section 21.001, Education Code, by adding Subdivision (3-b) to define "teacher of record." SECTION 04. Amends Subchapter A, Chapter 21, Education Code, by adding Sections 21.0032 and 21.0033, as follows: Sec. 21.0032. EMPLOYMENT OF UNCERTIFIED CLASSROOM TEACHERS. (a) Prohibits a school district, except as provided by Subsection (b) and (d), from employing as a classroom teacher for a course in the foundation curriculum under Section 28.002 (Required Curriculum) a person who does not hold an appropriate certificate or permit issued by the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) under Subchapter B (Certification of Educators). (b) Authorizes the commissioner of education (commissioner), if the commissioner approves a plan submitted by the school district, to delay the application of Subsection (a) if the plan provides a reasonable timeline and strategy to come into compliance with Subsection (a) no later than the 2029-2030 school year. (c) Authorizes a school district, notwithstanding Subsection (a), for the 20262027 school year, to employ as a teacher of record for a course other than a reading language arts or mathematics course in a grade level at or below grade five a person who does not hold an appropriate certificate or permit issued by SBEC under Subchapter B. (d) Provides that the requirements of this section do not supersede waivers under Section 7.056 (Waivers and Exemptions) or authorizations under 21.055 (School District Teaching Permit). Sec. 21.0033. INCENTIVE TO CERTIFY TEACHERS. (a) Requires the Texas Education Agency (TEA), from money appropriated or otherwise available for the purpose, to provide to each school district a one-time payment of $1,000 for each classroom teacher employed by the district who meets certain criteria. (b) Provides that this section expires September 1, 2027. SECTION 05. Amends Section 21.041, Education Code, by adding Subsection (e) to provide that a rule proposed by SBEC under Section 21.041 (Rules; Fees) relating to an educator preparation is not subject to Section 2001.0045 (Requirement for Rule Increasing Costs to Regulated Persons), Government Code. SECTION 06. Amends Subchapter B, Chapter 21, Education Code, by adding Sections 21.0412, 21.04421, 21.04422, and 21.04423, as follows: Sec. 21.0412. TYPES OF TEACHING CERTIFICATES. (a) Requires SBEC, in proposing rules specifying the types of teaching certificates to be issued under this subchapter, to provide for a candidate to be issued: (1) a standard certificate if the candidate satisfies all traditional teacher preparation requirements under Section 21.04421 or all alternative teacher preparation requirements under Section 21.04423; (2) an enhanced standard certificate if the candidate satisfies all requirements of the teacher residency standard preparation route established under Section 21.04422; (3) an intern with preservice experience certificate, which expires one year after issuance unless modified by SBEC, if the candidate has yet to satisfy all requirements for certification for a preservice alternative teacher preparation route established under Section 21.04423(1) but has completed a sufficient number of preservice practice hours to serve as a teacher of record; and (4) an intern certificate, which expires two years after issuance unless modified by SBEC, if the candidate has yet to satisfy all requirements for certification for an alternative teacher preparation route established under Section 21.04423(2) but has met all SBEC requirements to serve as a teacher of record. (b) Prohibits rules proposed under Subsection (a)(2) from requiring a candidate to pass a pedagogy examination unless the examination tests subject-specific content appropriate for the grade level and subject area for which the candidate seeks certification. (c) Requires a candidate for a certification described by Subsection (a) to meet all other requirements imposed under this subchapter or board rule applicable to the candidate's certification. (d) Provides that this section does not prohibit the board from proposing rules that provide for certifications other than the certifications described by Subsection (a), including specialized certifications and other types and classes of certifications. Sec. 21.04421. TRADITIONAL TEACHER PREPARATION. (a) Requires the board, in proposing rules under this subchapter regarding training requirements for a candidate seeking certification through a traditional teacher preparation route in which a candidate is authorized to concurrently receive an undergraduate or master's degree and a certification to teach a subject area at a particular grade level, to require preservice practice be provided through a formal partnership between the educator preparation program and a school district or open-enrollment charter school and require the candidate to complete substantial preservice practice in a prekindergarten through grade 12 classroom that includes practicing the skills learned from the instruction described by Sections 21.0443(b)(3) and (4). (b) Requires that the rules proposed under Subsection (a) require training to be provided synchronously. Authorizes SBEC to approve components of the training to be delivered asynchronously on application by an educator preparation program. Sec. 21.04422. TEACHER RESIDENCY PREPARATION. (a) Requires SBEC to propose rules under this subchapter to create a teacher residency standard preparation route. (b) Requires SBEC, in proposing rules for a teacher residency preparation route under this section, to require that the program include certain methods of practicum. Sec. 21.04423. ALTERNATIVE TEACHER PREPARATION. Requires SBEC, in proposing rules under this subchapter regarding training requirements for a candidate who has previously earned a degree and is seeking certification through an alternative teacher preparation route, to establish a preservice alternative teacher preparation route that meets certain requirements and an alternative teacher preparation route that allows for flexibility in how a candidate is authorized to demonstrate proficiency for certification. SECTION 07. Amends Section 21.0443, Education Code, as follows: Sec. 21.0443. EDUCATOR PREPARATION PROGRAM APPROVAL AND RENEWAL. (a) Requires SBEC to propose rules to establish standards to govern the approval or renewal of approval of certain programs, including the teacher preparation routes established under Sections 21.04421, 21.04422, and 21.04423. Makes nonsubstantive changes. (a-1) Authorizes SBEC to review an educator preparation program's curriculum before the approval or renewal of approval of the program and at any time after the approval or renewal of the approval of the program to ensure that any changes to curriculum requirements proposed by SBEC since the most recent review have been incorporated into the curriculum to maintain approval. (b) Requires that an educator preparation program, to be eligible for approval or renewal of approval: (1)-(2) makes no changes to these subdivisions; (3) incorporate the instructional materials and training developed under Section 21.067; (4) if applicable and approved by the agency for the grade and subject area for which the program provides instruction, incorporate the literacy achievement academies and mathematics achievement academies under Sections 21.4552 and 21.4553; (5) ensure that instruction described by Subdivisions (3) and (4) is delivered by a person approved by the agency to provide the instruction; (6) ensure that the program and the program's administrators, instructors, and other employees comply with Section 28.0022 as if: (A) the program were a school district; (B) the program's administrators, instructors, and other employees are administrators, teachers, or other employees of a school district, as applicable; and (C) candidates in the program were students of a school district; (7) creates this subdivision from existing text and makes no further changes; and (8) redesignates existing Subdivision (4) as Subdivision (8) and makes no further changes. (b-1) Requires SBEC by rule to designate the components of a literacy achievement academy or mathematics achievement academy under Section 21.4552 or 21.4553, as applicable, that may be completed after receiving an intern with preservice experience certificate under Section 21.0412. (c) Authorizes SBEC to require each educator preparation program to be reviewed for renewal of approval at least annually. (d) Requires SBEC, in adopting the evaluation process under Subsection (c), to consider including quality indicators that reflect effective program practices and measures that provide for the observation of program practices to ensure program quality. SECTION 08. Amends Subchapter B, Chapter 21, Education Code, is amended by adding Section 21.0456, as follows: Sec. 21.0456. SANCTIONS FOR NONCOMPLIANCE. (a) Authorizes SBEC to impose a sanction against an educator preparation program for noncompliance with a provision of this subchapter or a rule adopted under this subchapter, including a rule proposed under Section 21.0443, or to address a complaint received under Section 21.0455. Authorizes a sanction under this subsection to be one or more of the actions described by Section 21.0451(a)(2), regardless of whether a program has been rated as accredited-probation under the Accountability System for Educator Preparation for a period of at least one year. (b) Authorizes any action authorized to be taken against an educator preparation program under Subsection (a) to also be taken with regard to a particular route or field of certification authorized to be offered by an educator preparation program. (c) Requires that a revocation be effective for a period of at least two years. Authorizes the program, after two years, to seek renewed approval to prepare educators for state certification. (d) Requires that the costs of technical assistance or the costs associated with the appointment of a monitor be paid by the educator preparation program. SECTION 09. Amends Section 21.049, Education Code, as follows: Sec. 21.049. New heading: ALTERNATIVE EDUCATOR PREPARATION PROGRAMS. (a) Requires SBEC, to provide a continuing additional source of qualified educators, to propose rules providing that educator certification programs are authorized to be provided by an institution of higher education or another entity, rather than providing for educator certification programs as an alternative to traditional educator preparation programs. (b) Prohibits SBEC from requiring a person employed as a teacher in an alternative education program under Section 37.008 (Disciplinary Alternative Education Programs) or a juvenile justice alternative education program under Section 37.011 (Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Program) for at least three years to complete an alternative educator preparation, rather than certification, program adopted under this section before taking the appropriate certification examination. SECTION 10. Amends Section 21.057, Education Code, by adding Subsections (f) and (g), as follows: (f) Requires the superintendent, if TEA has developed a model notice for purposes of this section, to use that model to provide the notice required under this section. (g) Requires that a notice provided under this section, including a notice provided in accordance with Subsection (e) (relating to providing that this section does not apply if a school is required to provide notice in accordance with Section 1006, Every Student Succeeds Act, (20 U.S.C. Section 6312(e)(1)(B)(ii))), include information regarding eligibility to participate in the public education grant program under Section 29.202 (Eligibility). SECTION 11. Amends Subchapter B, Chapter 21, Education Code, by adding Sections 21.066 and 21.067, as follows: Sec. 21.066. TEMPORARY COMMISSIONER RULEMAKING AUTHORITY. (a) Authorizes the commissioner, notwithstanding any other law, to adopt rules or amend, repeal, or otherwise modify a rule proposed by SBEC under Subchapter B (Certification of Educators) to ensure the expedited implementation of new teacher preparation routes, requirements, and certificates. (b) Requires the commissioner, notwithstanding any other law, to adopt initial rules relating to the implementation of Sections 21.0412, 21.04421, 21.04422, and 21.04423 not later than December 31, 2025. (c) Provides that Section 21.041(e) applies to rules adopted, amended, repealed, or otherwise modified under this section. (d) Provides that this section expires September 1, 2028. Sec. 21.067. EDUCATOR PREPARATION MATERIALS AND TRAINING. (a) Requires the commissioner to develop and make available instructional materials for use in educator preparation programs under this subchapter and training for faculty responsible for preparing educator candidates. (b) Requires that the materials and training developed under Subsection (a): (1) be research-based; (2) support the development of proficiency in the knowledge and skills specified by rules proposed under Section 21.044(a)(1); and (3) allow for an educator candidate to demonstrate the candidate's proficiency, including proficiency in the knowledge and skills described by Subdivision (2). (c) Authorizes the commissioner to adopt rules as necessary to implement this section. SECTION 12. Amends Section 21.402, Education Code, by adding Subsections (f-1), (f-2), (f-3), and (f-4), as follows: (f-1) Requires a school district to pay to a classroom teacher with zero years of experience who holds a certificate under Section 21.0412(a) (1), (2), or (3) a minimum salary that is greater than the minimum salary paid to a classroom teacher with zero years of experience who does not hold a certificate under Section 21.0412(a) (1), (2), or (3). (f-2) Authorizes the board of trustees of a school district to adopt minimum salaries to satisfy the requirements of Subsection (f-1) as follows: (1) for a classroom teacher who holds a standard certificate or intern with preservice experience certificate under Section 21.0412(a)(1) or (3), $3,000; and (2) for a classroom teacher who holds a residency standard certificate under Section 21.0412(a)(2), $6,000. (f-3) Provides that Subsection (f-1) does not apply to a stipend or other form of compensation not included in a classroom teacher's minimum salary under Section 21.402 (Minimum Salary Schedule for Certain Professional Staff). (f-4) Prohibits a school district from adopting a salary schedule that differentiates classroom teacher salaries based solely on a teacher's certification for teachers who have five or more years of teaching experience. SECTION 13. Amends Section 21.4552(f), Education Code, as follows: (f) Requires a school district, from money appropriated or otherwise available for the purpose, including an allotment under Section 48.108 (Early Education Allotment), to provide to the educator preparation program for each classroom teacher who holds an intern with preservice experience certificate under Section 21.0412(a)(3) and completes a literacy achievement academy under Section 21.4552 (Teacher Literacy Achievement Academies) while employed by the district a one-time payment of $1,000 or another amount set by TEA. Deletes existing text providing that this section expires September 1, 2027. SECTION 14. Amends Section 21.4553(f), Education Code, as follows: (f) Requires a school district, from money appropriated or otherwise available for the purpose, including an allotment under Section 48.108, to provide to the educator preparation program for each classroom teacher who holds an intern with preservice experience certificate under Section 21.0412(a)(3) and completes a mathematics achievement academy under Section 21.4553 (Teacher Mathematics Achievement Academies) while employed by the district a one-time payment of $500 or another amount set by TEA. Deletes existing text providing that this section expires September 1, 2027. SECTION 15. Amends Chapter 21, Education Code, by adding Subchapter R, as follows: SUBCHAPTER R. PREPARING AND RETAINING EDUCATORS THROUGH PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM Sec. 21.901. DEFINITIONS. Defines "alternative preservice partnership program," "board," "cooperating teacher," "grow your own partnership program," "mentor teacher," "preservice partnership programs," "residency preservice partnership program," "teacher candidate," and "traditional preservice partnership program." Sec. 21.902. PREPARING AND RETAINING EDUCATORS THROUGH PARTNERSHIP PRESERVICE PROGRAMS. (a) Requires the commissioner to establish the Preparing and Retaining Educators through Partnership Preservice Programs to enable qualified educator preparation programs to form partnerships with school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to provide preservice practice opportunities in a prekindergarten through grade 12 classroom for teacher candidates at the district or school through the traditional partnership program, the residency partnership program, or the alternative partnership program. (b) Requires that a preservice partnership program be designed to allow teacher candidates to receive field-based experience working with cooperating teachers in prekindergarten through grade 12 classrooms and gradually increase the amount of time a teacher candidate spends engaging in instructional responsibilities, including observation, co-teaching, and lead-teaching responsibilities. (c) Requires a school district or open-enrollment charter school participating in a preservice partnership program to: (1) enter into a written agreement with an approved educator preparation program to provide a teacher candidate with clinical teaching opportunities at the district or school in the subject area and grade level for which the candidate seeks certification and pair the teacher candidate with a cooperating teacher who has successfully completed a training program for cooperating teachers that, if required by TEA, is required to be established or adopted by TEA; (2) use money received under Section 48.157 only to implement the preservice partnership program; (3) ensure that a teacher candidate is mentored by a mentor teacher who has completed mentorship training under Section 21.907 for the candidate's first two years as a teacher of record after completing a preservice partnership program; and (4) provide any information required by TEA regarding the district's or school's implementation of a preservice partnership program. (d) Provides that a school district or open-enrollment charter school is authorized to only pair a teacher candidate with a cooperating teacher who agrees to participate in that role in a preservice partnership program at the district or school. (e) Prohibits a teacher candidate, while completing preservice practice hours, from being employed or assigned by a school district or open-enrollment charter school as a teacher or in a position that has primary or sole responsibility for student instruction or supervision, except for limited purposes to gain experience which prohibited from exceeding the time the teacher of record for those students has primary or sole responsibility for the instruction or supervision. Sec. 21.903. PREPARING AND RETAINING EDUCATORS THROUGH PARTNERSHIP TRADITIONAL PRESERVICE PROGRAM. (a) Requires the commissioner to establish the Preparing and Retaining Educators through Partnership Traditional Preservice Program as a preservice partnership program to enable qualified educator preparation programs that meet the traditional teacher preparation requirements under Section 21.04421 to form partnerships with school districts or open-enrollment charter schools to help prepare candidates for a standard certificate. (b) Requires that the program be designed to meet the requirements of a preservice partnership program under Section 21.902 and allow a teacher candidate to satisfy the traditional teacher preparation requirements under Section 21.04421. (c) Requires a school district or open-enrollment charter school participating in the traditional partnership program to use money received under Section 48.157(b)(1) to provide compensation to: (1) teacher candidates for preservice practice hours at the district or school in an amount of at least $3,000 for salary; and (2) cooperating teachers who are paired with teacher candidates at the district or school in an amount of at least $1,000. (d) Requires a school district, in addition to the amount provided by Subsection (c)(1), to provide compensation to teacher candidates in any amount above the amount provided by that subdivision for salary using money received under Section 48.157 or from any other available source. Sec. 21.904. PREPARING AND RETAINING EDUCATORS THROUGH PARTNERSHIP RESIDENCY PRESERVICE PROGRAM. (a) Requires the commissioner to establish the Preparing and Retaining Educators through Partnership Residency Preservice Program as a preservice partnership program to enable qualified educator preparation programs that meet the teacher residency standard preparation requirements under Section 21.04422 to form partnerships with school districts or open-enrollment charter schools to help prepare candidates for a residency standard certificate. (b) Requires that the program be designed to meet the requirements of a preservice partnership program under Section 21.902 and allow a teacher candidate to satisfy the teacher residency standard preparation requirements under Section 21.04422. (c) Requires a school district or open-enrollment charter school participating in the residency partnership program to use money received under Section 48.157(b) (2) to provide compensation to: (1) teacher candidates for preservice practice hours at the district or school in an amount of at least $10,000 for salary; and (2) cooperating teachers who are paired with teacher candidates at the district or school in an amount of at least $2,000. (d) Requires a school district, in addition to the amount provided by Subsection (c)(1), to provide compensation to teacher candidates in an amount of at least $10,000 for salary using money received under Section 48.157 or from any other available source. (e) Provides that, for the 20252026 school year, an educator preparation program is not required to incorporate the instruction described by Sections 21.0443(b) (3) and (4) to be eligible to participate in a residency partnership program. Provides that this subsection expires September 1, 2026. Sec. 21.905. PREPARING AND RETAINING EDUCATORS THROUGH PARTNERSHIP ALTERNATIVE PRESERVICE PROGRAM. (a) Requires the commissioner to establish the Preparing and Retaining Educators through Partnership Alternative Preservice Program as a preservice partnership program to enable qualified educator preparation programs that meet the preservice alternative teacher preparation requirements under Section 21.04423 to form partnerships with school districts or open-enrollment charter schools to help prepare candidates for an intern with preservice experience certificate or standard certificate. (b) Requires that the program be designed to meet the requirements of a preservice partnership program under Section 21.902 and allow a teacher candidate to satisfy the preservice alternative teacher preparation requirements under Section 21.04423(1). (c) Requires a school district or open-enrollment charter school participating in the alternative partnership program use money received under Section 48.157(b)(3) to provide compensation to: (1) teacher candidates for preservice practice hours at the district or school in an amount of at least $3,000 for salary; and (2) cooperating teachers who are paired with teacher candidates at the district or school in an amount of at least $1,000. (d) Requires a school district, in addition to the amount provided by Subsection (c)(1), to provide compensation to teacher candidates in any amount above the amount provided by that subdivision for salary using money received under Section 48.157 or from any other available source. Sec. 21.906. PREPARING AND RETAINING EDUCATORS THROUGH PARTNERSHIP GROW YOUR OWN PROGRAM. (a) Requires the commissioner to establish the Preparing and Retaining Educators through Partnership Grow Your Own Program to enable qualified institutions of higher education and educator preparation programs, as determined by the commissioner, to form partnerships with school districts or open-enrollment charter schools to establish innovative staffing pipelines to ensure the availability of high-quality educators to benefit future district or school students. (b) Requires that the grow your own partnership program be designed to form partnerships that support: (1) high school students in completing career and technical education courses that help prepare the students to become classroom teachers; or (2) district or school employees who do not hold a teaching certificate in completing a bachelor's degree to enable the person to become a classroom teacher while employed by the district or school. (c) Provides that a school district or open-enrollment charter school is authorized to participate in a grow your own partnership program only if the district or school has been approved to participate in a preservice partnership program. (d) Requires a school district or open-enrollment charter school participating in the grow your own partnership program to: (1) for a partnership described by Subsection (b)(1), provide authentic opportunities, which may be paid or unpaid, for students to practice teaching under the supervision of one or more cooperating teachers; and guidance and other transition supports as a student begins an undergraduate degree program that offers a route to teacher preparation; (2) for a partnership described by Subsection (b)(2), provide for a district or school employee: (A) scheduled release time to support completion of a bachelor's degree; (B) authentic opportunities to practice teaching under the supervision of one or more cooperating teachers; (C) on-the-job training aligned with the standards for educator certification established by SBEC; (D) a job assignment that includes instructional support for students enrolled in the district or school; (E) guidance and other transition supports as the employee begins a program to satisfy the teacher preparation requirements under Section 21.04421, 21.04422, or 21.04423; and (3) enter into a written agreement with an institution of higher education; (4) require an employee participating in a partnership described by Subsection (b)(2) to, as a condition for participation, earn a bachelor's degree and enroll in an educator preparation program within three years; and (5) provide any information required by TEA regarding the district's or school's implementation of the grow your own partnership program. (e) Authorizes a school district or open-enrollment charter school to use money received under Section 48.157 to implement the grow your own partnership program and pay tuition and fees for students or employees participating in the program. (f) Provides that a school district or open-enrollment charter school is authorized to only pair a student or employee participating in the program with a cooperating teacher who agrees to participate in that role in a grow your own partnership program at the district or school. (g) Prohibits a student or employee participating in the program from serving as a teacher of record or in a position that has primary or sole responsibility for student instruction or supervision except for limited purposes to gain experience which may not exceed the time the teacher of record for those students has primary or sole responsibility for the instruction or supervision. Sec. 21.907. PREPARING AND RETAINING EDUCATORS THROUGH PARTNERSHIP MENTORSHIP PROGRAM. (a) Requires the commissioner to establish a preparing and retaining educators through partnership mentorship program through which participating school districts or open-enrollment charter schools implement a mentoring program that meets the requirements of Section 21.458 for classroom teachers who have less than two years of teaching experience. (b) Requires a school district or open-enrollment charter school participating in the program to require a classroom teacher who serves as a mentor teacher to annually complete a training program for mentor teachers established or adopted by TEA. (c) Requires a school district or open-enrollment charter school to use money received under Section 48.157(b)(5) only to provide stipends for mentor teachers in an amount of at least $1,000. (d) Authorizes the district, if any money remains after providing a stipend to mentor teachers in accordance with Subsection (c), to use that money to provide scheduled release time for mentor teachers and classroom teachers being mentored to meet and engage in mentoring activities and support for mentor teachers through mentor training and strategic staffing training. Sec. 21.908. AGENCY SUPPORT. Requires TEA to provide technical assistance, planning, and support to school districts, open-enrollment charter schools, and educator preparation programs, which is required to include: (1) providing model forms and agreements a district, school, or educator preparation program may use to comply with the requirements of this subchapter; (2) support for district and school strategic staffing and compensation models to incentivize participation in a partnership program; (3) support for district, school, and educator preparation program partners in implementing strong partnership practices, including through participation in the grow your own partnership program, and providing high-quality mentorship as required under this subchapter; and (4) support for educator preparation programs in implementing the partnership programs under this subchapter. Sec. 21.909. AUTHORITY TO ACCEPT CERTAIN MONEY. Authorizes the commissioner to solicit and accept gifts, grants, and donations from public and private entities to use for the purposes of this subchapter. Sec. 21.910. APPROVAL AND ACCOUNTABILITY. (a) Requires the commissioner to establish standards for partnership programs under this section, including identifying qualifying preparation programs. (b) Requires the commissioner to establish performance goals for partnership programs under this subchapter. (c) Requires the commissioner to periodically review the performance of partnership programs in meeting the standards and performance goals. (d) Requires the commissioner, if the commissioner determines that a partnership program fails to meet the performance goals, to remove authorization of the partnership program under this subchapter for a period not to exceed five years. Sec. 21.911. RULES; POLICIES. (a) Requires the commissioner to adopt rules as necessary to implement this subchapter. (b) Prohibits TEA, SBEC, a school district, or an open enrollment charter from adopting a rule, policy, practice, or goal intended to recruit participants based on race, sex, color, or ethnicity. SECTION 16. Amends Section 29.202(a), Education Code, as follows: (a) Provides that a student is eligible to receive a public education grant or to attend another public school in the district in which the student resides under Subchapter G (Public Education Grant Program) if the student is assigned to: (1) creates this subdivision from existing text and makes a nonsubstantive change; or (2) a classroom or substitute teacher who does not hold an appropriate certification under Subchapter B, Chapter 21, as a teacher of record in a course in the foundation curriculum under Section 28.002(a)(1) (relating to requiring each school district that offers kindergarten through grade 12 to offer a foundation curriculum that includes certain provisions) for more than 30 instructional days. SECTION 17. Amends Section 29.204, Education Code, as follows: Sec. 29.204. NOTIFICATION. (a) Requires the commissioner to, not later than January 1 of each year, based on the most recent information available, provide notice to each school district in which a campus described by Section 29.202(a)(1) (relating to providing that a student is eligible to receive a grant or attend another public school in the district if the student is assigned to attend a public school campus assigned an unacceptable performance rating that is made publicly available under Section 39.054 (Methods and Standards for Evaluating Performance)), rather than Section 29.202 is located that identifies each campus in the district that meets the description in Section 29.202(a)(1) and informs the district that the district must comply with Subsection (b). (b) Makes a conforming change to this subsection. SECTION 18. Amends Subchapter D, Chapter 48, Education Code, by adding Section 48.157, as follows: Sec. 48.157. PREPARING AND RETAINING EDUCATORS THROUGH PARTNERSHIP ALLOTMENT PROGRAM. (a) Defines "teacher candidate." (b) Provides that, subject to Subsections (f) and (g), a school district is entitled to an annual allotment equal to each of the following applicable amounts: (1) for each teacher candidate completing preservice practice hours at the district under Section 21.903, the sum of $10,000 and the high needs and rural factor, as determined under Subsection (c), multiplied by $2,000; (2) for each teacher candidate completing preservice practice hours at the district under Section 21.904, the sum of $24,000 and the high needs and rural factor, as determined under Subsection (c), multiplied by $3,000; (3) for each teacher candidate completing preservice practice hours at the district under Section 21.905, the sum of $10,000 and the high needs and rural factor, as determined under Subsection (c), multiplied by $2,000; (4) for each district employee participating in a partnership described by Section 21.906(b)(2), the sum of $8,000 and the high needs and rural factor, as determined under Subsection (c), multiplied by $1,000; and (5) for each classroom teacher being mentored under the preparing and retaining educators through partnership mentorship program established under Section 21.907, $3,000. (c) Provides that the high needs and rural factor is the lesser of the average of the point value assigned to each student at a district campus under Sections 48.112(e) (relating to requiring that a point value for each student at a school district to be assigned in a certain manner) and (f) (relating to providing that a student is assigned the point value two tiers higher if the student's campus is classified as a rural campus) or 4.0. (d) Provides that, in addition to the funding under Subsection (b), a district is entitled to an additional $2,000 for each teacher candidate described by Subsection (b)(1), (2), or (3) who is a candidate for certification in bilingual education or special education. (e) Provides that the Texas School for the Deaf (TSD) and the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (TSBVI) are entitled to an allotment under this section. Authorizes the commissioner, if the commissioner determines that assigning point values under Subsection (c) to students enrolled in TSD or TSBVI is impractical, to use the average point value assigned for those students' home districts for purposes of calculating the high needs and rural factor. (f) Provides that, unless a greater number of individuals is provided for by appropriation for that school year, a school district is authorized to receive an allotment for a school year for not more than: (1) 40 individuals under each of Subsections (b)(2), (4), and (5); and (2) a total of 80 individuals under Subsections (b)(1) and (3). (f-1) Authorizes the school district, if a school district has individuals that otherwise qualify for funding under (b)(2) in excess of the cap under (f)(1), to receive funding under (b)(1) for those individuals up to the cap under (f)(2). (g) Requires the commissioner, for purposes of offsetting tuition, fees, and administrative costs, using money to which a school district is otherwise entitled under Subsection (b), to provide to a teacher candidate's educator preparation program each of the following applicable amounts and reduce the district's allotment under that subsection accordingly: (1) $5,000 for each teacher candidate who completed a partnership program under Section 21.903 who obtains a standard certificate and has completed one year of employment with the district; (2) $10,000 for each teacher candidate who completed a partnership program under Section 21.904 who obtains an enhanced standard certificate and has completed one year of employment with the district; and (3) $2,500 for each teacher candidate participating in the alternative preservice partnership program under Section 21.905 who holds an intern with preservice experience certificate and an additional $2,500 for each teacher candidate who subsequently holds a standard certificate. (g-l) Requires institutions of higher education that receive funds under Subsection (g) to spend no less than 85 percent of those funds within the teacher preparation program. (h) Requires TEA to only provide: (1) $4,000 of the money the school district is entitled to receive under Subsection (b)(1) until a teacher candidate has successfully completed the requirements of a partnership program under Section 21.903 by the deadline established by TEA; (2) $12,000 of the money the school district is entitled to receive under Subsection (b)(2) until a teacher candidate has successfully completed the requirements of a partnership program under Section 21.904 by the deadline established by TEA; (3) $4,000 of the money the school district is entitled to receive under Subsection (b)(3) until a district employee has been issued an intern with preservice experience certificate and has successfully completed the applicable requirements of a partnership program under Section 21.905 by the deadline established by TEA; and (4) 50 percent of the money the school district is entitled to receive under Subsection (b)(4) until the district employee has successfully earned a bachelor's degree by the deadline established by TEA. SECTION 19. Amends Subchapter G, Chapter 48, Education Code, by adding Section 48.310, as follows: Sec. 48.310. ALLOTMENT FOR COMPLETION OF TEACHER LITERACY OR MATHEMATICS ACHIEVEMENT ACADEMIES. Provides that an educator preparation program that offers a teacher preparation route described by Section 21.04421, 21.04422, or 21.04423(1) is entitled to an annual allotment for each teacher candidate who completes a literacy achievement academy or mathematics achievement academy under Section 21.4552 or 21.4553 approved by TEA for the purpose in the amount of: (1) $1,000, or a greater amount set by appropriation for that school year, for the completion of a literacy achievement academy; or (2) $500, or a greater amount set by appropriation for that school year, for the completion of a mathematics achievement academy. SECTION 20. Repealer: Section 21.051(a) (relating to defining "teacher of record"), Education Code. Repealer: Subchapter Q (Texas Teacher Residency Program), Chapter 21 (Educators), Education Code. Repealer: Section 48.114 (Mentor Program Allotment), Education Code. Repealer: Section 825.4092(f) (relating to providing that a reporting employer is ultimately responsible for payment of the amounts required to contributed and prohibiting the employer from directly or indirectly passing that cost on to the retiree), Government Code. SECTION 21. Provides that Section 12A.004(a), Education Code, as amended by this article, applies to each local innovation plan adopted under Chapter 12A, Education Code, regardless of whether the plan was adopted before, on, or after the effective date of this article. Requires that a local innovation plan adopted or renewed before the effective date of this article to comply with Section 12A.004(a), Education Code, as amended by this article, not later than September 1, 2026. SECTION 22. (a) Provides that, except as otherwise provided by this Act and Subsection (b) of this section, the changes made by this Act apply beginning with the 20252026 school year. (b) Provides that Section 21.0032, Education Code, as added by this Act, and Section 21.402, as amended by this Act, apply beginning with the 20262027 school year. SECTION 23. (a) Effective date, except as provided by Subsection (b) of this section: September 1, 2025. (b) Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2025.
BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 2253
By: Creighton
Education K-16
3/28/2025
As Filed
Senate Research Center
S.B. 2253
By: Creighton
Education K-16
3/28/2025
As Filed
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
A high-quality teacher is the single most important in-school factor affecting student achievement. Yet across Texas, districts continue to face challenges recruiting and retaining effective educatorsespecially in high-need subject areas and hard-to-staff schools. According to recent statewide data, teacher attrition remains high, with nearly one in five Texas teachers leaving the profession annually.
Texas also faces ongoing challenges with educator preparation and development. Many new teachers report feeling underprepared to manage classrooms, deliver effective instruction, and meet the needs of diverse learners. A growing share of Texas teachers enter the profession through alternative certification programs, yet data suggests varying levels of preparation quality.
To build a strong teacher pipeline and ensure long-term success for students, the state must invest in proven strategies that improve teacher preparation, expand pathways into the profession, and support teachers to stay and thrive in the classroom.
S.B. 2253 seeks to address these needs by establishing sustainable, research-based pathways into the profession and improving support for early-career teachers. The bill provides:
* Residency Pathways and Clinical Preparation: Supports the expansion of teacher residency programs and high-quality clinical experiences for aspiring educators.
* Mentorship and Coaching: Provides funding and guidance for mentorship programs for first-year and second-year teachers, particularly in high-need schools.
* Strategic Compensation: Creates targeted stipends and retention bonuses for mentor teachers, residency hosts, and educators in shortage areas.
* Data and Program Accountability: Strengthens the monitoring and evaluation of Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs), with an emphasis on candidate readiness and long-term teacher effectiveness.
* Pathways for Paraprofessionals and Aspiring Educators: Expands "Grow Your Own" initiatives and creates pathways for instructional aides and paraprofessionals to earn teaching credentials while continuing to work in schools.
By investing in evidence-based strategies to recruit, prepare, and retain educators, S.B. 2253 aims to build a more effective, sustainable teacher workforce that advances outcomes for all Texas students.
As proposed, S.B. 2253 amends current law relating to the preparation and certification of public school educators, and certain allotments under the Foundation School Program.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
Rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the State Board for Educator Certification in SECTION 06 (Section 21.04422, Education Code) of this bill.
Rulemaking authority previously granted to the State Board for Educator Certification is modified in SECTION 07 (Section 21.0443, Education Code) of this bill.
Rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the commissioner of education in SECTION 11 (Sections 21.066 and 21.067, Education Code) and SECTION 15 (Section 21.911, Education Code) of this bill.
Rulemaking authority previously granted to the commissioner of higher education is rescinded in SECTION 20 (Section 21.805, Education Code) of this bill.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 01. Amends Section 12A.004(a), Education Code, to prohibit a local innovation plan from providing for the exemption of a district designated as a district of innovation from certain provisions of Title 2 (Public Education), including the employment of uncertified classroom teachers under Section 21.0032 and parental notification requirements under Section 21.057 (Parental Notification), and make nonsubstantive changes.
SECTION 02. Amends Section 19.007(g), Education Code, to provide that, in addition to other amounts received by the district under Section 19.007 (Costs to Be Borne by State), the district is entitled to certain monies, including the preparing and retaining educators through partnership program allotment under Section 48.157, and make nonsubstantive changes.
SECTION 03. Amends Section 21.001, Education Code, by adding Subdivision (3-b) to define "teacher of record."
SECTION 04. Amends Subchapter A, Chapter 21, Education Code, by adding Sections 21.0032 and 21.0033, as follows:
Sec. 21.0032. EMPLOYMENT OF UNCERTIFIED CLASSROOM TEACHERS. (a) Prohibits a school district, except as provided by Subsection (b) and (d), from employing as a classroom teacher for a course in the foundation curriculum under Section 28.002 (Required Curriculum) a person who does not hold an appropriate certificate or permit issued by the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) under Subchapter B (Certification of Educators).
(b) Authorizes the commissioner of education (commissioner), if the commissioner approves a plan submitted by the school district, to delay the application of Subsection (a) if the plan provides a reasonable timeline and strategy to come into compliance with Subsection (a) no later than the 2029-2030 school year.
(c) Authorizes a school district, notwithstanding Subsection (a), for the 20262027 school year, to employ as a teacher of record for a course other than a reading language arts or mathematics course in a grade level at or below grade five a person who does not hold an appropriate certificate or permit issued by SBEC under Subchapter B.
(d) Provides that the requirements of this section do not supersede waivers under Section 7.056 (Waivers and Exemptions) or authorizations under 21.055 (School District Teaching Permit).
Sec. 21.0033. INCENTIVE TO CERTIFY TEACHERS. (a) Requires the Texas Education Agency (TEA), from money appropriated or otherwise available for the purpose, to provide to each school district a one-time payment of $1,000 for each classroom teacher employed by the district who meets certain criteria.
(b) Provides that this section expires September 1, 2027.
SECTION 05. Amends Section 21.041, Education Code, by adding Subsection (e) to provide that a rule proposed by SBEC under Section 21.041 (Rules; Fees) relating to an educator preparation is not subject to Section 2001.0045 (Requirement for Rule Increasing Costs to Regulated Persons), Government Code.
SECTION 06. Amends Subchapter B, Chapter 21, Education Code, by adding Sections 21.0412, 21.04421, 21.04422, and 21.04423, as follows:
Sec. 21.0412. TYPES OF TEACHING CERTIFICATES. (a) Requires SBEC, in proposing rules specifying the types of teaching certificates to be issued under this subchapter, to provide for a candidate to be issued:
(1) a standard certificate if the candidate satisfies all traditional teacher preparation requirements under Section 21.04421 or all alternative teacher preparation requirements under Section 21.04423;
(2) an enhanced standard certificate if the candidate satisfies all requirements of the teacher residency standard preparation route established under Section 21.04422;
(3) an intern with preservice experience certificate, which expires one year after issuance unless modified by SBEC, if the candidate has yet to satisfy all requirements for certification for a preservice alternative teacher preparation route established under Section 21.04423(1) but has completed a sufficient number of preservice practice hours to serve as a teacher of record; and
(4) an intern certificate, which expires two years after issuance unless modified by SBEC, if the candidate has yet to satisfy all requirements for certification for an alternative teacher preparation route established under Section 21.04423(2) but has met all SBEC requirements to serve as a teacher of record.
(b) Prohibits rules proposed under Subsection (a)(2) from requiring a candidate to pass a pedagogy examination unless the examination tests subject-specific content appropriate for the grade level and subject area for which the candidate seeks certification.
(c) Requires a candidate for a certification described by Subsection (a) to meet all other requirements imposed under this subchapter or board rule applicable to the candidate's certification.
(d) Provides that this section does not prohibit the board from proposing rules that provide for certifications other than the certifications described by Subsection (a), including specialized certifications and other types and classes of certifications.
Sec. 21.04421. TRADITIONAL TEACHER PREPARATION. (a) Requires the board, in proposing rules under this subchapter regarding training requirements for a candidate seeking certification through a traditional teacher preparation route in which a candidate is authorized to concurrently receive an undergraduate or master's degree and a certification to teach a subject area at a particular grade level, to require preservice practice be provided through a formal partnership between the educator preparation program and a school district or open-enrollment charter school and require the candidate to complete substantial preservice practice in a prekindergarten through grade 12 classroom that includes practicing the skills learned from the instruction described by Sections 21.0443(b)(3) and (4).
(b) Requires that the rules proposed under Subsection (a) require training to be provided synchronously. Authorizes SBEC to approve components of the training to be delivered asynchronously on application by an educator preparation program.
Sec. 21.04422. TEACHER RESIDENCY PREPARATION. (a) Requires SBEC to propose rules under this subchapter to create a teacher residency standard preparation route.
(b) Requires SBEC, in proposing rules for a teacher residency preparation route under this section, to require that the program include certain methods of practicum.
Sec. 21.04423. ALTERNATIVE TEACHER PREPARATION. Requires SBEC, in proposing rules under this subchapter regarding training requirements for a candidate who has previously earned a degree and is seeking certification through an alternative teacher preparation route, to establish a preservice alternative teacher preparation route that meets certain requirements and an alternative teacher preparation route that allows for flexibility in how a candidate is authorized to demonstrate proficiency for certification.
SECTION 07. Amends Section 21.0443, Education Code, as follows:
Sec. 21.0443. EDUCATOR PREPARATION PROGRAM APPROVAL AND RENEWAL. (a) Requires SBEC to propose rules to establish standards to govern the approval or renewal of approval of certain programs, including the teacher preparation routes established under Sections 21.04421, 21.04422, and 21.04423. Makes nonsubstantive changes.
(a-1) Authorizes SBEC to review an educator preparation program's curriculum before the approval or renewal of approval of the program and at any time after the approval or renewal of the approval of the program to ensure that any changes to curriculum requirements proposed by SBEC since the most recent review have been incorporated into the curriculum to maintain approval.
(b) Requires that an educator preparation program, to be eligible for approval or renewal of approval:
(1)-(2) makes no changes to these subdivisions;
(3) incorporate the instructional materials and training developed under Section 21.067;
(4) if applicable and approved by the agency for the grade and subject area for which the program provides instruction, incorporate the literacy achievement academies and mathematics achievement academies under Sections 21.4552 and 21.4553;
(5) ensure that instruction described by Subdivisions (3) and (4) is delivered by a person approved by the agency to provide the instruction;
(6) ensure that the program and the program's administrators, instructors, and other employees comply with Section 28.0022 as if:
(A) the program were a school district;
(B) the program's administrators, instructors, and other employees are administrators, teachers, or other employees of a school district, as applicable; and
(C) candidates in the program were students of a school district;
(7) creates this subdivision from existing text and makes no further changes; and
(8) redesignates existing Subdivision (4) as Subdivision (8) and makes no further changes.
(b-1) Requires SBEC by rule to designate the components of a literacy achievement academy or mathematics achievement academy under Section 21.4552 or 21.4553, as applicable, that may be completed after receiving an intern with preservice experience certificate under Section 21.0412.
(c) Authorizes SBEC to require each educator preparation program to be reviewed for renewal of approval at least annually.
(d) Requires SBEC, in adopting the evaluation process under Subsection (c), to consider including quality indicators that reflect effective program practices and measures that provide for the observation of program practices to ensure program quality.
SECTION 08. Amends Subchapter B, Chapter 21, Education Code, is amended by adding Section 21.0456, as follows:
Sec. 21.0456. SANCTIONS FOR NONCOMPLIANCE. (a) Authorizes SBEC to impose a sanction against an educator preparation program for noncompliance with a provision of this subchapter or a rule adopted under this subchapter, including a rule proposed under Section 21.0443, or to address a complaint received under Section 21.0455. Authorizes a sanction under this subsection to be one or more of the actions described by Section 21.0451(a)(2), regardless of whether a program has been rated as accredited-probation under the Accountability System for Educator Preparation for a period of at least one year.
(b) Authorizes any action authorized to be taken against an educator preparation program under Subsection (a) to also be taken with regard to a particular route or field of certification authorized to be offered by an educator preparation program.
(c) Requires that a revocation be effective for a period of at least two years. Authorizes the program, after two years, to seek renewed approval to prepare educators for state certification.
(d) Requires that the costs of technical assistance or the costs associated with the appointment of a monitor be paid by the educator preparation program.
SECTION 09. Amends Section 21.049, Education Code, as follows:
Sec. 21.049. New heading: ALTERNATIVE EDUCATOR PREPARATION PROGRAMS. (a) Requires SBEC, to provide a continuing additional source of qualified educators, to propose rules providing that educator certification programs are authorized to be provided by an institution of higher education or another entity, rather than providing for educator certification programs as an alternative to traditional educator preparation programs.
(b) Prohibits SBEC from requiring a person employed as a teacher in an alternative education program under Section 37.008 (Disciplinary Alternative Education Programs) or a juvenile justice alternative education program under Section 37.011 (Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Program) for at least three years to complete an alternative educator preparation, rather than certification, program adopted under this section before taking the appropriate certification examination.
SECTION 10. Amends Section 21.057, Education Code, by adding Subsections (f) and (g), as follows:
(f) Requires the superintendent, if TEA has developed a model notice for purposes of this section, to use that model to provide the notice required under this section.
(g) Requires that a notice provided under this section, including a notice provided in accordance with Subsection (e) (relating to providing that this section does not apply if a school is required to provide notice in accordance with Section 1006, Every Student Succeeds Act, (20 U.S.C. Section 6312(e)(1)(B)(ii))), include information regarding eligibility to participate in the public education grant program under Section 29.202 (Eligibility).
SECTION 11. Amends Subchapter B, Chapter 21, Education Code, by adding Sections 21.066 and 21.067, as follows:
Sec. 21.066. TEMPORARY COMMISSIONER RULEMAKING AUTHORITY. (a) Authorizes the commissioner, notwithstanding any other law, to adopt rules or amend, repeal, or otherwise modify a rule proposed by SBEC under Subchapter B (Certification of Educators) to ensure the expedited implementation of new teacher preparation routes, requirements, and certificates.
(b) Requires the commissioner, notwithstanding any other law, to adopt initial rules relating to the implementation of Sections 21.0412, 21.04421, 21.04422, and 21.04423 not later than December 31, 2025.
(c) Provides that Section 21.041(e) applies to rules adopted, amended, repealed, or otherwise modified under this section.
(d) Provides that this section expires September 1, 2028.
Sec. 21.067. EDUCATOR PREPARATION MATERIALS AND TRAINING. (a) Requires the commissioner to develop and make available instructional materials for use in educator preparation programs under this subchapter and training for faculty responsible for preparing educator candidates.
(b) Requires that the materials and training developed under Subsection (a):
(1) be research-based;
(2) support the development of proficiency in the knowledge and skills specified by rules proposed under Section 21.044(a)(1); and
(3) allow for an educator candidate to demonstrate the candidate's proficiency, including proficiency in the knowledge and skills described by Subdivision (2).
(c) Authorizes the commissioner to adopt rules as necessary to implement this section.
SECTION 12. Amends Section 21.402, Education Code, by adding Subsections (f-1), (f-2), (f-3), and (f-4), as follows:
(f-1) Requires a school district to pay to a classroom teacher with zero years of experience who holds a certificate under Section 21.0412(a) (1), (2), or (3) a minimum salary that is greater than the minimum salary paid to a classroom teacher with zero years of experience who does not hold a certificate under Section 21.0412(a) (1), (2), or (3).
(f-2) Authorizes the board of trustees of a school district to adopt minimum salaries to satisfy the requirements of Subsection (f-1) as follows:
(1) for a classroom teacher who holds a standard certificate or intern with preservice experience certificate under Section 21.0412(a)(1) or (3), $3,000; and
(2) for a classroom teacher who holds a residency standard certificate under Section 21.0412(a)(2), $6,000.
(f-3) Provides that Subsection (f-1) does not apply to a stipend or other form of compensation not included in a classroom teacher's minimum salary under Section 21.402 (Minimum Salary Schedule for Certain Professional Staff).
(f-4) Prohibits a school district from adopting a salary schedule that differentiates classroom teacher salaries based solely on a teacher's certification for teachers who have five or more years of teaching experience.
SECTION 13. Amends Section 21.4552(f), Education Code, as follows:
(f) Requires a school district, from money appropriated or otherwise available for the purpose, including an allotment under Section 48.108 (Early Education Allotment), to provide to the educator preparation program for each classroom teacher who holds an intern with preservice experience certificate under Section 21.0412(a)(3) and completes a literacy achievement academy under Section 21.4552 (Teacher Literacy Achievement Academies) while employed by the district a one-time payment of $1,000 or another amount set by TEA. Deletes existing text providing that this section expires September 1, 2027.
SECTION 14. Amends Section 21.4553(f), Education Code, as follows:
(f) Requires a school district, from money appropriated or otherwise available for the purpose, including an allotment under Section 48.108, to provide to the educator preparation program for each classroom teacher who holds an intern with preservice experience certificate under Section 21.0412(a)(3) and completes a mathematics achievement academy under Section 21.4553 (Teacher Mathematics Achievement Academies) while employed by the district a one-time payment of $500 or another amount set by TEA. Deletes existing text providing that this section expires September 1, 2027.
SECTION 15. Amends Chapter 21, Education Code, by adding Subchapter R, as follows:
SUBCHAPTER R. PREPARING AND RETAINING EDUCATORS THROUGH PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM
Sec. 21.901. DEFINITIONS. Defines "alternative preservice partnership program," "board," "cooperating teacher," "grow your own partnership program," "mentor teacher," "preservice partnership programs," "residency preservice partnership program," "teacher candidate," and "traditional preservice partnership program."
Sec. 21.902. PREPARING AND RETAINING EDUCATORS THROUGH PARTNERSHIP PRESERVICE PROGRAMS. (a) Requires the commissioner to establish the Preparing and Retaining Educators through Partnership Preservice Programs to enable qualified educator preparation programs to form partnerships with school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to provide preservice practice opportunities in a prekindergarten through grade 12 classroom for teacher candidates at the district or school through the traditional partnership program, the residency partnership program, or the alternative partnership program.
(b) Requires that a preservice partnership program be designed to allow teacher candidates to receive field-based experience working with cooperating teachers in prekindergarten through grade 12 classrooms and gradually increase the amount of time a teacher candidate spends engaging in instructional responsibilities, including observation, co-teaching, and lead-teaching responsibilities.
(c) Requires a school district or open-enrollment charter school participating in a preservice partnership program to:
(1) enter into a written agreement with an approved educator preparation program to provide a teacher candidate with clinical teaching opportunities at the district or school in the subject area and grade level for which the candidate seeks certification and pair the teacher candidate with a cooperating teacher who has successfully completed a training program for cooperating teachers that, if required by TEA, is required to be established or adopted by TEA;
(2) use money received under Section 48.157 only to implement the preservice partnership program;
(3) ensure that a teacher candidate is mentored by a mentor teacher who has completed mentorship training under Section 21.907 for the candidate's first two years as a teacher of record after completing a preservice partnership program; and
(4) provide any information required by TEA regarding the district's or school's implementation of a preservice partnership program.
(d) Provides that a school district or open-enrollment charter school is authorized to only pair a teacher candidate with a cooperating teacher who agrees to participate in that role in a preservice partnership program at the district or school.
(e) Prohibits a teacher candidate, while completing preservice practice hours, from being employed or assigned by a school district or open-enrollment charter school as a teacher or in a position that has primary or sole responsibility for student instruction or supervision, except for limited purposes to gain experience which prohibited from exceeding the time the teacher of record for those students has primary or sole responsibility for the instruction or supervision.
Sec. 21.903. PREPARING AND RETAINING EDUCATORS THROUGH PARTNERSHIP TRADITIONAL PRESERVICE PROGRAM. (a) Requires the commissioner to establish the Preparing and Retaining Educators through Partnership Traditional Preservice Program as a preservice partnership program to enable qualified educator preparation programs that meet the traditional teacher preparation requirements under Section 21.04421 to form partnerships with school districts or open-enrollment charter schools to help prepare candidates for a standard certificate.
(b) Requires that the program be designed to meet the requirements of a preservice partnership program under Section 21.902 and allow a teacher candidate to satisfy the traditional teacher preparation requirements under Section 21.04421.
(c) Requires a school district or open-enrollment charter school participating in the traditional partnership program to use money received under Section 48.157(b)(1) to provide compensation to:
(1) teacher candidates for preservice practice hours at the district or school in an amount of at least $3,000 for salary; and
(2) cooperating teachers who are paired with teacher candidates at the district or school in an amount of at least $1,000.
(d) Requires a school district, in addition to the amount provided by Subsection (c)(1), to provide compensation to teacher candidates in any amount above the amount provided by that subdivision for salary using money received under Section 48.157 or from any other available source.
Sec. 21.904. PREPARING AND RETAINING EDUCATORS THROUGH PARTNERSHIP RESIDENCY PRESERVICE PROGRAM. (a) Requires the commissioner to establish the Preparing and Retaining Educators through Partnership Residency Preservice Program as a preservice partnership program to enable qualified educator preparation programs that meet the teacher residency standard preparation requirements under Section 21.04422 to form partnerships with school districts or open-enrollment charter schools to help prepare candidates for a residency standard certificate.
(b) Requires that the program be designed to meet the requirements of a preservice partnership program under Section 21.902 and allow a teacher candidate to satisfy the teacher residency standard preparation requirements under Section 21.04422.
(c) Requires a school district or open-enrollment charter school participating in the residency partnership program to use money received under Section 48.157(b) (2) to provide compensation to:
(1) teacher candidates for preservice practice hours at the district or school in an amount of at least $10,000 for salary; and
(2) cooperating teachers who are paired with teacher candidates at the district or school in an amount of at least $2,000.
(d) Requires a school district, in addition to the amount provided by Subsection (c)(1), to provide compensation to teacher candidates in an amount of at least $10,000 for salary using money received under Section 48.157 or from any other available source.
(e) Provides that, for the 20252026 school year, an educator preparation program is not required to incorporate the instruction described by Sections 21.0443(b) (3) and (4) to be eligible to participate in a residency partnership program. Provides that this subsection expires September 1, 2026.
Sec. 21.905. PREPARING AND RETAINING EDUCATORS THROUGH PARTNERSHIP ALTERNATIVE PRESERVICE PROGRAM. (a) Requires the commissioner to establish the Preparing and Retaining Educators through Partnership Alternative Preservice Program as a preservice partnership program to enable qualified educator preparation programs that meet the preservice alternative teacher preparation requirements under Section 21.04423 to form partnerships with school districts or open-enrollment charter schools to help prepare candidates for an intern with preservice experience certificate or standard certificate.
(b) Requires that the program be designed to meet the requirements of a preservice partnership program under Section 21.902 and allow a teacher candidate to satisfy the preservice alternative teacher preparation requirements under Section 21.04423(1).
(c) Requires a school district or open-enrollment charter school participating in the alternative partnership program use money received under Section 48.157(b)(3) to provide compensation to:
(1) teacher candidates for preservice practice hours at the district or school in an amount of at least $3,000 for salary; and
(2) cooperating teachers who are paired with teacher candidates at the district or school in an amount of at least $1,000.
(d) Requires a school district, in addition to the amount provided by Subsection (c)(1), to provide compensation to teacher candidates in any amount above the amount provided by that subdivision for salary using money received under Section 48.157 or from any other available source.
Sec. 21.906. PREPARING AND RETAINING EDUCATORS THROUGH PARTNERSHIP GROW YOUR OWN PROGRAM. (a) Requires the commissioner to establish the Preparing and Retaining Educators through Partnership Grow Your Own Program to enable qualified institutions of higher education and educator preparation programs, as determined by the commissioner, to form partnerships with school districts or open-enrollment charter schools to establish innovative staffing pipelines to ensure the availability of high-quality educators to benefit future district or school students.
(b) Requires that the grow your own partnership program be designed to form partnerships that support:
(1) high school students in completing career and technical education courses that help prepare the students to become classroom teachers; or
(2) district or school employees who do not hold a teaching certificate in completing a bachelor's degree to enable the person to become a classroom teacher while employed by the district or school.
(c) Provides that a school district or open-enrollment charter school is authorized to participate in a grow your own partnership program only if the district or school has been approved to participate in a preservice partnership program.
(d) Requires a school district or open-enrollment charter school participating in the grow your own partnership program to:
(1) for a partnership described by Subsection (b)(1), provide authentic opportunities, which may be paid or unpaid, for students to practice teaching under the supervision of one or more cooperating teachers; and guidance and other transition supports as a student begins an undergraduate degree program that offers a route to teacher preparation;
(2) for a partnership described by Subsection (b)(2), provide for a district or school employee:
(A) scheduled release time to support completion of a bachelor's degree;
(B) authentic opportunities to practice teaching under the supervision of one or more cooperating teachers;
(C) on-the-job training aligned with the standards for educator certification established by SBEC;
(D) a job assignment that includes instructional support for students enrolled in the district or school;
(E) guidance and other transition supports as the employee begins a program to satisfy the teacher preparation requirements under Section 21.04421, 21.04422, or 21.04423; and
(3) enter into a written agreement with an institution of higher education;
(4) require an employee participating in a partnership described by Subsection (b)(2) to, as a condition for participation, earn a bachelor's degree and enroll in an educator preparation program within three years; and
(5) provide any information required by TEA regarding the district's or school's implementation of the grow your own partnership program.
(e) Authorizes a school district or open-enrollment charter school to use money received under Section 48.157 to implement the grow your own partnership program and pay tuition and fees for students or employees participating in the program.
(f) Provides that a school district or open-enrollment charter school is authorized to only pair a student or employee participating in the program with a cooperating teacher who agrees to participate in that role in a grow your own partnership program at the district or school.
(g) Prohibits a student or employee participating in the program from serving as a teacher of record or in a position that has primary or sole responsibility for student instruction or supervision except for limited purposes to gain experience which may not exceed the time the teacher of record for those students has primary or sole responsibility for the instruction or supervision.
Sec. 21.907. PREPARING AND RETAINING EDUCATORS THROUGH PARTNERSHIP MENTORSHIP PROGRAM. (a) Requires the commissioner to establish a preparing and retaining educators through partnership mentorship program through which participating school districts or open-enrollment charter schools implement a mentoring program that meets the requirements of Section 21.458 for classroom teachers who have less than two years of teaching experience.
(b) Requires a school district or open-enrollment charter school participating in the program to require a classroom teacher who serves as a mentor teacher to annually complete a training program for mentor teachers established or adopted by TEA.
(c) Requires a school district or open-enrollment charter school to use money received under Section 48.157(b)(5) only to provide stipends for mentor teachers in an amount of at least $1,000.
(d) Authorizes the district, if any money remains after providing a stipend to mentor teachers in accordance with Subsection (c), to use that money to provide scheduled release time for mentor teachers and classroom teachers being mentored to meet and engage in mentoring activities and support for mentor teachers through mentor training and strategic staffing training.
Sec. 21.908. AGENCY SUPPORT. Requires TEA to provide technical assistance, planning, and support to school districts, open-enrollment charter schools, and educator preparation programs, which is required to include:
(1) providing model forms and agreements a district, school, or educator preparation program may use to comply with the requirements of this subchapter;
(2) support for district and school strategic staffing and compensation models to incentivize participation in a partnership program;
(3) support for district, school, and educator preparation program partners in implementing strong partnership practices, including through participation in the grow your own partnership program, and providing high-quality mentorship as required under this subchapter; and
(4) support for educator preparation programs in implementing the partnership programs under this subchapter.
Sec. 21.909. AUTHORITY TO ACCEPT CERTAIN MONEY. Authorizes the commissioner to solicit and accept gifts, grants, and donations from public and private entities to use for the purposes of this subchapter.
Sec. 21.910. APPROVAL AND ACCOUNTABILITY. (a) Requires the commissioner to establish standards for partnership programs under this section, including identifying qualifying preparation programs.
(b) Requires the commissioner to establish performance goals for partnership programs under this subchapter.
(c) Requires the commissioner to periodically review the performance of partnership programs in meeting the standards and performance goals.
(d) Requires the commissioner, if the commissioner determines that a partnership program fails to meet the performance goals, to remove authorization of the partnership program under this subchapter for a period not to exceed five years.
Sec. 21.911. RULES; POLICIES. (a) Requires the commissioner to adopt rules as necessary to implement this subchapter.
(b) Prohibits TEA, SBEC, a school district, or an open enrollment charter from adopting a rule, policy, practice, or goal intended to recruit participants based on race, sex, color, or ethnicity.
SECTION 16. Amends Section 29.202(a), Education Code, as follows:
(a) Provides that a student is eligible to receive a public education grant or to attend another public school in the district in which the student resides under Subchapter G (Public Education Grant Program) if the student is assigned to:
(1) creates this subdivision from existing text and makes a nonsubstantive change; or
(2) a classroom or substitute teacher who does not hold an appropriate certification under Subchapter B, Chapter 21, as a teacher of record in a course in the foundation curriculum under Section 28.002(a)(1) (relating to requiring each school district that offers kindergarten through grade 12 to offer a foundation curriculum that includes certain provisions) for more than 30 instructional days.
SECTION 17. Amends Section 29.204, Education Code, as follows:
Sec. 29.204. NOTIFICATION. (a) Requires the commissioner to, not later than January 1 of each year, based on the most recent information available, provide notice to each school district in which a campus described by Section 29.202(a)(1) (relating to providing that a student is eligible to receive a grant or attend another public school in the district if the student is assigned to attend a public school campus assigned an unacceptable performance rating that is made publicly available under Section 39.054 (Methods and Standards for Evaluating Performance)), rather than Section 29.202 is located that identifies each campus in the district that meets the description in Section 29.202(a)(1) and informs the district that the district must comply with Subsection (b).
(b) Makes a conforming change to this subsection.
SECTION 18. Amends Subchapter D, Chapter 48, Education Code, by adding Section 48.157, as follows:
Sec. 48.157. PREPARING AND RETAINING EDUCATORS THROUGH PARTNERSHIP ALLOTMENT PROGRAM. (a) Defines "teacher candidate."
(b) Provides that, subject to Subsections (f) and (g), a school district is entitled to an annual allotment equal to each of the following applicable amounts:
(1) for each teacher candidate completing preservice practice hours at the district under Section 21.903, the sum of $10,000 and the high needs and rural factor, as determined under Subsection (c), multiplied by $2,000;
(2) for each teacher candidate completing preservice practice hours at the district under Section 21.904, the sum of $24,000 and the high needs and rural factor, as determined under Subsection (c), multiplied by $3,000;
(3) for each teacher candidate completing preservice practice hours at the district under Section 21.905, the sum of $10,000 and the high needs and rural factor, as determined under Subsection (c), multiplied by $2,000;
(4) for each district employee participating in a partnership described by Section 21.906(b)(2), the sum of $8,000 and the high needs and rural factor, as determined under Subsection (c), multiplied by $1,000; and
(5) for each classroom teacher being mentored under the preparing and retaining educators through partnership mentorship program established under Section 21.907, $3,000.
(c) Provides that the high needs and rural factor is the lesser of the average of the point value assigned to each student at a district campus under Sections 48.112(e) (relating to requiring that a point value for each student at a school district to be assigned in a certain manner) and (f) (relating to providing that a student is assigned the point value two tiers higher if the student's campus is classified as a rural campus) or 4.0.
(d) Provides that, in addition to the funding under Subsection (b), a district is entitled to an additional $2,000 for each teacher candidate described by Subsection (b)(1), (2), or (3) who is a candidate for certification in bilingual education or special education.
(e) Provides that the Texas School for the Deaf (TSD) and the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (TSBVI) are entitled to an allotment under this section. Authorizes the commissioner, if the commissioner determines that assigning point values under Subsection (c) to students enrolled in TSD or TSBVI is impractical, to use the average point value assigned for those students' home districts for purposes of calculating the high needs and rural factor.
(f) Provides that, unless a greater number of individuals is provided for by appropriation for that school year, a school district is authorized to receive an allotment for a school year for not more than:
(1) 40 individuals under each of Subsections (b)(2), (4), and (5); and
(2) a total of 80 individuals under Subsections (b)(1) and (3).
(f-1) Authorizes the school district, if a school district has individuals that otherwise qualify for funding under (b)(2) in excess of the cap under (f)(1), to receive funding under (b)(1) for those individuals up to the cap under (f)(2).
(g) Requires the commissioner, for purposes of offsetting tuition, fees, and administrative costs, using money to which a school district is otherwise entitled under Subsection (b), to provide to a teacher candidate's educator preparation program each of the following applicable amounts and reduce the district's allotment under that subsection accordingly:
(1) $5,000 for each teacher candidate who completed a partnership program under Section 21.903 who obtains a standard certificate and has completed one year of employment with the district;
(2) $10,000 for each teacher candidate who completed a partnership program under Section 21.904 who obtains an enhanced standard certificate and has completed one year of employment with the district; and
(3) $2,500 for each teacher candidate participating in the alternative preservice partnership program under Section 21.905 who holds an intern with preservice experience certificate and an additional $2,500 for each teacher candidate who subsequently holds a standard certificate.
(g-l) Requires institutions of higher education that receive funds under Subsection (g) to spend no less than 85 percent of those funds within the teacher preparation program.
(h) Requires TEA to only provide:
(1) $4,000 of the money the school district is entitled to receive under Subsection (b)(1) until a teacher candidate has successfully completed the requirements of a partnership program under Section 21.903 by the deadline established by TEA;
(2) $12,000 of the money the school district is entitled to receive under Subsection (b)(2) until a teacher candidate has successfully completed the requirements of a partnership program under Section 21.904 by the deadline established by TEA;
(3) $4,000 of the money the school district is entitled to receive under Subsection (b)(3) until a district employee has been issued an intern with preservice experience certificate and has successfully completed the applicable requirements of a partnership program under Section 21.905 by the deadline established by TEA; and
(4) 50 percent of the money the school district is entitled to receive under Subsection (b)(4) until the district employee has successfully earned a bachelor's degree by the deadline established by TEA.
SECTION 19. Amends Subchapter G, Chapter 48, Education Code, by adding Section 48.310, as follows:
Sec. 48.310. ALLOTMENT FOR COMPLETION OF TEACHER LITERACY OR MATHEMATICS ACHIEVEMENT ACADEMIES. Provides that an educator preparation program that offers a teacher preparation route described by Section 21.04421, 21.04422, or 21.04423(1) is entitled to an annual allotment for each teacher candidate who completes a literacy achievement academy or mathematics achievement academy under Section 21.4552 or 21.4553 approved by TEA for the purpose in the amount of:
(1) $1,000, or a greater amount set by appropriation for that school year, for the completion of a literacy achievement academy; or
(2) $500, or a greater amount set by appropriation for that school year, for the completion of a mathematics achievement academy.
SECTION 20. Repealer: Section 21.051(a) (relating to defining "teacher of record"), Education Code.
Repealer: Subchapter Q (Texas Teacher Residency Program), Chapter 21 (Educators), Education Code.
Repealer: Section 48.114 (Mentor Program Allotment), Education Code.
Repealer: Section 825.4092(f) (relating to providing that a reporting employer is ultimately responsible for payment of the amounts required to contributed and prohibiting the employer from directly or indirectly passing that cost on to the retiree), Government Code.
SECTION 21. Provides that Section 12A.004(a), Education Code, as amended by this article, applies to each local innovation plan adopted under Chapter 12A, Education Code, regardless of whether the plan was adopted before, on, or after the effective date of this article. Requires that a local innovation plan adopted or renewed before the effective date of this article to comply with Section 12A.004(a), Education Code, as amended by this article, not later than September 1, 2026.
SECTION 22. (a) Provides that, except as otherwise provided by this Act and Subsection (b) of this section, the changes made by this Act apply beginning with the 20252026 school year.
(b) Provides that Section 21.0032, Education Code, as added by this Act, and Section 21.402, as amended by this Act, apply beginning with the 20262027 school year.
SECTION 23. (a) Effective date, except as provided by Subsection (b) of this section: September 1, 2025.
(b) Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2025.