Teacher Certification in Texas: District Strategies to Recruit and Retain a Credentialed Workforce

Texas faces persistently high teacher attrition and declining enrollment in university-based preparation programs. Between 2019–20 and 2024–25, the share of uncertified teachers (i.e., teachers without any state certification) more than tripled. Despite this statewide surge, district-level certification rates varied considerably across contexts, with some districts maintaining high teacher certification rates. Interviewed leaders—from districts selected for having high certification rates and/or noted success in supporting the certification process—highlighted key strategies to prioritize certification: (1) preparation partnerships to increase the pipeline of new certified teachers, (2) prioritization of certification in recruitment and hiring practices, (3) salary incentives along with tracking and dedicated staff to support uncertified teachers toward certification, and (4) retention of new teachers through mentoring and specific supports. House Bill 2, landmark legislation passed by the Texas legislature in 2025, offers districts unprecedented financial investments in recruitment, preparation, certification, and mentoring that can increase the rate of certified teachers.