With the passage of House Bill 2 (HB 2), the timeline for uncertified teachers is changing quickly. For school administration, this means now is the time to review uncertified staff. This article provides an in-depth examination of how administrators can support uncertified teachers as the HB 2 deadlines approach.
HB 2 Timeline
HB 2 changes affect uncertified teachers in the following ways:
- 2027 – Districts of Innovation (DOI) may no longer exempt elementary core teachers from certification requirements.
- 2028 – DOI exemptions will also end for secondary core teachers.
What do Timeline Changes Mean for Administrators?
For HR teams and principals, this means now is the time to review your uncertified staff, understand their certification readiness, and create realistic timelines to help them move through the process successfully.
The teacher certification process in Texas is not fast, and even the most motivated candidates require months, sometimes a full year or more, to complete all the requirements. The more proactive the district’s support is, the more prepared your staff will be when the HB 2 deadlines arrive.
District Support Matters During the Certification Process
Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs) provide training, coursework, and exam readiness. However, it is still the districts that guide employees in starting the certification process early, setting expectations, and planning ahead.
By helping staff understand the steps and timelines involved in certification before they begin, campuses can avoid hiring delays, emergency staffing issues, and last-minute scrambling to meet certification requirements.
What Administrators Need to Know About the Certification Process
Below is an easy-to-use, administrator-friendly overview of the major steps your uncertified staff must complete before earning their Intern Certificate and beginning their internship year.
1. Admission to an Educator Preparation Program (1–3 weeks)
This process can take time depending on the review process of degrees, GPA, transcripts, and screening requirements.
Key questions districts should ask an EPP:
- What does the application process include?
- What are the deadlines and costs?
- How long does transcript review and admissions typically take?
2. Pre-Service Coursework and Fieldwork (6–9 months)
Before qualifying for an Intern Certificate, candidates must complete:
- 150 hours of coursework (out of the state-required 300 hours)
- 50 hours of field-based observations
- Preparation and approval for all required content exams
Important for HR:
Candidates typically need to pass one to five certification exams, depending on the specific certification area they are pursuing. Testing approval is not automatic. Candidates must first demonstrate readiness.
Questions to ask:
- What testing preparation is provided?
- Is there a structured plan for content exams?
- What are the criteria for test approval?
3. Internship Year (10-12 months)
Once field-based experience hours, preservice coursework, and exams are in place, candidates enter their teaching assignment under an Intern Certificate.
District responsibilities include:
- Hiring the candidate in their certification area
- Confirming Statement of Eligibility with the EPP
- Assigning a qualified campus mentor
EPP responsibilities include:
- Five formal and six informal observations
- Ongoing coaching and support
- Monitoring progress toward standard certification
- Continuing coursework to ensure candidates complete all 300 hours
- PPR preparation and support
4. Standard Certification (1–2 weeks)
After completing all EPP coursework, internship requirements, and exams (including PPR), the candidate applies for their Standard Certificate.
Why Starting the Certification Process Early Matters
Many uncertified teachers underestimate the time needed for coursework, test preparation, and fieldwork. District leaders can help by:
- Identifying uncertified core teachers now
- Setting campus- or district-wide certification timelines
- Referring employees to EPPs as soon as possible
- Clarifying expectations during hiring and onboarding
- Early planning prevents candidates from being rushed through coursework or testing, which can negatively impact their success and, ultimately, student learning.
Certification is More Than Testing
Although certification involves exams, the core purpose of an EPP is more profound. EPPs not only prepare new teachers, but they also prepare teachers to have long and successful careers in the classroom, and that includes:
- Building strong instructional practices
- Improving planning and classroom management
- Equipping teachers with strategies for student achievement
Meaningful preparation takes time. HR’s role is to ensure employees have that time before HB 2 deadlines remove flexibility.
How ESC Region 13 Can Help in the Certification Process
If you are a district leader, HR representative, or campus administrator supporting uncertified teachers, ESC Region 13’s Educator Certification Program (ECP) can help you in the following ways:
- Understand certification pathways
- Set realistic timelines for staff
- Provide district-specific virtual information sessions
- Support candidates with coursework, field experiences, and exam readiness
Conclusion
ESC Region 13 ECP would love to partner with you! Contact us at ecp@esc13.txed.net. Learn more about ECP at ESC Region 13 or download our free Alternative Certification Checklist and step-by-step certification guide. Read more articles about certification on the ESC Region 13 blog.
Together, we can support your staff in meeting HB 2 requirements, ensuring every classroom has a certified, well-prepared teacher.
Amy is the Coordinator for the Education Certification Program at ESC Region 13.
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