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Tuesday, Mar. 4, 2025

Is a teaching certificate required to teach in a Texas District of Innovation?

Brandy Ruiz, El Paso Matters
no

Districts of Innovation in Texas may hire teachers who have not yet completed their certifications but are in the process of obtaining one, the state’s Education Code states.

The Texas Education Agency designates Districts of Innovation, or DOI, as those with innovative curriculum and enhanced accountability beyond state and federal requirements. 

There are 988 Districts of Innovation in Texas, according to the TEA. In El Paso, there are seven: Anthony, El Paso, Canutillo, Clint, Fabens, San Elizario and Tornillo Independent School Districts.

To teach in Texas schools that are not in a District of Innovation, one must have a standard classroom teaching certificate issued by the State Board for Educator Certification, the Texas Administrative Code states. Those in the process of obtaining state-approved alternative certification are also eligible to teach in Texas schools.

See a full discussion of this at El Paso Matters

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