Judson board approves delay to teacher-certification deadline, citing workforce shortages and training plan

The Judson ISD Board of Trustees voted unanimously to authorize administration to apply to the Texas Education Agency for an extension of statutory certification deadlines affecting district-of-innovation (DOI) hires.

Human-resources staff told trustees the district currently employs 286 uncertified teachers across foundation, CTE and intern categories; 123 of those were identified as teaching foundational core subjects (math, reading, science, social studies). Under the requested delay, the district would retain access to a DOI recruitment pool and continue to require all DOI hires to be actively enrolled in approved teacher-preparation programs and monitored toward certification.

"We remain committed to hiring fully certified teachers whenever possible," HR leader Miss Davis told the board, noting the application request is intended to preserve staffing flexibility while the district continues to prioritize certification enrollment and job-embedded supports.

Trustees who support the delay stressed the need to keep instructional trainers and coaching in place to raise practice among employees working toward certification. Several trustees also voiced concerns about retention of fully certified teachers and said board oversight of support for uncertified hires should be part of budget and staffing discussions.

Administration said the program of supports includes targeted professional development, embedded coaching and monthly data-to-action meetings with principals to monitor progress. The board approved submitting the commissioner application to delay certification requirements to fall 2029.