The Whitsdom Press

Tag: teacher shortage

  • Kids Struggling to Read, Teachers Walking Away

    Teachers Leaving the Classroom

    More and more teachers are leaving their jobs. Some say they are burned out. Others say kids don’t want to read or learn. One teacher shared online that her students refused to read any books—even when the school gave them audio versions. She said many kids are graduating high school even though they read years below their grade level.

    The Reading Problem

    In some major metropolitan areas and cities, the reading crisis is especially visible. Reports show many students are behind by several grade levels. In Baltimore, some high schools had almost no students reading at grade level. In Houston, library programs were cut in some schools, making it harder for kids to access books. In Memphis and Atlanta, many teens are still struggling to read while being promoted to the next grade.

    Technology Taking Over

    Some teachers say technology is part of the problem. Kids now use iPads, phones, and even AI to get answers fast. This means they don’t practice reading or writing like before. A former teacher explained that students have short attention spans and don’t know how to focus on written work because of too much screen time.

    Reading Skills Are Falling Behind

    • In the U.S. in 2024, only 31% of fourth graders and 30% of eighth graders met “proficient” reading standards on a national test (NAEP)
    • No state or city saw reading score improvements from 2022 to 2024
    • Nationwide, just 35% of 12th graders were considered proficient readers—lowest since NAEP began testing in 1992.

    Why Teachers Quit

    Across the country, there are more than 45,000 unfilled teacher jobs. Combined with teachers working without full certification, this adds up to at least 1 in 8 school teaching positions facing gaps. There are many reasons teachers are leaving:

    • Burnout – Teachers are tired and stressed out. Almost half say they feel burned out all the time.
    • No Support – Teachers often feel they are not trusted to do their jobs. Schools tell them exactly what to teach and how to teach it.
    • Behavior Problems – Phones, disrespect, and lack of parent support make classrooms harder to manage.

    The Impact on Kids

    When students don’t learn to read well, it affects everything. Reading is the base of all learning. Without it, kids struggle in every subject. Some schools are even cutting libraries, which makes the reading problem worse, especially in communities that already don’t have enough resources.

    What Needs to Change

    • Focus on Reading – Bring back more books, handwriting, and libraries.
    • Support Teachers – Give teachers more respect, trust, and better working conditions.
    • Fix Burnout – Lower class sizes, pay teachers fairly, and give them mental health support.

    Closing Thoughts

    The problem isn’t just one teacher or one school—it’s across the country. Kids are falling behind in reading, and teachers are leaving in big numbers. If schools don’t make changes soon, both students and teachers will keep paying the price.

  • Texas Teacher Crisis: The Rise of Uncertified Educators

    Texas is facing a disturbing increase in the hiring of uncertified teachers. This issue is particularly pressing in cities with large districts like Houston. Teacher shortages continue to plague the education system. As a result, the hiring of uncertified educators has become widespread. These practices raise concerns about the quality of education students are receiving. This growing trend is putting the future of Texas youth at risk. It potentially has long-term consequences that will ripple through the state’s workforce and economy.

    The Worsening Teacher Shortage

    Like many other states, Texas is dealing with a significant teacher shortage. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) reports that thousands of teaching positions remained unfilled every year. Schools, desperate to keep classrooms open, are turning to uncertified teachers as a last resort. The COVID-19 pandemic made things worse. Many certified teachers left their jobs due to burnout. Health concerns or dissatisfaction with working conditions also contributed to their departure.

    In 2023, the Texas American Federation of Teachers (AFT) revealed a critical issue. Nearly 60% of teachers in Texas were thinking about quitting. Low pay, heavy workloads, and a lack of support were among the main reasons. As more experienced educators leave, the number of certified teachers shrinks. This forces schools to rely on uncertified staff to fill the gap.

    Uncertified Teachers on the Rise in Houston ISD

    Houston, one of Texas’ largest cities, has been hit hard by this issue. The Houston Independent School District (HISD), the state’s biggest school district, has increasingly hired uncertified teachers to fill vacancies. In the 2022–2023 school year, about 1,100 uncertified teachers were working in HISD classrooms.

    This is not just a Houston problem. School districts across Texas face the same issue. This affects areas from urban centers to rural areas. But in Houston, the situation is very concerning due to the district’s large and diverse student population. Many students in HISD come from low-income backgrounds or are English language learners. These students often need extra support. Uncertified teachers, who lack formal training, may not be fully equipped to meet their needs. This can lead to wider achievement gaps and lower academic performance for students who are already at a disadvantage.

    The State’s Response: A Temporary Fix?

    In an effort to deal with the teacher shortage, Texas lawmakers have introduced stopgap measures. One of the most common solutions has been the use of alternative certification programs (ACPs). These programs allow people with bachelor’s degrees in any field to quickly obtain temporary teaching credentials. These credentials are granted while they complete their training. On the surface, this seems like a practical solution, but it comes with major downsides. Many ACP teachers struggle to meet classroom demands. This struggle leads to high turnover. It also results in lower student performance and incomplete preparation for the challenges of teaching.

    Source: KXAN news station

    In 2021, Governor Greg Abbott launched the Texas Teacher Vacancy Task Force to study the issue and propose solutions. However, critics argue that the state hasn’t addressed the root causes of the shortage. They point to factors like low teacher pay and excessive standardized testing. If these issues are not addressed, Texas will likely keep relying on uncertified teachers to fill classrooms. This reliance could have serious long-term consequences.

    How It Impacts Students

    The rise of uncertified teachers in Texas has a direct impact on students. Uncertified teachers often lack the training necessary to manage classrooms, deliver effective lessons, and assess student progress. This can lead to lower student performance. This is particularly true in subjects like math, science, and special education. These areas are already in critical need of qualified teachers.

    In Houston ISD, schools with a higher number of uncertified teachers have reported lower test scores and higher dropout rates. According to TEA data, students in classrooms with uncertified teachers are more likely to struggle academically. This situation only widens the gap in educational outcomes across the state.

    The Data Behind the Crisis

    The scale of the problem is clear in the numbers. A 2023 report from the Texas Tribune revealed that nearly 21% of new teachers in Texas last school year were uncertified. This marks a sharp increase from just 8% five years earlier. Texas now ranks among the states with the highest percentage of uncertified educators. In Houston ISD, uncertified teachers make up 12% of the total teaching workforce. This number is expected to rise as the district continues to deal with staff shortages.

    Conclusion: What Needs to Be Done?

    The widespread hiring of uncertified teachers in Texas has reached a critical point. The state has tried to address the teacher shortage with quick fixes. However, these solutions are not enough to solve the problem. Texas needs to focus on long-term solutions. These include better pay, improved working conditions, and stronger support for certified teachers. These changes are necessary to attract and keep qualified educators.

    In the meantime, schools, teachers, and parents must collaborate. This teamwork ensures that students get the education they deserve. The number of teachers should never come at the cost of quality education. Texas’ future depends on a strong education system. This system prepares students for success. It starts with well-trained and well-supported teachers.

  • Houston ISD: First Year Snapshot under TEA Control

    Before I begin this article, I would love for you to watch the following clips as references to give you a better idea of what led to the TEA takeover in Houston ISD.

    Recorded this on my lunch break in April 2023. Please excuse the colorful language. This rant came from a place of concern.

    The 2023-2024 school year marked a turbulent chapter for the Houston Independent School District (HISD) as it became the largest district in Texas to fall under the control of the Texas Education Agency (TEA) due to low performance at Phillis Wheatley High School. This unprecedented move sparked heated debate, leaving many wondering about the impact on Houston’s students, educators, and the community. Let’s delve into the first year of this takeover and explore the key developments, ongoing challenges, and the uncertain road ahead.

    Leadership Shakeup and Reform Initiatives

    Mike Morath, TEA Commissioner, appointed a new Board of Managers and Superintendent Mike Miles, who implemented various reforms focused on academics, school climate, and community engagement. Increased investment in core subjects, new curricula, and teacher training aimed to boost academic achievement. Initiatives to improve school safety included converting some libraries into “team centers” for students facing behavioral issues, a move met with criticism from parents and educators.

    A Year of Challenges: Teacher Shortages, Special Education Concerns, and Community Discontent

    The first year under TEA control presented significant challenges. A teacher shortage forced HISD to hire non-certified teachers, particularly in special education, raising concerns about the quality of instruction for special needs students who require specialized support. Parents also expressed anxieties regarding changes in Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and access to qualified specialists.

    The TEA takeover fueled a sense of unease within the community. Many residents worried about a loss of local control over HISD schools and felt the TEA lacked transparency in decision-making processes. Regular board meetings offered opportunities for public input, but some community members felt their voices were not being heard.

    The Budget Shortfall

    As Texas’ 7th largest school district, Houston ISD has been grappling with financial difficulties for years. Currently, they are dealing with a staggering $450 million budget gap. To put this in perspective, HISD’s total budget for the upcoming year is $800 million. This deficit has forced the administration to make tough choices; such as staff reductions across many departments and removal of quality programs, like libraries.

    1. Position Cuts and Non-Renewals:
      • Miles confirmed that an unspecified number of teachers will not have their contracts renewed next school year. Principals are assessing all data to make decisions on which teachers should return.
      • He emphasized the importance of looking beyond spreadsheets and considering factors like teacher responsiveness to feedback and continuous improvement mindset.
      • While the exact number of non-renewals remains fluid due to ongoing decisions by teachers, Miles believes the district will be able to fill those positions as it did last summer.
      • No teachers or principals have been let go, but other positions (such as custodians) are being reduced across various departments.
      • Wraparound Services Specialists, who ensure students’ are receiving non-academic services, are being cut as well.
    2. Budget Gap:
      • HISD faces a significant budget gap, estimated at $450 million for the upcoming school year.
      • The end of federal COVID-19 relief funds (ESSER dollars) has complicated the financial situation.
      • Jobs in various roles, including custodians and administrative staff, are at risk due to the funding gap.
    3. Campus Funding Cuts:
      • Some campuses within HISD are experiencing up to 12% budget cuts for the 2024-2025 academic year due to declining enrollment and other factors.
      • The New Education System (NES) reforms, coupled with the exhaustion of federal monies, contribute to the funding challenges.

    In summary, Superintendent Miles acknowledges the severity of the budget crisis and emphasizes data-driven decision-making while navigating these financial constraints

    The outlook on the budget for the next school year is unclear. The TEA has yet to release its funding plans for HISD, and budgetary constraints could further limit resources for crucial areas like teacher recruitment, special education services, and instructional materials.

    The second year of the TEA takeover will be critical. Continued improvement in academic performance will be a top priority. Addressing teacher concerns, ensuring qualified educators are in place, and fostering trust within the community will be essential for long-term success. Increased transparency from the TEA and the Board of Managers regarding decision-making and communication with the community will be crucial to navigating this uncertain path forward.

    State takeovers have a mixed track record in Texas. While some districts have seen improvement, others have struggled. The long-term impact on HISD remains to be seen. Stay tuned for further insights into the evolving story of Houston ISD.