S.B. No. 2253 seeks to amend the Education Code to enhance the certification process for public school educators and improve support for public schools through the Texas Education Agency. The bill prohibits the employment of uncertified classroom teachers in certain situations, while allowing exemptions under local innovation plans. It introduces a certification incentive program that provides financial support to school districts for hiring first-year teachers who achieve certification within a specified timeframe. Additionally, the bill establishes new definitions and requirements for teacher certification, emphasizing the importance of preservice practice and research-based best practices in educator training.

The legislation also mandates the review and renewal of educator preparation programs every five years, with the possibility of annual reviews, and establishes sanctions for noncompliance. It introduces several preservice programs aimed at preparing and retaining educators through partnerships between educator preparation programs and school districts, including financial compensation for teacher candidates and mentorship for novice teachers. The bill outlines specific funding provisions and repeals outdated sections of the Education Code, with most provisions set to take effect in the 2025-2026 school year. Overall, S.B. No. 2253 aims to strengthen the educator workforce and improve educational outcomes in Texas through structured support and financial incentives.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 19.007, Education Code 21.001, Education Code 21.041, Subchapter B, Chapter , Education Code 2001.0045, Education Code 21.0443, Education Code 21.049, Education Code 21.057, Education Code 21.402, Education Code 21.4552, Education Code 21.4553, Education Code 29.202, Education Code 28.002, Government Code 825.4092 (Education Code 28, Subchapter B, Chapter , Education Code 2001, Government Code 825, Education Code 21, Education Code 29, Education Code 19)
Senate Committee Report: Education Code 19.007, Education Code 21.001, Education Code 21.041, Subchapter B, Chapter , Education Code 2001.0045, Education Code 21.0443, Education Code 21.049, Education Code 21.057, Education Code 21.402, Education Code 21.4552, Education Code 21.4553, Education Code 29.202, Education Code 28.002, Government Code 825.4092 (Education Code 28, Subchapter B, Chapter , Education Code 2001, Government Code 825, Education Code 21, Education Code 29, Education Code 19)
Engrossed: Education Code 19.007, Education Code 21.001, Education Code 21.041, Subchapter B, Chapter , Education Code 2001.0045, Education Code 21.0443, Education Code 21.049, Education Code 21.057, Education Code 21.402, Education Code 21.4552, Education Code 21.4553, Education Code 29.202, Education Code 28.002, Government Code 825.4092 (Education Code 28, Subchapter B, Chapter , Education Code 2001, Government Code 825, Education Code 21, Education Code 29, Education Code 19)