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 teachers for foundation curriculum courses, with exceptions for specific school years and approved plans. It introduces new definitions, such as "teacher of record," and establishes a certification incentive program that offers a one-time payment to school districts for hiring first-year teachers who achieve certification by a designated deadline. Additionally, the bill sets forth new requirements for educator preparation programs, including the establishment of various teaching certificates and the integration of preservice practice in classroom settings, while ensuring compliance with educational standards.

The legislation also establishes several partnership preservice programs aimed at preparing and retaining educators, including the "Preparing and Retaining Educators through Partnership Traditional Preservice Program" and the "Partnership Mentorship Program." These programs facilitate collaboration between educator preparation programs and school districts, allowing teacher candidates to meet certification requirements while receiving compensation for their practice hours. The bill mandates that districts provide stipends for mentor teachers and outlines specific performance goals for partnership programs, with the commissioner authorized to review compliance and impose sanctions for noncompliance. The effective date for these provisions is set for September 1, 2025, with certain sections applicable to the 2026-2027 school year.

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 (Subchapter B, Chapter , Education Code 2001, Education Code 29, Government Code 825, Education Code 19, Education Code 28, Education Code 21)
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 (Subchapter B, Chapter , Education Code 2001, Education Code 29, Government Code 825, Education Code 19, Education Code 28, Education Code 21)