Georgetown ISD considering district of innovation exception for uncertified teachers

One of three amendments to Georgetown ISD's District of Innovation plan under consideration may allow for the hiring of teachers without certification as the district works to fill vacancies.

What you need to know

During an April 2 board workshop, GISD administrators shared three amendments to the district's DOI plan will potentially come before the board at a future meeting. As a DOI, GISD can be exempted from some state laws included in the Texas Education Code, said Wes Vanicek, the district's chief strategist for assessment and feedback. The district cannot be exempt from federal laws, he said.

Two of the amendments proposed would remove exemptions from the DOI plan. These previous exemptions regarding group health benefits for school employees and excused absences would be removed due to changes in law, he said.

A third amendment would allow the district to hire candidates for a teaching position who hold a bachelor's degree but no teaching certification, with the intention of becoming certified while employed with the district. Vanicek said this would make hiring for certain positions more flexible.

About the program

If approved, the district would create a grow-your-own program through a partnership with Indiana Wesleyan University to help staff obtain their bachelor's degrees as well as their teaching certification while employed with the district.

The exemption would not be allowed for prekindergarten, bilingual or special education positions, Vanicek said.

What's next?

The board will consider the measure at a future meeting, Vanicek said.