Like many Texas school districts, Round Rock ISD employs uncertified teachers as long-term educators working toward full certification.
How it works
As a District of Innovation, RRISD is one of several districts in the state that has used a policy exemption to hire uncertified teachers. However, during the 89th Legislature, lawmakers passed a requirement that districts begin phasing out exemptions for teacher certification for core subjects by the 2027-28 school year.
As of the start of the 2026-27 school year, RRISD had 14 uncertified teachers pursuing their credentials through an alternative certification program, with three in the district’s RRock Teach program. These 14 teachers have a one-year permit from the Texas Education Agency, allowing them to teach while pursuing certification, according to the district.
RRISD’s alternative certification program has had dozens of participants since it launched in the 2022-23 school year. RRISD Chief of Human Resources Eddie Curran said the district also launched its new apprenticeship program this fall, bringing a new inroad to the classroom for employees.
“We have some of the best people in our classrooms who are not teachers as well,” Curran said during a recent update about the district’s human resources department. “Our whole pipeline model is built around that concept.”
About the program
The district’s grow-your-own program RRock Teach is a partnership with iTeach, an online education platform, and covers up to 95% of the costs to become a certified teacher in Texas, according to the district.
In exchange for approximately $4,000 of financial support, participants are committed to work in the district for at least two years after certification, according to the district.
Curran said the program is intended for nonteaching employees who hold a bachelor's degree and focuses on high-need content areas such as math, science, and bilingual and special education. Participants begin teaching in the classroom while pursuing their certification.
This program is separate from the district’s apprenticeship program, which is designed for employees who do not hold a four-year degree.
