Elizabeth Smith Academy

Texas public schools have been hampered by a longstanding teacher shortage crisis in the state, a challenge that worsened during the pandemic. School leaders have relied on uncertified teachers to fill shortages, hiring job candidates who had little or no teacher training or experience in the classroom. In 2025, lawmakers banned uncertified teachers in core classes (with limited exceptions) with a law set to be phased in during the 2026-27 school year.