LISD Compliance Plan for HB2 Certification Changes

The 89th Texas Legislature set new limitations on teacher certification options under DOI, specifically in regards to foundation curriculum courses. Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, districts can no longer utilize DOI for certification flexibilities for foundation curriculum courses (math, reading, science, social studies). Districts can apply for a waiver to implement new certification requirements for foundation curriculum courses beginning with the 2029-2030 school year.

In a review of LISD staff teaching courses under the current DOI flexibility, using the strictest interpretation of the new guidance, 37 current LISD teachers were identified whose DOI certification will no longer be eligible at the end of the 25-26 school year without a TEA-approved waiver. On February 2nd, 2026, the Board of Trustees heard administration’s proposed plan for meeting these changed requirements, and on February 9th, 2026 they voted to apply for the waiver. Following is the district plan:

Strategy and Timeline

Moving forward for the 2026-2027 school year, LISD will no longer allow new cases of foundational curriculum courses to be taught by teachers who hold Texas Teacher Certification in a different subject area, as was previously allowable through DOI flexibility

• All 37 affected staff already hold Texas Teacher Certification in a different subject area, most hold more than one certification
• The district will work with campus principals and the individual staff members to determine appropriate next steps, such as adjustment of course assignment to courses that directly align to the teaching certification currently held
• After all solutions have been enacted which do not require teachers to pursue additional certification, remaining staff will be divided into two groups of teachers who must obtain certification
  • Teachers who only need to take 1 certification exam (these employees must obtain certification prior to March 12th, 2027)
  • Teachers who need to take 2 or more certification exams (these employees must obtain certification prior to March 10th, 2028)
• All requirements and timelines will be communicated to employees before contracts are issued for the 2026-2027 school year
• This plan achieves full compliance by Fall 2028, one full year before the end of the waiver

Partnership

• All 37 affected teachers have the ability to obtain additional certification by exam, thus enrollment in a certification program is not a necessary step; however, it is required by TEA for the waiver application, so LISD has partnered with Teachers of Tomorrow
• Teachers of Tomorrow will offer 50% off the standard monthly fee for their test preparation courses “The Learning Liaisons” and have generously offered to provide the discount to all LISD staff who may need it, for any reason, in addition to our 37 affected teachers
• They are also providing a $200 discount off the lowest advertised program price for district-recommended individuals who need to partner with a certification program (i.e. non-certified staff)

For questions or concerns please contact Courtney Hart in the office of Human Resources at 469-948-8086 or send email correspondence to hartc@lisd.net