Unveiling the Challenges and Solutions in Texas Classrooms: Insights for Educators and Stakeholders.

The role of a teacher in Texas schools is constantly evolving, shaped by state standards, societal expectations, and classroom dynamics. In a recent podcast, seasoned educators shed light on the pressing issues new and veteran teachers face. This post summarizes key takeaways, focusing on challenges related to understanding and applying the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), managing student behavior, and navigating systemic hurdles.

Understanding the TEKS: A Roadmap for Success

The TEKS are the backbone of education in Texas, defining what students need to know and achieve at each grade level. However, many new teachers and even parents are unaware of these standards’ scope and significance. The TEKS guide classroom planning, ensuring consistency across schools and alignment with state assessments.

Key Insights:

  1. Lack of Awareness: Many educators enter classrooms without comprehensive training in TEKS, leaving them unprepared for lesson alignment and state expectations.
  2. Practical Application: Aligning TEKS with creative and interactive lesson plans was highlighted as a critical skill. For example, using mock elections and debates can make abstract standards tangible​
    The Southern Teach
    TEKS Guide

Solution: Comprehensive TEKS training programs for educators and workshops for parents could bridge the knowledge gap, fostering collaboration between schools and families.

Teacher Retention: The Growing Crisis

One of the most alarming statistics discussed was that 78% of Texas teachers have seriously considered leaving their jobs within the past year. High workloads, low pay, and increasing behavioral challenges from students exacerbate this trend.

Root Causes:

  • Overwhelming administrative demands and lack of support.
  • Behavioral issues in classrooms tied to broader social and emotional challenges.
  • Insufficient training for trauma-informed teaching and special education compliance​.

Proposed Interventions:

  1. Streamlined Administrative Processes: Simplifying paperwork and meeting requirements can free up time for teachers to focus on instruction.
  2. Behavioral Management Training: Investing in programs for trauma-informed practices equips teachers to address disruptive behaviors with empathy and effectiveness.

Student Behavior: A Barrier to Learning

Educators across Texas agree- classroom behavior can significantly impact teaching effectiveness. A spike in disruptive behaviors post-pandemic has left many teachers feeling ill-equipped to manage their classrooms.

Suggestions from the Podcast:

  • Proactive Approaches: Building relationships with students and implementing restorative practices were noted as essential tools.
  • Parental Engagement: Bridging the communication gap between parents and schools to address behavioral issues collectively​

Key Takeaway: Empowering teachers with tools to foster a positive classroom environment benefits both academic performance and teacher satisfaction.

Actionable Steps for Stakeholders

For Texas educators, parents, and policymakers, these challenges highlight the need for systemic reform and targeted support. Suggested steps include:

  1. Tailored Professional Development: Courses on “Tackling the TEKS,” trauma-informed teaching, and managing administrative duties can address key stressors.
  2. Collaborative Curriculum Planning: Encouraging team-based lesson planning aligned with TEKS ensures quality and consistency.
  3. Advocacy for Better Funding: Higher salaries and funding for mental health resources in schools are essential to retaining quality educators.

Final Thoughts

Texas classrooms are at a crossroads, and the path forward requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders. By equipping teachers with the right tools and understanding the critical role of the TEKS, we can build a system that nurtures both educators and students.

Call to Action: Share this post with teachers, parents, and policymakers to spark meaningful conversations and drive change in Texas schools!

View the entire Podcast here: YouTube Podcast Episode

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Addressing the Need for TEKS Training for New and Alternative Certification Teachers in Texas

The state of Texas has long been grappling with teacher shortages, and the rise of alternative certification pathways has become a significant response to this crisis. However, this growing reliance on alternative certification teachers introduces challenges in the classroom, particularly around preparation and retention. Many of these educators are entering the field with limited training and little familiarity with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), which are the backbone of the state’s educational standards. Addressing these gaps is essential not only for teacher success but also for student outcomes.

Understanding the Challenges Faced by New Teachers in Texas

  • A Surge in Alternative Certification Teachers
    In Texas, alternative certification programs have grown exponentially, now producing more than half of the alternatively certified teachers in the U.S. annually. While these programs provide a fast track into teaching, many candidates face struggles due to minimal preparation. For instance, Texas saw a 500% increase in for-profit alternative certification enrollments over the past five years, yet these programs have alarmingly low completion rates. In 2021–2022, 57% of first-time teachers in Texas entered classrooms with emergency or substandard certifications, or without certifications altogether.
  • Retention Challenges
    Retention is a pressing concern. Studies show that only 60% of teachers from alternative certification programs in Texas remain in classrooms five years after their first year of full licensure, compared to 69% of traditionally prepared teachers. The lack of comprehensive training not only affects teacher retention but also hinders student performance. For instance, students taught by alternatively certified teachers in Texas demonstrate significantly lower academic gains compared to those taught by traditionally certified educators.
  • Navigating the TEKS
    One of the most daunting aspects for new teachers is mastering the TEKS, a detailed framework designed to guide educators in delivering rigorous and scaffolded learning experiences. Without a strong grasp of these standards, many new teachers struggle to align their lesson plans effectively, resulting in inconsistent learning experiences for students.

 

Introducing the “Tackling the TEKS” Training Course

Recognizing the critical need for targeted support, the “Tackling the TEKS” course is specifically designed for new and alternative certification teachers to bridge the preparation gap. Here’s how this course equips educators to navigate the complexities of TEKS:

  1. Comprehensive Overview of the TEKS
    Participants will learn the purpose behind the TEKS and understand how these standards are structured to ensure student progress and mastery. The course unpacks the “why” of TEKS, helping educators appreciate their role in fostering student success.

  2. Strategic TEKS Organization
    Teachers will gain practical skills to intentionally order TEKS for effective learning progression. This includes sequencing standards to scaffold knowledge in a way that builds upon prior learning.

  3. Language and Content Objectives
    The course trains educators to craft clear and measurable objectives, ensuring their lessons are aligned with TEKS and accessible to all students, including English Language Learners and those requiring accommodations.

  4. Flexible Formats to Meet Educator Needs

    • 1-Hour Free Course: A concise introduction to TEKS essentials.
    • 4-Hour Workshop: A hands-on session allowing educators to leave with completed work for their classrooms.
    • 8-Hour Comprehensive Course: Ideal for department leaders and administrators, this deep-dive training includes access to additional resources and a supportive alumni group.

Why This Training Matters

Enhancing Teacher Retention
By equipping new teachers with a solid understanding of TEKS, this course addresses one of the root causes of burnout—feeling unprepared. When educators feel confident in their ability to plan and teach effectively, they are more likely to remain in the profession.

Improving Student Outcomes
Students benefit directly from well-prepared teachers. Mastery of the TEKS allows educators to create cohesive, standards-based lessons that drive meaningful learning. This is particularly crucial in Texas, where student performance gaps have been linked to disparities in teacher preparation.

Supporting Administrators and Leaders
For school leaders, investing in TEKS training is a proactive strategy to build stronger instructional teams. Administrators who complete the comprehensive course are better positioned to mentor and guide their teachers, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

The Broader Implications

The need for targeted training like “Tackling the TEKS” goes beyond individual classrooms. Addressing the preparation and retention challenges associated with alternative certification teachers is vital for the long-term health of Texas’s education system. Policymakers and education leaders must prioritize such initiatives to ensure every student in Texas has access to high-quality teaching.

As Texas continues to refine its approach to teacher preparation and support, courses like this are a step in the right direction. By bridging the gap between certification and classroom readiness, “Tackling the TEKS” empowers educators to thrive and, ultimately, helps students succeed.

This course is more than just professional development; it’s a lifeline for new and alternative certification teachers navigating the challenging yet rewarding field of education in Texas. For more information and to enroll in the course, visit The Highest Standard today.

Unlocking Teacher Potential Through Comprehensive TEKS Training: Insights from CTAT Summer 2024

The Career and Technical Association of Texas (CTAT) Summer Conference, scheduled to take place in Fort Worth in 2024, is a cornerstone event for CTE professionals, administrators, and educators across the state. Known for its engaging pre-conference workshops, diverse breakout sessions, and access to industry-leading resources, CTAT Summer equips participants with tools to enhance teaching, build curriculum alignment, and foster connectivity among like-minded educators​. (CTAT TCEC Summer)

 

This year, Valerie Dominy will host her much-anticipated session, Tackling the TEKS, offering a game-changing roadmap for navigating the complexities of Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). Designed to support both new and alternative certification educators, Dominy’s course directly addresses the training gaps that many teachers face, particularly those entering the classroom through non-traditional pathways.

The Growing Need for TEKS Training

Data from educational research and teacher surveys highlights alarming trends in Texas education:

  • A significant proportion of Texas teachers are entering classrooms through alternative certification programs, often lacking the in-depth preparation needed to navigate standards like the TEKS effectively.
  • Many new teachers express confusion about how to prioritize and sequence TEKS for best learning outcomes, a skill critical to student success and classroom efficiency.

The Tackling the TEKS course is uniquely designed to demystify these standards, offering strategies to streamline lesson planning, align curriculum to state goals, and enhance student achievement. This training empowers teachers to approach their TEKS with confidence and clarity, ensuring their efforts translate into measurable student outcomes.

What Makes the CTAT Summer Conference Unique?

The CTAT Summer event isn’t just a conference—it’s a hub of innovation, collaboration, and professional growth. With over 30 breakout sessions and dedicated time for networking, participants can engage with industry experts and build lasting connections with peers. The event attracts a diverse audience, including:

  • CTE teachers seeking actionable strategies for the classroom.
  • Administrators focused on school improvement initiatives.
  • Industry professionals bringing real-world expertise to academic settings​

Inside the Tackling the TEKS Course

Valerie Dominy’s session on Tackling the TEKS is a standout offering for educators at the conference. Delivered in multiple formats (from a free one-hour overview to an intensive eight-hour deep dive), the course provides attendees with:

  1. An Overview of TEKS: Gain insights into the “why” behind TEKS and the methodology used by the state to craft these standards.
  2. Hands-On Practice: Teachers walk away with organized TEKS sequences and ready-to-use content objectives tailored to their specific courses.
  3. Networking and Resources: Participants receive access to discounted resources and join an exclusive alumni group for continued support.

Participant feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising Dominy’s practical approach and her ability to simplify complex information. One attendee shared, “This course was a game-changer for me. I finally feel like I know how to tackle my TEKS and plan lessons that actually make sense!”

Why This Training is Essential

The Texas classroom of today is increasingly challenging:

  • Teachers face mounting responsibilities, from navigating paperwork to meeting special education needs.
  • Student behavior issues and trauma impact learning, requiring educators to integrate social-emotional practices with academic rigor.
  • The TEKS framework, while invaluable, can overwhelm educators without the right training.

By offering a structured approach to TEKS, this course addresses these challenges head-on, equipping teachers to:

  • Streamline lesson planning by aligning objectives with state standards.
  • Foster student success through intentional, standards-based instruction.
  • Feel confident in their roles, reducing burnout and increasing retention.

Beyond the Classroom: How TEKS Impacts Parents and Students

Understanding TEKS isn’t just for teachers. This framework also benefits:

  • Parents, who gain insight into what’s being taught and why, fostering better communication with teachers.
  • Students, who experience more coherent and purposeful instruction, boosting engagement and achievement.

This ripple effect underscores the broader value of investing in teacher training—a step that pays dividends in student success and community impact.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Teacher Retention

CTAT Summer 2024’s focus on actionable solutions like Tackling the TEKS demonstrates a commitment to teacher retention in an era marked by high turnover rates. By equipping educators with the tools they need to succeed, events like this empower teachers to stay in the profession and thrive.

Whether you’re a new teacher navigating the TEKS for the first time or a seasoned educator looking to refine your skills, Valerie Dominy’s session is a must-attend event. Join the conversation, gain valuable insights, and leave ready to tackle your TEKS with confidence.

Final Thoughts

For educators in Texas, the challenges are real, but so are the solutions. The CTAT Summer Conference and Valerie Dominy’s Tackling the TEKS course provide a lifeline for teachers seeking clarity, efficiency, and impact in the classroom.

Ready to invest in your success? Explore the course options and mark your calendar for this transformative experience in Fort Worth. Together, let’s build the foundation for a brighter future in Texas education.

For more details on the CTAT Summer Conference, visit their official website: CTAT

Train to retain

I want to keep my teachers!