TEXAS TEACHER VACANCY TASK FORCE RECOMMENDS INCREASED PAY, TRAINING, TIME EFFICIENCY

  

The Teacher Vacancy Task Force created last year by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) has given its recommendations on how to address the staffing shortages faced by school districts across the state.

The task force on Friday released its final report that focuses on three main policy categories: compensation, working conditions, and training and support. 

Among the task force’s prioritized recommendations are funding an increase to overall teacher salaries through the basic allotment and minimum salary schedule, as well as expanding strategic compensation systems such as the Teacher Incentive Allotment.

Also recommended is expanding the pipeline and pre-service preparation of novice teachers, increasing support for teacher mentorship and leadership opportunities, and improving access to high-quality instructional materials.

In addition, the task force wants the state to take steps to help districts develop strategic staffing and scheduling models that respect teacher time.  Schoolwide culture and discipline supports to address working condition concerns are also emphasized.

Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath said the state must make sure teachers “feel valued, supported, and able to remain in the classroom, if they so choose.”  He said, “The work of the task force has further illuminated critical issues facing Texas public schools and has provided concrete steps to move forward.”