During the January 20, 2026 Cooper ISD Board meeting, the Board of Trustees approved the district's request to delay immediate compliance of the new teacher certification requirements set forth by Texas Education Agency (TEA).   This request is permitted under Texas Education Code 21.0032 and requires both Board and TEA approval.  

Due to the ongoing statewide and regional teacher shortages, this application was necessary to ensure Cooper ISD has the ability to staff each and every classroom with an amazing teacher who is dedicated to growing students academically, socially, and emotionally and is driven to achieve that mission.      

The approved plan outlines a multi faceted approach over the next few years to ensure full compliance by the 2029-2030 school year. Incrementally, the district will look to reduce the amount of non certified staff by strengthening our teacher certification pathways, educator preparation partnerships and long-term teacher pipeline initiatives.    Key components of the plan include targeted annual reduction benchmarks, individualized certification completion plans, expanded mentoring and test-preparation supports, and partnerships with educator preparation providers to support teacher certification progress.