School District Teaching Permits

A School District Teaching Permit (SDTP) allows Texas public school districts flexibility to employ individuals who do not hold a standard teaching certificate for specific teaching assignments. Texas Education Code §21.055

Local school districts should thoughtfully evaluate the specific courses assigned to individuals on a School District Teaching Permit and ensure that each individual possesses the appropriate educational background and subject-matter expertise necessary to effectively deliver instruction aligned with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).

Following the passage of House Bill 2 by the 89th Texas Legislature, school districts may now issue SDTPs to eligible paraprofessionals for teaching assignments. This legislative update expands the pool of potential educators by recognizing the valuable experience and service of paraprofessionals already working in Texas schools. Specific eligibility criteria and assignment limitations for paraprofessionals are outlined below and in the updated SDTP Guide.

Note: A teacher employed on a school district teaching permit is not certified by the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC).

Types of School District Teaching Permits

• Noncore Academic CTE SDTP for teaching assignments issued by the authority of the local school district board of trustees.
  • Exempt from bachelor's degree requirement
  • Demonstrated subject matter expertise (e.g., work experience, formal training, education, licensure)
  • Criminal background check mandated by TEC §22.0833
  • 20 hours classroom management training (new employees)

• Other Than Noncore Academic CTE SDTP for teaching assignments issued by the authority of the commissioner of education.
  • Bachelor's degree required
  • Demonstrated subject matter expertise (e.g., work experience, formal training, education)
  • Criminal background check mandated by TEC §22.0833
  • 20 hours classroom management training (new employees)

• Paraprofessional SDTP issued by authority of the commissioner of Education.
  • Have served at or been employed by the district as a paraprofessional for not less than 180 days during the preceding calendar year
  • Be currently enrolled in a postsecondary program that could lead to a bachelor’s degree
  • Be on track to earn a bachelor’s degree and receive a probationary certificate not later than three years after receiving a SDTP

A school district teaching permit is valid for classroom teaching assignments only and is not available for any other assignment, including:

• school counselor
• school librarian
• administrator
• any other professional assignment outside of classroom teacher; or
• special education, bilingual education, or English as a second language; or prekindergarten/preK4 programs

Application Process

1. Candidate Evaluation: The district identifies a qualified individual who does not hold a standard teaching certificate but possesses demonstrated subject-matter expertise and relevant experience or education.

2. Board Approval: The district’s board of trustees must formally approve the individual’s assignment to a teaching position under an SDTP in an official board meeting.

3. Notification to TEA:

   • For Other Than Noncore Academic CTE/Core Subjects and Paraprofessional SDTPs, the district submits the application found at the link below for commissioner approval to TEA within 30 days of board approval via TEA Help Desk ticket submission with “SDTP Submission” in the subject line.

   • Note: The person may teach the subject or class pending action by the commissioner.

   • For Noncore Academic CTE SDTPs, the district submits the application to the commissioner as notification identifying the person, the course the person will teach, and the person's qualifications to teach the course via application by clicking the appropriate link below. 

4. TEA Review (if applicable): TEA will review the submitted documentation to determine whether the individual meets the statutory requirements. If approved, the individual may serve in the specified teaching role under the SDTP.

   • Note: Any additional documents submitted with the application form will not be reviewed and will be securely discarded.  TEA does not issue certificates for SDTPs, nor does the information appear online as part of the individual’s official record of educator certification.

5.  Records Retention: The district is considered the owner of original documentation specific to SDTPs.  As such, the district must maintain documentation of the SDTP, board approval, and the individual’s qualifications for audit and compliance purposes for at least five years from the date of board approval or for the duration of the individual’s employment under the SDTP, whichever is longer.

   • Note: A school district teaching permit remains valid unless the district issuing the permit revokes it for cause.

Applications:

• Noncore Academic CTE SDTP application 
• Other Than Noncore Academic CTE/Core Subjects SDTP application
• Paraprofessional SDTP application

View School District Teaching Permit Guide