Staffing

This section of the web portal provides information and resources that are relevant, accessible, and impactful for teachers working with English learners and pursuing professional development.

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What are some ideas for the recruitment and retention of Bilingual/ESL Educators?

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View this document Building Bilingual and English as a Second Language Programs Opens a new window to learn how school districts can build language programs to best serve English Learners and to eliminate the need for bilingual education exceptions and/or ESL waivers. This resource also includes ideas for recruitment and retention efforts.



Do you have a question regarding certification?

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Please contact the division of Educator Certification regarding certification issues at 512-936-8400.

For information regarding educator certification click on the 29.061 - Bilingual Education and Special Language Program TeacherOpens a new window web page. To learn about obtaining a Texas educator certificate, click on Educator TestingOpens a new window web page.
To learn about alternative certification programs that offer a nontraditional route to certification, visit Becoming a Certified Texas Educator Through an Alternative Certification ProgramOpens a new window. High school students, paraprofessionals and teachers who are considering pursuing certification, visit Grow Your Own GrantOpens a new window.

Preparing to get ESL certified?

Register for our new, free ESL Certification Training online course at www.txeslprep.org! Check out this video and flyer for more information.

This course accompanies our TExES English as a Second Language (ESL) Supplemental #154 Preparation Manual. These resources are intended to equip Texas educators who desire to increase capacity in their districts and to enhance their existing ESL programs beyond minimum state requirements.


What are the teacher certification requirements for bilingual education and ESL programs? How do I know if I need to file a Bilingual Education exception or ESL waiver?

The following resources are provided to support school districts, including charters and districts of innovation, in planning for providing appropriate bilingual education and ESL program models, as noted in TAC 89.1210 (c) and (d). Additionally, these resources serve to facilitate calculation of potential bilingual education exceptions or ESL waivers and for proper PEIMS coding entry.

Where should I go if I need to file a Bilingual Education exception and/or ESL waiver?

For information on filing a Bilingual Education exception and/or ESL waiver, instructions, and application instructions, visit the TEA Bilingual Education Exception and ESL Waiver Resources Opens a new window web page. Bilingual education exceptions and ESL waivers are due each year on November 1st.


What supplemental staffing can be funded to support the implementation of instruction and/or support program services?
Texas provides Bilingual Education Allotment (State Funding) to Local Education Agencies (LEAs) that serve English learners. As per state statute, these funds must be used to provide services to English learners through bilingual Education and/or English as a Second Language (ESL) programs. Some allowable use of funds included salaries for bilingual/ESL teacher aides/paraprofessionals and consulting fees for ESC coaches to provide ongoing professional development.
Note: Title III, Part A funds cannot be used to meet the state requirements for serving English learners. Title III, Part A funds are supplemental to all other funds, including, local, state and other federal funds.
Title III, Part A – ELA funds allows supplemental staffing to improve the education of English learners by assisting the children to learn English and meet the challenging State academic standards. School districts/Charter schools will indicate in their ESSA Consolidated Federal Application under BS6101 – Payroll Costs the position type.
Note: Title III, Part A – ELA statute limits the amount of funds that may be budgeted to administer the program, including direct administrative costs, to no more than 2% of the total grant awarded for any fiscal year.