TEXAS, USA — Four East Texas schools were cited in a Texas Education Agency investigation related to a statewide teacher certification cheating scandal, which led to unqualified teachers in classrooms across the state.
On Wednesday, our sister station in Houston, KHOU 11 News, received a list of 102 teachers the Texas Education Agency plans to investigate as of this week. The investigation alleges districts employed teachers potentially tied to cheating on their certification exam.
Among the 102 districts, teachers in Chapel Hill ISD, New Boston ISD. Palestine ISD and Linden-Kildare CISD were all named in the investigation The TEA said the scandal was centered in Houston but affected districts across the state.
Chapel Hill ISD
"We have to evaluate the claim, but we are not at liberty to discuss personnel matters."
Palestine ISD:
"Palestine ISD was made aware late Wednesday afternoon through a Texas Education Agency communication of a Palestine ISD employee whose Texas Educator Certification was under review due to allegations stemming from the current investigation centered on a Houston based 'teacher-certification cheating scheme'. The employee has been placed on administrative leave while the district consults with our attorney and investigates the allegations internally. The District will cooperate fully with the Texas Education Agency in their investigation. Actions will be taken upon the full investigation."
New Boston ISD:
"New Boston ISD is aware of a matter that is the subject of an investigation by the State Board for Educator Certification concerning a Texas teacher certification. The employee subject to this investigation will have the opportunity to respond to the allegations made by SBEC. It is important to note that the underlying application for certification occurred at another district and that New Boston ISD is not the subject of this investigation. NBISD is unable to comment on any specifics regarding the situation, as it pertains to an individual employee.
We want to assure our community that our District takes all matters related to teacher certification seriously and follows all applicable legal processes and policies in timely addressing such matters. Again, due to privacy laws and the confidentiality surrounding personnel issues, the district cannot provide additional details or engage in public discussions about this specific case."
KHOU11 reported investigators found teachers would use a test-taking proxy, or a person impersonating the teacher, as well as a fake test administrator to take and pass the tests required for certification. Then, the candidate would set up exactly when and where to test.
The scandal reportedly began in March 2020, and it was well known among the hopeful teacher population.
The most severe punishment for wrongdoing is permanent license revocation and being added to the "do not hire registry," which applies to any Texas public school. The TEA expects additional investigations to be opened as new information comes in. A criminal investigation into the scandal is ongoing.
Statement from the Texas Education Agency:
"In accordance with State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) rules, TEA will review any and all information shared by law enforcement and pursue appropriate action against any educator involved in this scheme. The SBEC will make a final determination on possible sanctions."
KHOU11 contributed to this report.
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