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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.

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. Additional Information on issuance of the new school district teaching permit for paraprofessionals is included 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)
  • A noncore academic school district teaching permit remains valid unless the district issuing the permit revokes it for cause.

• 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)
  • An other than noncore academic school district teaching permit remains valid unless the district issuing the permit revokes it for cause.

• *NEW* 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
  • An other than noncore academic school district teaching permit remains valid unless the district issuing the permit revokes it for cause.
  • A paraprofessional school district teaching permit is valid for (3) three years and the district must submit a notification via �������� Help Desk ticket to “Educator Certification” with “Paraprofessional SDTP” in the subject line to notify the agency of the paraprofessional’s certification status and to confirm the SDTP has ended for the individual at the end of the (3) years.

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 Information

All school district teaching permit submissions will now be completed online using the new Smartsheet forms provided below. District human resources staff will use these secure, user-friendly online forms to submit SDTP applications directly to ��������. This transition streamlines the submission process and ensures timely and accurate notification. Detailed instructions for completing the Smartsheet forms are available in the updated SDTP Guide found below. 

Applications:

View School District Teaching Permit Guide