Houston teacher certification scheme: Half of HISD’s uncertified educators are at elementary schools, data shows [Video]

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Rachel Rucker said she went from working at a restaurant to working in the classroom.

Although Rucker is no longer a teacher, as executive director of impact and analytics at the Houston Independent School District, she said the nationwide teacher shortage means they’re welcoming educators from different backgrounds.

The district currently has nearly 2,000 uncertified teachers, which means about one in every five teachers does not have a certification.

“I went from Texas Roadhouse into the classroom, and I was a good teacher,” Rucker said. “I do believe that we should welcome people who want to become teachers. We shouldn’t gatekeep who can become a teacher. If you want to become a teacher and you realize after you graduated college that the thing that you’re doing is not what you want to pursue, please consider teaching.”

As 13 Investigates first reported at the start of the school year, the number …