Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and Teacher Qualifications

Parent/Guardian Notification

At Whitehouse ISD, we are committed to delivering a high-quality education to every student. Our team of educators is passionate about teaching and committed to helping your child succeed and thrive. As part of our commitment to transparency and partnership with families, we want to inform you about our obligations under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).

Your Right to Know

As a parent or guardian, you have the right to request information regarding the professional qualifications of your child's classroom teachers. This includes:

• Whether the teacher has met state qualification and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which they provide instruction.
• Whether the teacher is teaching under an emergency or other provisional status, through which state qualification or licensing criteria have been waived.
• The college degree major of the teacher and any graduate degrees or certifications they hold.
• The qualifications of any paraprofessionals providing services to your child.

Notification of Teacher Assignments

Additionally, under ESSA, if your child is assigned to or has been taught for four or more consecutive weeks by a teacher who does not meet the applicable state certification requirements for the grade level and subject area, our school will provide you with timely notice.

Our teachers, regardless of their certification status, are dedicated professionals who our district's administration and staff fully support. We are committed to ensuring every child receives an excellent education.

If you have any questions or would like to request information about your child's teacher, please contact the campus principal or the Whitehouse ISD Human Resources Department.

Tara Matthews
Chief Human Resources Officer
Whitehouse ISD Human Resources
MatthewsT@whitehouseisd.org
(903) 839-5500