Mabry, A. (2023, August 1). Coaches employment requirements. TASB. https://www.tasb.org/news-insights/coaches-employment-requirements
In order to guarantee that they support the school’s educational goals, the majority of high school coaches in Texas are also required to hold a teaching certification. Because of this double duty, coaches are in charge of both academic instruction and sports programming. An outline of the justification and prerequisites is provided below:
Why Coaches Must Be Teachers in Texas
- Educational Standards and Accountability
- Schools want to make sure that every employee, including coaches, supports the academic and learning objectives of the organization.
- The state guarantees that coaches adhere to the same professional and ethical standards as educators by mandating that they be instructors.
- Multi-Role Efficiency
- Combining teaching and coaching responsibilities allows schools to make efficient use of their budgets. Instead of hiring separate individuals for these roles, schools employ teacher-coaches who can serve in dual capacities.
- Holistic Development of Students
- Through their interactions with students in both academic and athletic settings, teacher-coaches gain a comprehensive grasp of their needs and skills. Relationships between mentors are strengthened by this dual position.
- Compliance with UIL Standards
- The University Interscholastic League (UIL), which governs Texas high school sports, requires coaches to meet specific certification and eligibility standards. These typically align with teaching certification requirements.
Requirements for Coaches in Texas
- Teaching Certification
- Coaches must hold a valid Texas teaching certificate. This typically requires a bachelor’s degree, completion of an educator preparation program, and passing state certification exams.
- Certification ensures that coaches are prepared to teach in a subject area in addition to coaching athletics.
- Professional Development
- Coaches are often required to complete professional development courses related to their coaching duties, including training in sports safety, first aid, and CPR.
- Some schools may require specific certifications like the “Concussion in Sports” course.
- Background Checks
- As with all educators in Texas, coaches must pass criminal background checks before being employed by a school district.
- Athletic Coaching Training
- Many districts encourage or require additional training through workshops or certification programs that focus specifically on coaching methods, athlete safety, and compliance with UIL rules.
Challenges and Benefits of the Teacher-Coach Model
- Challenges:
- Balancing classroom responsibilities with coaching duties can be demanding, requiring excellent time management skills.
- Coaches must often teach subjects outside their primary expertise, adding to their workload.
- Benefits:
- Coaches who also teach develop a stronger connection with students and the school community.
- This model emphasizes that sports are an extension of the educational experience, promoting teamwork, discipline, and character development.
This system reflects Texas’s emphasis on ensuring that coaches are educators first, aligning with the state’s broader goals of academic and personal development for all students.