schools
PSP invests $5.1M to help West Texas schools meet new teacher certification
By Katelyn Carlock at CBS7 / KOSA-TV News (firstalert7.com)
· July 17, 2026
· 2 min read
MIDLAND, Texas (KOSA) - With new teacher certification requirements under House Bill 2 (89th) taking effect in August 2026, the Permian Strategic Partnership (PSP) is investing $5.1 million to help West Texas schools retain educators, expand certification opportunities and build a stronger local ...
Key takeaway PSP said the funding will provide full scholarships and comprehensive academic support to up to 400 participants across 18 counties in the Texas Permian Basin.
Why this matters in The Odessa
The Permian Strategic Partnership's $5.1 million investment in teacher certification programs will have a direct impact on Ector County schools, where retaining experienced educators is crucial. With nearly 950 uncertified teachers across the Permian Basin, including many in rural districts, this funding will help address a pressing issue. The Falcon Fast Track program, in particular, will allow teachers who already hold a bachelor's degree to earn certification while continuing to work in the classroom, minimizing disruptions to students. As Odessa schools prepare for the new certification requirements, this investment will provide a much-needed boost, enabling local districts to build a stronger teacher pipeline and improve educational outcomes. By supporting programs like Falcon Fast Track and the Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program, the PSP is helping to ensure that West Texas schools can attract and retain high-quality teachers, ultimately benefiting the community as a whole.
About this story
Original reporting by CBS7 / KOSA-TV News (firstalert7.com) . The Odessa surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit CBS7 / KOSA-TV News (firstalert7.com) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: schools ·
Published: July 17, 2026 ·
Source: CBS7 / KOSA-TV News (firstalert7.com) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? MIDLAND, Texas (KOSA) - With new teacher certification requirements under House Bill 2 (89th) taking effect in August 2026, the Permian Strategic Partnership (PSP) is investing $5.1 million to help West Texas schools retain educators, expand certification opportunities and build a stronger local ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 17, 2026 by CBS7 / KOSA-TV News (firstalert7.com) and curated for The Odessa readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Katelyn Carlock at CBS7 / KOSA-TV News (firstalert7.com). To learn more about how The Odessa selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more schools coverage from The Odessa, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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