Lancaster ISD (TX) Overcomes Teacher Shortages Without Compromising Student Performance

Confronting the Growing Teacher Shortage Crisis in Texas

Texas school districts are facing an unprecedented teacher shortage, with over half of newly hired teachers uncertified to teach in public schools, according to a recent study from the University of Texas Austin and Texas Tech University. Further research by Assistant Professor Jacob Kirksey of Texas Tech found that of the uncertified teachers hired, 72% had no previous experience working in Texas schools.  

These alarming trends have raised concerns about the long-term impact on student outcomes. While many schools have been forced to rely on uncertified teachers or alternative certification routes, Lancaster Independent School District took a different approach—one that prioritized student learning without compromising instructional quality. 

Lancaster Independent School District, located in South Dallas, serves over 7,000 students across 12 schools with a teaching staff of 440 educators. During the 2022-23 school year, the district faced a significant challenge: 40 unfilled teaching positions, including vacancies in core subjects like Biology. 

To ensure instructional continuity, Lancaster implemented Elevate K-12’s LIVE teaching model in 6 out of 9 Biology classes. This approach provided students with synchronous, interactive instruction led by US-certified Biology teachers, maintaining academic rigor with highly qualified instructors.  

Finding the Right Solution

As Lancaster ISD grappled with its growing teacher vacancies, district leaders explored various solutions to maintain instructional quality. Dr. Cassandra Barker, Deputy Superintendent of Teaching & Learning, knew that relying solely on long-term substitutes or online learning modules would not provide the engagement or academic rigor students needed. 

“It wasn’t a matter of should we do this,” Dr. Barker recalls. “It was: we are doing this, now let’s find the best way to do it. I would tell my team, ‘Nobody’s coming to save us…we have to save ourselves!’.” 

Her team sought an approach that would minimize disruptions to learning and, to the greatest extent possible, avoid any student achievement gaps that might arise from non-traditional alternatives to certified teachers. 

After evaluating multiple options, Lancaster ISD decided to partner with Elevate K-12 to bring consistent, LIVE instruction from US-certified teachers into its classrooms. Using livestream technology, Elevate K-12 removes geographic hiring barriers and connects districts with a network of nearly 1,000 highly qualified educators. While research shows that 1 in 5 uncertified teachers in Texas lack a bachelor’s degree, over 80% of Elevate’s teachers hold a bachelor’s degree or higher and have an average of 13 years of teaching experience.  

Though some initial skepticism existed regarding the LIVE teaching model, the faculty quickly recognized the potential. With a clear implementation plan and dedicated support, the district was ready to move forward. 

Delivering High-Quality Instruction 

As Lancaster ISD tracked student progress, some educators initially questioned whether remote instruction could effectively support a hands-on subject like Biology. 

Erica Butler, Secondary Science Academic Coordinator & Title 1 STEAM Events Coordinator, shared these concerns, unsure how students would grasp complex scientific concepts without an in-person teacher. After closely monitoring the performance data, her concerns vanished.

In one of Lancaster ISD’s schools, 10th-grade Biology students who received instruction from Elevate K-12 teachers performed at the same level as those taught by one of the district’s most highly regarded in-person teachers. This parity in performance demonstrated that Elevate K-12’s model could deliver rigorous, high-quality instruction that met the district’s academic standards.

Demonstrating Academic Success 

As the academic year progressed, district leaders sought measurable evidence of Elevate K-12’s impact. Their focus was on whether students could achieve the same level of proficiency as those in traditional classrooms.  

State summative assessment results confirmed the effectiveness of Elevate K-12’s LIVE teaching model.

Data revealed that: 

• 73% increase in benchmark assessments, indicating strong academic progression. 
• 75.3% of students in Elevate K-12 Biology classes achieved proficiency, comparable to the 74.8% proficiency rate of students in traditional classes. 
• Among first-time test takers—students who received their entire Biology instruction through Elevate K-12—86% achieved proficiency, a result that exceeded district expectations. 

Dr. Cassandra Barker, Deputy Superintendent of Teaching & Learning, praised these outcomes, emphasizing that Elevate K-12 provided an effective solution without compromising student achievement.

Enhancing Engagement and Learning Experiences 

Beyond assessment scores, Lancaster ISD observed additional positive impacts from LIVE teaching: 

• 88% of students reported finding Elevate K-12 classes engaging. 
• 95% of students rated their Elevate K-12 teachers as supportive, reinforcing the quality of instruction. 

As students responded positively to the interactive and structured learning environment, district leaders recognized the program’s ability to maintain engagement and instructional quality, reinforcing their confidence in the model. 

Ashley Tippit, Academic Coordinator-Secondary RLA & Advanced Academics, had initial reservations about LIVE teaching, but was ultimately impressed by the impact of the program. “It might just be the next best thing,” Tippit says.

These data points challenge skepticism toward virtual teaching models, demonstrating that Elevate K-12 not only addresses teacher shortages but also fosters strong academic performance and student engagement. 

Looking Ahead 

As Lancaster ISD continues its partnership with Elevate K-12, district leaders recognize the lasting impact of LIVE teaching on student success. Beyond addressing staffing shortages, the program has provided students with high-quality, engaging instruction that supports their academic growth. 

“Our partnership with Elevate has changed the trajectory of our students because we were able to give them a quality experience in the classroom,” says Dr. Barker.  

By embracing innovation, Lancaster ISD has set a precedent for districts seeking to address teacher shortages while upholding high academic standards. Their journey underscores how forward-thinking solutions can create meaningful opportunities for students, ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.