Texas Teacher Certification Cheating Scandal

By Amber Stevens

    In Harris County, Texas- Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg announced recently that charges were filed against a massive teacher certification ring that led to unqualified teachers in classrooms teaching students. This wasn't just in Harris it was all over the state. 

    Ogg said that at least five people have already been charged in the million-dollar cheating scandal. Three of those arrested were Houston ISD employees, including two assistant principals and a boys' high school basketball coach. Two of the people who paid to have a fake certificate ended up being charged with crimes against children. One was charged with indecency with a child and the other was charged with online solicitation with a minor. 

    Investigators have discovered that hundreds of tests have been faked and that 20 teachers have confessed to taking part in the scheme. "The extent of this scheme will never be fully known, but we know that at least 400 tests were taken and at least 200 teachers falsely certified," Ogg said. Prosecutor Mike Levine said that he thinks the boys' basketball coach, Vincent Grayson, was in charge of the scheme and made more than one million dollars from it; he charged $2,500 per certification. 

    All were being charged with two counts of engaging in criminal activity. The sentences range from two years to life in prison. Some have been arrested and others are expected to be taken into custody.