BEAUMONT, Texas — Several Southeast Texas teachers have been listed in an investigation by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) for a "teacher-certification cheating scheme" that allowed uncertified teachers to work in local school districts.
Our media partners KPRC2 reports the alleged scheme, reportedly grossing over a million dollars, involved falsifying credentials to secure teaching positions for individuals who did not meet certification requirements, according to the District Attorney’s office.
KPRC2 reports that the scheme was Houston based with the ring's kingpin allegedly grossing up to $1 million.
The five teachers suspected of running the scheme have already been identified and charged as reported by KPRC2.
After going through court documents, KPRC2 found that an estimated 430 tests were taken fraudulently and more than 210 unqualified teachers were certified in this scheme.
Eight of which were found to be teaching in Southeast Texas area school districts including Port Arthur, Beaumont and Hardin-Jefferson ISD, and are now being investigated by the TEA.
A list of the teachers names who are under investigation according to the TEA but can be seen here:
Beaumont ISD:
- Tristan Nolan
- Tanisha Wright
Port Arthur ISD:
- Armani Callihan
- Tieranny Decuir
- Charlotte Green-Allison
- Quintin Johnson
- Edwin Nelson
Hardin-Jefferson ISD:
- Omar Sneed (now assistant women's basketball coach at Lamar University)
Port Arthur ISD Superintendent, Mark Porterie, has issued a news release Wednesday afternoon in response to the the investigation.
"On December 2, 2024, Port Arthur ISD was made aware by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) of five individuals suspected of engaging in the statewide scheme to fraudulently pass their teacher certification exams. If it is determined that any teachers currently working in Port Arthur ISD participated in this scheme or passed their certification exams fraudulently, the District will take swift action to terminate their employment. Since this matter is a pending investigation and involves personnel, there will be no additional comment."
Beaumont ISD Superintendent Dr. Shannon Allen responded to 12News with a news release.
The Texas Education Agency recently alerted Beaumont ISD about two educators who are part of a broader investigation into alleged cheating on teacher certification exams tied to a larger network spanning multiple districts and individuals across the state. One of these educators is no longer employed by Beaumont ISD. The district is closely monitoring the situation and is fully cooperating with the TEA. We will take appropriate action to end the employment relationship if the allegations are true.
The actions of a few do not reflect the dedication of the many Beaumont ISD educators who work tirelessly to execute our mission and support the success of our students. We remain focused on maintaining a safe and effective learning environment for all.
12News has also reached out to Hardin-Jefferson ISD for a statement and they responded saying that he no longer works at the district. He now works at Lamar University.
The TEA says that they fully expect additional investigations to be opened as the agency receives more information.
The full list of teachers and school districts involved according to KPRC can be seen below:
Houston-area districts
Alvin ISD (4)
Collins, Jefferson
Edwards, Nehandra
Garrett, Michael
Manning, Brandon
Conroe ISD (1)
Selvage, Perry
Cypress-Fairbanks ISD (3)
Green, Arthur
Hampton, Rodney
Valenzuela, Yamille
Fort Bend ISD (4)
Brown, April
Cook, Vivian
Durley, Aaron
Thomas, Tavares
Galena Park ISD (1)
Mack, Johnnie
Harris County Dept of Education (1)
Gray, Xavier
Houston ISD (16)
Galloway, Fred
Grant, Ernest
Harris, Alexcia
Henderson, Gerrod
Hill, Jerome
Johnson, Tiffany
Kendricks, Danyelle
Lockett, Arthur
Peterson, Charles
Politte, Mark
Roberts, LaShonda (10/29/24 entry) - Indicted
Session, Latisha
Westbrooks, Earl
Grayson, Vincent (10/29/24 entry) - Alleged ring leader indicted
Newton, Nicholas (10/29/24 entry) - Indicted
Henderson, Gerrod
Katy ISD (2)
Agyei, Kwabena
McAfee, Calandra
Pearland ISD (1)
Oglesby, Toye
Non Houston-area districts
The remaining districts are located outside of the Houston area, grouped as follows:
Arlington ISD (2)
Bragg, Shayla
Versey, Jordan
Beaumont ISD (2)
Nolan, Tristan
Wright, Tanisha
Crowley ISD (2)
Green, Dnarius
Haliburton, Janesha
Dallas ISD (10)
Din, Jeremiah
Goss, Jason
Heath, Janea
Mauldin, Antonio
Primas, Nyzhe
Rogers, Jordan
Spillman, Tahj
Thornton, Cairo
Washington, Thomas
Newton, Nicholas (also listed under Houston-area, HCDE)
Duncanville ISD (8)
Hill, Charles Preston
Jones, Taneadra
Key, Simone
Luster, Jeffrey
Mayes, Keisha
Moore, LaToya
Samuels, Gabriel
Tribble Jr, Alford
Fort Worth ISD (4)
Bowman-Smith, Destiny
Hogan, Hanna
Regan-Waterford, Sheba
Vaughn, Reuben
Irving ISD (2)
Cooks, Markel
Ford, Karrington
Mesquite ISD (2)
Baxter, Marion
Virgil, Chason
Port Arthur ISD (5)
Callihan, Armani
Decuir, Tieranny
Green-Allison, Charlotte
Johnson, Quintin
Nelson, Edwin
This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.