In Houston, the final suspect involved in a long-running cheating scandal, which enabled numerous unqualified teachers to obtain certification to teach at schools across the state, surrendered herself on Monday.
Tywana Gilford Mason, aged 51, made a court appearance and was subsequently released on a $50,000 bond.
As the former director/VA certifying official at the Houston Training and Education Center, she stands accused of accepting money from Vincent Grayson, the alleged mastermind behind the scheme, in order to conceal it without detection.
According to the Harris County DA’s office, a scheme worth over a million dollars was uncovered. The scheme involved securing teaching positions for individuals who did not meet certification requirements and falsifying their credentials.
According to records, approximately 430 fraudulent tests were taken as part of this scheme. Furthermore, over 210 teachers who did not meet the qualifications were certified and subsequently employed in Texas public schools and districts throughout the state.
Prosecutors and the Texas Education Agency have yet to disclose the names of any teachers who may have obtained fraudulent certifications or the school districts where they are currently employed. Despite multiple requests from KPRC 2, this information remains undisclosed.
The TEA has made a commitment to conducting an investigation and taking appropriate action against any educator implicated in this matter. In response, HISD has stated its intention to terminate the employment of any teacher who possesses this type of certification.