Key Takeaways
- Teachers of Tomorrow has been named the official alternative teacher certification sponsor of the University Interscholastic League (UIL).
- UIL and Teachers of Tomorrow are Texas-rooted organizations focused on supporting educators, students, and schools across the state.
- The sponsorship is designed to strengthen the teacher pipeline in Texas and expand access to qualified, well-prepared educators, coaches, and directors.
- Teachers of Tomorrow has certified more than 80,000 teachers in Texas, partners with more than 1,500 school districts statewide, and has certified more than 90,000 educators nationwide.
HOUSTON, TX — June 16, 2026 — Teachers of Tomorrow today announced that they are the official alternative teacher certification sponsor of the University Interscholastic League (UIL). This collaboration brings together two organizations with deep Texas roots and a shared commitment to supporting students, educators, coaches and schools across the state. Teachers of Tomorrow is the largest alternative certification program in Texas and the nation.
Founded in 1910 as part of The University of Texas at Austin, UIL has grown into the largest interschool organization of its kind, providing academic, athletic, and music competitions for public school students across Texas. Through this sponsorship, Teachers of Tomorrow will support UIL’s mission by expanding access to qualified, well-prepared educators in classrooms statewide.
“Teachers play an essential role in shaping the future of Texas, both in the classroom and through the extracurricular programs that make our schools and communities stronger,” said Dr. Jamey Harrison, Executive Director of the UIL. “We are proud to welcome Teachers of Tomorrow as a UIL sponsor and appreciate their commitment to supporting educators, students and the continued growth of school communities across our state.”
Headquartered in Texas and serving the state for more than two decades, Teachers of Tomorrow has helped prepare and certify thousands of educators who now serve in classrooms across Texas. As the demand for qualified teachers continues, this sponsorship underscores a shared focus on strengthening the educator pipeline and ensuring students benefit from high-quality instruction. Since 2005, Teachers of Tomorrow has certified more than 80,000 teachers in Texas and partners with more than 1,500 school districts across the state.
“Texas schools and students are at the heart of everything we do,” said Dr. Heath Morrison, CEO of Teachers of Tomorrow and a former superintendent, including at Montgomery ISD in Texas. “Serving as the official alternative certification sponsor for UIL allows us to further invest in the communities we serve by supporting the educators who make extracurricular and academic excellence possible. Together, we can help ensure every classroom has a prepared, passionate teacher ready to make a difference.”
UIL plays a vital role in shaping the student experience, with participation spanning academics, athletics, and fine arts programs that foster leadership, teamwork, and lifelong skills. Participation in UIL activities is a cornerstone of the Texas student experience, with a significant portion of students engaging in these competitions during their high school years.
“Every child deserves a great teacher, a great coach, and a great director — and this collaboration puts us closer to delivering on that promise across Texas,” said Dr. Elizabeth Fagen, Superintendent in Residence at Teachers of Tomorrow. “UIL touches more than a million students through the moments that define their school experience. Making sure the educators behind those moments are prepared and passionate is exactly the work we’re here to do.”
The UIL sponsorship builds on Teachers of Tomorrow’s broader efforts to address teacher shortages and strengthen the educator pipeline. The organization has certified more than 90,000 educators nationwide and continues to support thousands of teacher candidates entering the classroom each year. During the 2024–2025 school year alone, Teachers of Tomorrow-supported educators taught nearly 145,000 students, highlighting the program’s growing impact across communities. Additionally, the organization awards over $100,000 in scholarships annually to aspiring teachers.
Learn more about Teachers of Tomorrow at https://info.teachersoftomorrow.org/uil.
About Teachers of Tomorrow
Teachers of Tomorrow is the nation’s largest teacher preparation program, offering flexible, affordable, online training pathways for aspiring educators. Since 2005, Teachers of Tomorrow has certified more than 90,000 teachers nationwide and awarded over $500,000 in scholarships. The organization is part of The Rise Fund portfolio, a global impact investment fund focused on driving positive social and environmental change. Learn more at www.teachersoftomorrow.org.
About the University Interscholastic League (UIL)
The University Interscholastic League exists to provide equitable and educational extracurricular contests for its more than 1,500 member schools across the State of Texas. Created in 1910 by The University of Texas at Austin, the UIL has grown into the largest inter-school organization of its kind in the world with more than one million student participants in academic, athletic and music competitions. For more information, please visit uiltexas.org.
