Texas Removes Barber Instructor License Requirement: Implications for Barber Education

In a significant move, the state of Texas has recently made a pivotal change in its barber education requirements. As of September 1, 2021, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) has decided to eliminate the mandatory barber instructor's license for teaching courses in licensed schools. This decision has sparked discussions about the potential impact on the barber industry and the perceived value of barber education. In this blog post, we will delve into the details of this change and explore its potential implications.

No More Barber Instructor's License:

Previously, individuals aspiring to become barber instructors in Texas were required to obtain a specific instructor's license (750 hours) in addition to holding a valid barber license. However, under the new regulations (HB1560), barbers can now teach courses in licensed schools solely with a valid barber license. This change eliminates the need for aspiring instructors to complete an instructor's course and removes the recognition and credit awarded by TDLR for the completion of such courses.

Flexible Qualifications for Teachers:

With the removal of the instructor's license requirement, schools offering barber education in Texas have gained more flexibility in determining the qualifications they seek in their teachers. While TDLR will discontinue issuing barber instructor's licenses by September 1, 2023, schools can still offer professional development and teacher training programs. However, TDLR will not award credit for the completion of these programs, leaving it up to the schools to establish their own standards for teacher qualifications.

Ongoing Obligations and Student Refunds:

Despite the changes, schools in Texas remain obligated to report hours for currently enrolled students until further notice. This ensures that students can continue their education uninterrupted. However, if students choose not to complete their courses, schools must refund them the unused portion of their tuition, thus offering some relief to those affected by the modifications.

Continued Validity of Current Instructor's Licenses:

Barber instructors who already possess a valid instructor's license need not be concerned about its immediate expiration. The existing instructor's licenses will remain valid until their respective expiration dates. However, after September 1, 2023, no new instructor's licenses will be issued by TDLR.

Impact on the Barber Industry and Barber Education:

The elimination of the barber instructor's license requirement is likely to have both positive and negative impacts on the barber industry and the value of barber education. On one hand, the removal of this requirement may make it easier for experienced barbers to enter the teaching profession, potentially increasing the availability of skilled instructors. It could also lead to more diverse teaching methods and approaches as schools have the freedom to establish their own standards.

However, critics argue that this change might lower the overall quality of barber education. The instructor's license previously ensured that instructors had received specialized training in teaching techniques, curriculum development, and student assessment. Without this requirement, there is a possibility of inconsistencies in the quality of education provided, as instructors may lack formal pedagogical knowledge and expertise.

Texas' decision to no longer mandate a barber instructor's license for teaching in licensed schools marks a significant shift in the state's barber education landscape. While this change offers increased flexibility for schools and potentially expands the pool of instructors, concerns about maintaining the quality of barber education have been raised. It will be essential for schools to ensure that they establish rigorous standards for teacher qualifications and invest in ongoing professional development to mitigate any potential drawbacks. As the impact unfolds, the industry will closely monitor the effects of this policy change on the future of barber education in Texas.