HISD educator Tywana Gilford Mason becomes fifth person charged in $1.9 million teacher certification program

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Tywana Gilford Mason is the fifth and final person charged in what Harris County prosecutors say is a multi-year education certification scandal.

According to court documents, Mason used her role at the Houston Training and Education Center to check teacher candidates in for their certification test and then let them leave.

READ ORIGINAL: Five people charged in alleged teacher certification fraud scandal, Harris County DA says

Police say she then allowed a man, identified as Nicholas Newton, an assistant principal at Booker T. Washington High School, to take the test on her behalf.

According to court documents, she was bribed and paid approximately $125,000 by Vincent Grayson, the basketball coach at the same school, also known as the “Kingpin.”

“He made $1.9 million from this scheme, which is the best we can see. It’s almost certain there’s more because there’s cash, and it’s harder to trace,” said Mike Levine, chief of crime for the Public Corruption Division of the Attorney General’s Office.

Court documents show this has happened more than 400 times, mostly involving so-called teachers from the Dallas area.

Grayson is one of three HISD teachers who are part of this stake.

“We will fire any teacher who fraudulently passed his exam, and we will ensure that a highly qualified teacher takes his place,” said Alexandra Elizondo, director of Public Affairs and Communications for the Houston Independent School District.

Mason is accused of participating in organized criminal activity.

Follow Mo Haider for updates Facebook, X And Instagram.