In Texas, an educator implicated in alleged misconduct (involving termination, resignation, abuse, unlawful acts with a student or minor, or engagement in romantic or sexual contact with a student or minor) is entitled to a hearing to contest these allegations. When such a report is forwarded by the superintendent or designated personnel to the Texas Education Agency (TEA), the agency must promptly notify the educator, giving them 10 days to request a hearing and submit a written response.
Should the educator fail to respond, TEA will indicate via an online portal that the educator is under investigation. Without a timely hearing request, the commissioner will decide based on the provided report. If found guilty, the educator's name will be added to the do-not-hire registry. Conversely, if a hearing is held and the educator is found not to have committed the misconduct, TEA will remove any indication of the ongoing investigation from the portal.