reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter K. Texas Troops to Teachers Program › Section 21.508. Agreement

Sec. 21.508.  AGREEMENT.  A person selected to participate in the program must enter into a written agreement with the agency under which the person agrees to:
(1)  obtain, within the period the agency by rule requires, certification as an elementary or secondary school teacher in this state;  and
(2)  accept, during the first school year that begins after the date the person becomes certified, an offer of full-time employment as an elementary or secondary school teacher with a school district in this state.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 396, Sec. 2.07(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter K. Texas Troops to Teachers Program › Section 21.509. Stipend

Sec. 21.509.  STIPEND.  The agency shall pay to each participant in the program a stipend of $5,000.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 396, Sec. 2.07(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter K. Texas Troops to Teachers Program › Section 21.510. Reimbursement

Sec. 21.510.  REIMBURSEMENT.  (a)  A participant in the program who fails to obtain certification or employment as required in the agreement under Section 21.508 or who voluntarily leaves or is terminated for cause from the employment after teaching in a public elementary or secondary school in this state for less than five school years shall reimburse the agency for the portion of the stipend that bears the same ratio to the amount of the stipend as the unserved portion of required service bears to the five years of required service.
(b)  The obligation to reimburse the agency under this section is, for all purposes, a debt to the state.  A discharge in bankruptcy under Title 11, United States Code, does not release a participant from the obligation to reimburse the agency.  The amount owed bears interest at the rate equal to the highest rate being paid by the United States on the day the reimbursement is determined to be due for securities that have maturities of 90 days or less, and the interest accrues from the day the participant receives notice of the amount due.
(c)  For purposes of this section, a participant in the program is not considered to be in violation of an agreement under Section 21.508 during any period in which the participant:
(1)  is pursuing a full-time course of study related to the field of teaching at a public or private institution of higher education approved by the State Board for Educator Certification;
(2)  is serving on active duty as a member of the armed forces of the United States;
(3)  is temporarily totally disabled for a period not to exceed three years as established by sworn affidavit of a qualified physician;
(4)  is unable to secure employment for a period not to exceed one year because of care required by a disabled spouse;
(5)  is seeking and unable to find full-time employment as a teacher in a public elementary or secondary school for a single period not to exceed 27 months;  or
(6)  satisfies the provisions of any additional reimbursement exception adopted by the agency.
(d)  A participant is excused from reimbursement under Subsection (a) if:
(1)  the participant becomes permanently totally disabled as established by sworn affidavit of a qualified physician;  or
(2)  the agency waives reimbursement in the case of extreme hardship to the participant.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 396, Sec. 2.07(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter K. Texas Troops to Teachers Program › Section 21.511. Rules

Sec. 21.511.  RULES.  The commissioner shall adopt rules to implement this subchapter.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 396, Sec. 2.07(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 87 (S.B. 1969), Sec. 7.001, eff. September 1, 2009.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter L. Teach for Texas Pilot Program Relating to Alternative Certification › Section 21.551. Purposes

Sec. 21.551.  PURPOSES.  The purposes of the alternative certification Teach for Texas Pilot Program are to:
(1)  attract to the teaching profession persons who have expressed interest in teaching and to support the certification of those persons as teachers;
(2)  recognize the importance of the certification process governed by the State Board for Educator Certification under Subchapter B, which requires verification of competence in subject area and professional knowledge and skills;
(3)  encourage the creation and expansion of educator preparation programs that recognize the knowledge and skills gained through previous educational and work-related experiences and that are delivered in a manner that recognizes individual circumstances, including the need to remain employed full-time while enrolled in the Teach for Texas Pilot Program;  and
(4)  provide annual stipends to postbaccalaureate teacher certification candidates.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1590, Sec. 8, eff. June 19, 1999.  Renumbered from Sec. 21.501 by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 21.001(16), eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter L. Teach for Texas Pilot Program Relating to Alternative Certification › Section 21.552. Program Established

Sec. 21.552.  PROGRAM ESTABLISHED.  The State Board for Educator Certification by rule shall establish the Teach for Texas Pilot Program consistent with the purposes provided by Section 21.551.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1590, Sec. 8, eff. June 19, 1999.  Renumbered from Sec. 21.502 by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 21.001(16), eff. Sept. 1, 2001.  Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 21.002(4), eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter L. Teach for Texas Pilot Program Relating to Alternative Certification › Section 21.553. Financial Incentives

Sec. 21.553.  FINANCIAL INCENTIVES.  (a)  The pilot program must offer to participants financial incentives, including tuition assistance and loan forgiveness.  In offering a financial incentive, the State Board for Educator Certification shall:
(1)  require a contract between each participant who accepts a financial incentive and the State Board for Educator Certification under which the participant is obligated to teach in a public school in this state for a stated period after certification;
(2)  provide financial incentives in proportion to the length of the period the participant is obligated by contract to teach after certification;  and
(3)  give special financial incentives to a participant who agrees in the contract to teach in an underserved area.
(b)  Financial incentives may be paid only from funds appropriated specifically for that purpose and from gifts, grants, and donations solicited or accepted by the State Board for Educator Certification for that purpose.
(c)  The State Board for Educator Certification shall propose rules establishing criteria for awarding financial incentives under this section, including criteria for awarding financial incentives if there are more participants than funds available to provide the financial incentives.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1590, Sec. 8, eff. June 19, 1999.  Renumbered from Sec. 21.503 by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 21.001(16), eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter M. Careers to Classrooms Program › Section 21.601. Definitions

Sec. 21.601.  DEFINITIONS.  In this subchapter:
(1)  "Institution of higher education" has the meaning assigned by 20 U.S.C. Section 1001 and its subsequent amendments.
(2)  "Program" means the Careers to Classrooms Program.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 808, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter M. Careers to Classrooms Program › Section 21.602. Establishment of Program

Sec. 21.602.  ESTABLISHMENT OF PROGRAM.  The agency shall establish a program to:
(1)  assist persons in obtaining certification in this state as elementary or secondary school teachers or educational aides;  and
(2)  facilitate the employment of those persons by school districts in this state that:
(A)  receive grants under 20 U.S.C. Section 6311 et seq. and its subsequent amendments on the basis of having in the district concentrations of children who are educationally disadvantaged;  and
(B)  have a shortage of:
(i)  qualified teachers, particularly science, mathematics, computer science, or engineering teachers;  or
(ii)  educational aides.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 808, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter M. Careers to Classrooms Program › Section 21.603. Eligibility

Sec. 21.603.  ELIGIBILITY.  A person is eligible for the program if:
(1)  in the case of a person planning to become certified in this state as a public elementary or secondary school teacher, the person has received a baccalaureate or advanced degree from an institution of higher education;  and
(2)  in the case of a person planning to become certified in this state as an educational aide, the person has received an associate, baccalaureate, or advanced degree from an institution of higher education.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 808, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter M. Careers to Classrooms Program › Section 21.604. Information and Applications

Sec. 21.604.  INFORMATION AND APPLICATIONS.  (a)  The agency shall develop an application for the program.
(b)  The agency and the State Board for Educator Certification shall distribute the applications and information regarding the program.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 808, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter M. Careers to Classrooms Program › Section 21.605. Selection of Participants

Sec. 21.605.  SELECTION OF PARTICIPANTS.  (a)  The agency shall select persons to participate in the program on the basis of applications submitted to the agency.
(b)  Each application must be submitted:
(1)  in the form and contain the information the agency requires;  and
(2)  in a timely manner.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 808, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter M. Careers to Classrooms Program › Section 21.606. Preferences

Sec. 21.606.  PREFERENCES.  (a)  In selecting persons to participate in the program who are planning to become certified in this state as teachers, the agency shall give preference to a person who:
(1)  has substantial, demonstrated career experience in science, mathematics, computer science, or engineering and agrees to seek employment as a teacher in one of those subjects in a public elementary or secondary school in this state;  or
(2)  has substantial, demonstrated career experience in a field other than science, mathematics, computer science, or engineering that is identified by the agency as a field important for state educational objectives and agrees to seek employment as a teacher in a subject related to that field in a public elementary or secondary school in this state.
(b)  The commissioner shall determine the level of experience considered substantial for purposes of this section.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 808, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter M. Careers to Classrooms Program › Section 21.607. Agreement

Sec. 21.607.  AGREEMENT.  (a)  A person selected to participate in the program who is planning to become certified as a teacher must enter into a written agreement with the agency under which the person agrees to:
(1)  obtain, within the period the agency by rule requires, certification in this state as an elementary or secondary school teacher;  and
(2)  accept, during the first school year that begins after the date the person becomes certified, an offer of full-time employment for at least two school years as an elementary or secondary school teacher with a school district described by Sections 21.602(2)(A) and (B)(i).
(b)  A person selected to participate in the program who is planning to become certified as an educational aide must enter into a written agreement with the agency under which the person agrees to:
(1)  obtain, within the period the agency by rule requires, certification in this state as an educational aide;  and
(2)  accept, during the first school year that begins after the date the person becomes certified, an offer of full-time employment for at least two school years as an educational aide with a school district described by Sections 21.602(2)(A) and (B)(ii).
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 808, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter M. Careers to Classrooms Program › Section 21.608. Stipend

Sec. 21.608.  STIPEND.  The agency shall pay to each participant in the program a stipend equal to the lesser of:
(1)  $5,000;  or
(2)  an amount equal to the total costs of the type described by Paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (8), and (9), 20 U.S.C. Section 1087ll, and its subsequent amendments, incurred by the person while obtaining certification in this state as a teacher or educational aide and employment as a teacher or educational aide at a public elementary or secondary school in this state.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 808, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter M. Careers to Classrooms Program › Section 21.609. Reimbursement

Sec. 21.609.  REIMBURSEMENT.  (a)  A participant in the program who fails to obtain certification or employment as required by the agreement under Section 21.607 or who voluntarily leaves or is terminated for cause from employment after teaching in a public elementary or secondary school in this state for less than two school years shall reimburse the agency for the portion of the stipend that bears the same ratio to the amount of the stipend as the unserved portion of required service bears to the two school years of required service.
(b)  The obligation to reimburse the agency under this section is, for all purposes, a debt to the state.  A discharge in bankruptcy under Title 11, United States Code, does not release a participant from the obligation to reimburse the agency.  The amount owed bears interest at the rate equal to the highest rate being paid by the United States on the day the reimbursement is determined to be due for securities that have maturities of 90 days or less, and the interest accrues from the day the participant receives notice of the amount due.
(c)  For purposes of this section, a participant in the program is not considered to be in violation of an agreement under Section 21.607 during any period in which the participant:
(1)  is pursuing a full-time course of study related to the field of teaching at an institution of higher education approved by the State Board for Educator Certification;
(2)  is serving on active duty as a member of the armed forces of the United States;
(3)  is temporarily totally disabled for a period not to exceed three years as established by affidavit of a qualified physician;
(4)  is unable to secure employment for a period not to exceed one year because of care required by a disabled spouse;
(5)  is seeking and unable to find full-time employment as a teacher in a public elementary or secondary school for a single period not to exceed 27 months;  or
(6)  satisfies the provisions of any additional reimbursement exception adopted by the agency.
(d)  A participant is excused from reimbursement under Subsection (a) if the participant becomes permanently totally disabled as established by affidavit of a qualified physician.  The agency may waive reimbursement for some or all of the amount owed in the case of extreme hardship to the participant.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 808, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter M. Careers to Classrooms Program › Section 21.610. Grants to Facilitate Placement

Sec. 21.610.  GRANTS TO FACILITATE PLACEMENT.  (a)  The agency may enter into an agreement as prescribed by Subsection (b) with a school district described by Section 21.602(2) that first employs as a full-time elementary or secondary school teacher or educational aide after certification a person participating in the program.
(b)  An agreement under this section must provide that:
(1)  the school district agrees to employ the person full-time for at least two school years at a specified salary in a district school that:
(A)  serves a concentration of children who are educationally disadvantaged;  and
(B)  has an exceptional need for teachers or educational aides, as applicable;  and
(2)  the state shall pay the district for that person $5,000 each year for not more than two years.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 808, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter M. Careers to Classrooms Program › Section 21.611. Rules

Sec. 21.611.  RULES.  The commissioner shall adopt rules to implement this subchapter.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 808, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter O. Educator Excellence Innovation Program › Section 21.701. Definition

Sec. 21.701.  DEFINITION.  In this subchapter, "program" means the educator excellence innovation program.
Added by Acts 2006, 79th Leg., 3rd C.S., Ch. 5 (H.B. 1), Sec. 4.08, eff. May 31, 2006.
Amended by:
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 948 (H.B. 1751), Sec. 2, eff. June 14, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter O. Educator Excellence Innovation Program › Section 21.7011. Purposes

Sec. 21.7011.  PURPOSES.  The purposes of the educator excellence innovation program are to:
(1)  systemically transform:
(A)  educator quality and effectiveness through improved and innovative school district-level recruitment, preparation, hiring, induction, evaluation, professional development, strategic compensation, career pathways, and retention; and
(B)  district administrative practices to improve quality, effectiveness, and efficiency; and
(2)  use the enhanced educator and administrative quality and effectiveness to improve student learning and student academic performance, especially the learning and academic performance of students enrolled in districts that:
(A)  receive federal funding under Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. Section 6301 et seq.); and
(B)  have at a majority of district campuses a student enrollment of which at least 50 percent is educationally disadvantaged.
Added by Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 948 (H.B. 1751), Sec. 3, eff. June 14, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter O. Educator Excellence Innovation Program › Section 21.702. Educator Excellence Innovation Program

Sec. 21.702.  EDUCATOR EXCELLENCE INNOVATION PROGRAM.  (a)  The commissioner by rule shall establish the program under which school districts, in accordance with local educator excellence innovation plans approved by the commissioner, receive competitive program grants from the agency for carrying out the purposes of the program as described by Section 21.7011.
(b)  In establishing the program, the commissioner shall adopt program guidelines in accordance with this subchapter for a school district to follow in developing a local educator excellence innovation plan under Section 21.704.
(c)  In adopting rules under this section, the commissioner shall include rules governing eligibility for and participation by an open-enrollment charter school in the program.
Added by Acts 2006, 79th Leg., 3rd C.S., Ch. 5 (H.B. 1), Sec. 4.08, eff. May 31, 2006.
Amended by:
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 948 (H.B. 1751), Sec. 4, eff. June 14, 2013.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 948 (H.B. 1751), Sec. 5, eff. June 14, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter O. Educator Excellence Innovation Program › Section 21.703. Amount of Grant Award

Sec. 21.703.  AMOUNT OF GRANT AWARD. (a)   Each state fiscal year, the agency shall provide each school district approved on a competitive basis under this subchapter with a grant in an amount determined by the agency in accordance with commissioner rule.
(b)  Not later than April 1 of each state fiscal year, the agency shall provide written notice to each school district that will be provided a grant under this section that the district will be provided the grant and the amount of that grant.
Added by Acts 2006, 79th Leg., 3rd C.S., Ch. 5 (H.B. 1), Sec. 4.08, eff. May 31, 2006.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1328 (H.B. 3646), Sec. 11, eff. September 1, 2009.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 948 (H.B. 1751), Sec. 6, eff. June 14, 2013.
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 448 (H.B. 7), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter O. Educator Excellence Innovation Program › Section 21.704. Local Educator Excellence Innovation Plans

Sec. 21.704.  LOCAL EDUCATOR EXCELLENCE INNOVATION PLANS.  (a)  In a school district that intends to participate in the program, the district-level planning and decision-making committee established under Subchapter F, Chapter 11, shall develop a local educator excellence innovation plan for the district.  The local educator excellence innovation plan may provide for all campuses in the district to participate in the program or only certain campuses selected by the district-level committee.
(c)  A school district must submit a local educator excellence innovation plan to the agency for approval.
(c-1)  A local educator excellence innovation plan must be designed to carry out each purpose of the program as described by Section 21.7011.
(d)  The agency may approve only a local educator excellence innovation plan that meets program guidelines adopted by the commissioner under Section 21.702 and that satisfies this section and Section 21.706.  From among the local educator excellence innovation plans submitted and depending on the amount of money available for distribution in the educator excellence innovation fund, the agency shall approve plans that most comprehensively and innovatively address the purposes of the program as described by Section 21.7011 so that the effectiveness of various plans in achieving those purposes can be compared and evaluated.
(e)   A school district whose local educator excellence innovation plan is approved by the agency to receive a program grant under this subchapter may renew the plan for three consecutive school years without resubmitting the plan to the agency for approval.  A school district may amend a local educator excellence innovation plan for approval by the agency for each school year the district receives a program grant.
Added by Acts 2006, 79th Leg., 3rd C.S., Ch. 5 (H.B. 1), Sec. 4.08, eff. May 31, 2006.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1328 (H.B. 3646), Sec. 12, eff. September 1, 2009.
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1328 (H.B. 3646), Sec. 105(a)(2), eff. September 1, 2009.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 948 (H.B. 1751), Sec. 7, eff. June 14, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter O. Educator Excellence Innovation Program › Section 21.706. Innovation Plan Payments; Authorized General and Specific Uses

Sec. 21.706.  INNOVATION PLAN PAYMENTS; AUTHORIZED GENERAL AND SPECIFIC USES.  A school district may use grant funds awarded to the district under this subchapter only to carry out purposes of the program as described by Section 21.7011, in accordance with the district's local educator excellence innovation plan, which may include the following specific methods or procedures:
(1)  implementation and administration of a high-quality mentoring program for teachers in a teacher's first three years of classroom teaching using mentors who meet the qualifications prescribed by Section 21.458(b);
(2)  implementation of a teacher evaluation system using multiple measures that include:
(A)  the results of classroom observation, which may include student comments;
(B)  the degree of student educational growth and learning; and
(C)  the results of teacher self-evaluation;
(3)  to the extent permitted under Subchapter C, Chapter 25, restructuring of the school day or school year to provide for embedded and collaborative learning communities for the purpose of professional development;
(4)  establishment of an alternative teacher compensation or retention system; and
(5)  implementation of incentives designed to reduce teacher turnover.
Added by Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 948 (H.B. 1751), Sec. 8, eff. June 14, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter O. Educator Excellence Innovation Program › Section 21.7061. Implementation Flexibility

Sec. 21.7061.  IMPLEMENTATION FLEXIBILITY.  (a)  Notwithstanding any other provision of this code and subject to Subsection (b), a school district may apply to the commissioner in writing in accordance with commissioner rule for a waiver to exempt the district or one or more district campuses from Section 21.352(a)(2)(B), 21.353, 21.354(d), 21.3541(g), 21.451, or 21.458, as specified in the waiver application.  The district's application for a waiver under this section must demonstrate that the waiver is necessary to carry out purposes of the program as described by Section 21.7011, in accordance with the district's local educator excellence innovation plan.
(b)  Before an application for a waiver is submitted to the commissioner under Subsection (a), the application specifying the provision for which the waiver is sought must be approved by a vote of:
(1)  a majority of the members of the school district board of trustees; and
(2)  a majority of the educators employed at each campus for which the waiver is sought.
(b-1)  Voting for purposes of Subsection (b) must be conducted:
(1)  in accordance with commissioner rule;
(2)  during the school year; and
(3)  in a manner that ensures that all educators entitled to vote have a reasonable opportunity to participate in the voting.
(c)  The commissioner shall grant or deny an application under this section based on standards adopted by commissioner rule.  The commissioner shall notify in writing each district that applies for a waiver under this section whether the application has been granted or denied not later than April 1 of the year in which the application is submitted.
(d)  Neither the board of trustees of a school district nor the district superintendent may compel a waiver of rights under this section.
(e)  A waiver granted under this section expires when the waiver is no longer necessary to carry out the purposes of the program as described by Section 21.7011, in accordance with the district's local educator excellence innovation plan.
Added by Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 948 (H.B. 1751), Sec. 8, eff. June 14, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter O. Educator Excellence Innovation Program › Section 21.707. Rules

Sec. 21.707.  RULES.  The commissioner shall adopt rules necessary to administer this subchapter.
Added by Acts 2006, 79th Leg., 3rd C.S., Ch. 5 (H.B. 1), Sec. 4.08, eff. May 31, 2006.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter Q. Texas Teacher Residency Program › Section 21.801. Establishment of Program

Sec. 21.801.  ESTABLISHMENT OF PROGRAM.  (a)  Not later than March 1, 2014, the commissioner of higher education shall, through a competitive selection process, establish a Texas Teacher Residency Program at a public institution of higher education that has developed a commitment to investing in teacher education.
(b)  The public institution of higher education shall form a partnership with an area school district or open-enrollment charter school to provide employment to residents in the program.
(c)  The program must be designed to:
(1)  award teaching residents participating in the program a master's degree; and
(2)  lead to certification under Subchapter B for participating teaching residents who are not already certified teachers.
(d)  The public institution of higher education shall:
(1)  reward faculty instructing in the teacher residency program;
(2)  identify faculty who can prepare teachers to impact student achievement in high-need schools;
(3)  provide institutional support of faculty who work with the teacher residency program by providing time to teach the courses and valuing the faculty's contributions with rewards in the university tenure process; and
(4)  develop and implement a program that acknowledges and elevates the significance and professional nature of teaching at the primary and secondary levels.
Added by Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 949 (H.B. 1752), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter Q. Texas Teacher Residency Program › Section 21.802. Program Components

Sec. 21.802.  PROGRAM COMPONENTS.  The teacher residency program shall include:
(1)  competitive admission requirements with multiple criteria;
(2)  integration of pedagogy and classroom practice;
(3)  rigorous master's level course work, while undertaking a guided apprenticeship at the partner area school district or open-enrollment charter school;
(4)  a team mentorship approach to expose teaching residents to a variety of teaching methods, philosophies, and classroom environments;
(5)  clear criteria for the selection of mentor teachers based on measures of teacher effectiveness and the appropriate subject area knowledge;
(6)  measures of appropriate progress through the program;
(7)  the collaboration with one or more regional education service centers or local nonprofit education organizations to provide professional development or other structured learning experiences for teaching residents;
(8)  a livable stipend for teaching residents;
(9)  a post-completion commitment by teaching residents to serve four years at schools that are difficult to staff;
(10)  job placement assistance for teaching residents;
(11)  support for teaching residents for not less than one year following the resident's completion of the program through the provision of mentoring, professional development, and networking opportunities;
(12)  demonstration of the integral role and responsibilities of the partner area school district or open-enrollment charter school in fulfilling the purpose of the program; and
(13)  monetary or in-kind contributions provided by the public institution of higher education, partner area school district, or open-enrollment charter school to demonstrate that the program may be sustained in the absence of grant funds or state appropriations.
Added by Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 949 (H.B. 1752), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter Q. Texas Teacher Residency Program › Section 21.803. Program Eligibility

Sec. 21.803.  PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY.  To be eligible to be admitted and hired as a teaching resident under the program, an individual must:
(1)  have received the individual's initial teaching certificate not more than two years before applying for a residency and must have less than 18 months of full-time equivalency teaching experience as a certified teacher; or
(2)  hold a bachelor's degree and:
(A)  be a mid-career professional from outside the field of education, and have strong content knowledge or a record of achievement; or
(B)  be a noncertified educator such as a substitute teacher or teaching assistant.
Added by Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 949 (H.B. 1752), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter Q. Texas Teacher Residency Program › Section 21.804. Selection of Participants

Sec. 21.804.  SELECTION OF PARTICIPANTS.  The teaching residency program shall establish criteria for selection of individuals to participate in the program.  The selection criteria must include:
(1)  a demonstration of comprehensive subject area knowledge or a record of accomplishment in the field or subject area to be taught;
(2)  strong verbal and written communication skills, which may be demonstrated by performance on appropriate tests; and
(3)  attributes linked to effective teaching, which may be determined by interviews or performance assessments.
Added by Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 949 (H.B. 1752), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter Q. Texas Teacher Residency Program › Section 21.805. Rules

Sec. 21.805.  RULES.  The commissioner of higher education shall adopt rules as necessary to implement this subchapter.
Added by Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 949 (H.B. 1752), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter Q. Texas Teacher Residency Program › Section 21.806. Authority to Accept Certain Funds

Sec. 21.806.  AUTHORITY TO ACCEPT CERTAIN FUNDS.  (a)  The commissioner of higher education may solicit and accept gifts, grants, and donations from public and private entities to use for the purposes of this subchapter.
(b)  The teacher residency program may be established and maintained only if sufficient funds are available under this section for that purpose.
Added by Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 949 (H.B. 1752), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 22 - School District Employees and Volunteers › Subchapter A. Rights, Duties, and Benefits › Section 22.001. Salary Deductions for Professional Dues

Sec. 22.001.  SALARY DEDUCTIONS FOR PROFESSIONAL DUES.  (a)  A school district employee is entitled to have an amount deducted from the employee's salary for membership fees or dues to a professional organization.  The employee must:
(1)  file with the district a signed written request identifying the organization and specifying the number of pay periods per year the deductions are to be made;  and
(2)  inform the district of the total amount of the fees and dues for each year or have the organization notify the district of the amount.
(b)  The district shall deduct the total amount of the fees or dues for a year in equal amounts per pay period for the number of periods specified by the employee.  The deductions shall be made until the employee requests in writing that the deductions be discontinued.
(c)  The school district may charge an administrative fee for making the deduction.  A fee imposed for making a salary deduction under this section may not exceed either the actual administrative cost of making the deduction or the lowest fee the district charges for similar salary deductions, whichever is less.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 1, eff. May 30, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 22 - School District Employees and Volunteers › Subchapter A. Rights, Duties, and Benefits › Section 22.002. Assignment, Transfer, or Pledge of Compensation

Sec. 22.002.  ASSIGNMENT, TRANSFER, OR PLEDGE OF COMPENSATION.  (a)  In this section, "school employee" means any person employed by a school district in an executive, administrative, or clerical capacity or as a superintendent, principal, teacher, or instructor.
(b)  Any school employee's assignment, pledge, or transfer, as security for indebtedness, of any interest in or part of the employee's salary or wages then due or that may become due under an existing contract of employment is enforceable only:
(1)  if, before or at the time of execution, delivery, or acceptance of an assignment, pledge, or transfer, written approval is obtained in accordance with the policy of the employing school district;  and
(2)  to the extent that the indebtedness it secures is a valid and enforceable obligation.
(c)  A school district shall honor an assignment, pledge, or transfer fulfilling the conditions of Subsection (b) without incurring any liability to the school employee executing the assignment, pledge, or transfer.  Payment to any assignee, pledgee, or transferee in accordance with the terms of the instrument constitutes payment to or for the account of the assignor, pledgor, or transferor.  An assignment, pledge, or transfer is enforceable only to the extent of salary due or that may become due during continuation of the assignor's employment as a school employee.
(d)  Venue for any suit against the employer of a school employee to enforce an assignment, pledge, or transfer of salary is in the county where the employing school is located.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 1, eff. May 30, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 22 - School District Employees and Volunteers › Subchapter A. Rights, Duties, and Benefits › Section 22.005. Health Care Plan and Fund

Sec. 22.005.  HEALTH CARE PLAN AND FUND.  (a)  The board of trustees of a school district may establish a health care plan for employees of the district and dependents of employees.
(b)  In implementing the health care plan, the board shall establish a fund to pay, as authorized under the plan, all or part of the actual costs for hospital, surgical, medical, dental, or related health care incurred by employees of the district or any dependent whose participation in the program is being supported by deductions from the salary of an employee.  Under the plan, the fund also may be used to pay the costs of administering the fund.  The fund consists of money contributed by the school district and money deducted from salaries of employees for dependent or employee coverage.  Money for the fund may not be deducted from the salary of a school district employee unless the employee authorizes the deduction in writing.  The plan shall attempt to protect the school district against unanticipated catastrophic individual loss, or unexpectedly large aggregate loss, by securing individual stop-loss coverage, or aggregate stop-loss coverage, or both, from a commercial insurer.
(c)  The board may amend or cancel the district's health care plan at any regular or special meeting of the board.  If the plan is canceled, any valid claim against the fund for payment of health care costs resulting from illness or injury occurring during the time the plan was in effect shall be paid out of the fund.  If the fund is insufficient to pay the claim, the costs shall be paid out of other available school district funds.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 1, eff. May 30, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 22 - School District Employees and Volunteers › Subchapter A. Rights, Duties, and Benefits › Section 22.006. Discrimination Based on Jury Service Prohibited

Sec. 22.006.  DISCRIMINATION BASED ON JURY SERVICE PROHIBITED.  (a)  A school district may not discharge, discipline, reduce the salary of, or otherwise penalize or discriminate against a school district employee because of the employee's compliance with a summons to appear as a juror.
(b)  For each regularly scheduled workday on which a nonsalaried employee serves in any phase of jury service, a school district shall pay the employee the employee's normal daily compensation.
(c)  An employee's accumulated personal leave may not be reduced because of the employee's service in compliance with a summons to appear as a juror.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 656, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 30, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 22 - School District Employees and Volunteers › Subchapter A. Rights, Duties, and Benefits › Section 22.007. Incentives for Early Retirement

Sec. 22.007.  INCENTIVES FOR EARLY RETIREMENT.  A district may not offer or provide a financial or other incentive to an employee of the district to encourage the employee to retire from the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1359 (S.B. 1691), Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2005.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 22 - School District Employees and Volunteers › Subchapter A. Rights, Duties, and Benefits › Section 22.011. Requiring or Coercing Employees to Make Charitable Contributions

Sec. 22.011.  REQUIRING OR COERCING EMPLOYEES TO MAKE CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS.  (a)  A school district board of trustees or school district employee may not directly or indirectly require or coerce any school district employee to:
(1)  make a contribution to a charitable organization or in response to a fund-raiser; or
(2)  attend a meeting called for the purpose of soliciting charitable contributions.
(b)  A school district board of trustees or school district employee may not directly or indirectly require or coerce any school district employee to refrain from:
(1)  making a contribution to a charitable organization or in response to a fund-raiser; or
(2)  attending a meeting called for the purpose of soliciting charitable contributions.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 284 (H.B. 1682), Sec. 1, eff. June 17, 2011.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 22 - School District Employees and Volunteers › Subchapter B. Civil Immunity › Section 22.051. Definition; Other Immunity

Sec. 22.051.  DEFINITION;  OTHER IMMUNITY.  (a)  In this subchapter, "professional employee of a school district" includes:
(1)  a superintendent, principal, teacher, including a substitute teacher, supervisor, social worker, school counselor, nurse, and teacher's aide employed by a school district;
(2)  a teacher employed by a company that contracts with a school district to provide the teacher's services to the district;
(3)  a student in an education preparation program participating in a field experience or internship;
(4)  a school bus driver certified in accordance with standards and qualifications adopted by the Department of Public Safety of the State of Texas;
(5)  a member of the board of trustees of an independent school district; and
(6)  any other person employed by a school district whose employment requires certification and the exercise of discretion.
(b)  The statutory immunity provided by this subchapter is in addition to and does not preempt the common law doctrine of official and governmental immunity.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 204, Sec. 15.01, eff. Sept. 1, 2003;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1197, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 443 (S.B. 715), Sec. 17, eff. June 14, 2013.