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 A. General Provisions › Section 21.009. Pre-Employment Affidavit

Sec. 21.009.  PRE-EMPLOYMENT AFFIDAVIT.  (a)  An applicant for a position described by Section 21.003(a) or (b) with a school district, district of innovation, open-enrollment charter school, private school, regional education service center, or shared services arrangement must submit, using a form adopted by the agency, a pre-employment affidavit disclosing whether the applicant has ever been charged with, adjudicated for, or convicted of having an inappropriate relationship with a minor.
(b)  An applicant who answers affirmatively concerning an inappropriate relationship with a minor must disclose in the affidavit all relevant facts pertaining to the charge, adjudication, or conviction, including, for a charge, whether the charge was determined to be true or false.
(c)  An applicant is not precluded from being employed based on a disclosed charge if the employing entity determines based on the information disclosed in the affidavit that the charge was false.
(d)  A determination that an employee failed to disclose information required to be disclosed by an applicant under this section is grounds for termination of employment.
(e)  The State Board for Educator Certification may revoke the certificate of an administrator if the board determines it is reasonable to believe that the administrator employed an applicant for a position described by Section 21.003(a) or (b) despite being aware that the applicant had been adjudicated for or convicted of having an inappropriate relationship with a minor.
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 178 (S.B. 7), Sec. 7, eff. September 1, 2017.
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 986 (S.B. 1230), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter B. Certification of Educators › Section 21.031. Purpose

Sec. 21.031.  PURPOSE.  (a)  The State Board for Educator Certification is established to recognize public school educators as professionals and to grant educators the authority to govern the standards of their profession.  The board shall regulate and oversee all aspects of the certification, continuing education, and standards of conduct of public school educators.
(b)  In proposing rules under this subchapter, the board shall ensure that all candidates for certification or renewal of certification demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to improve the performance of the diverse student population of this state.
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 21 - Educators › Subchapter B. Certification of Educators › Section 21.032. Definition

Sec. 21.032.  DEFINITION.  In this subchapter, "board" means the State Board for Educator Certification.
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 21 - Educators › Subchapter B. Certification of Educators › Section 21.033. State Board for Educator Certification

Sec. 21.033.  STATE BOARD FOR EDUCATOR CERTIFICATION.  (a)  The State Board for Educator Certification is composed of 15 members.  The commissioner of education shall appoint an employee of the agency to represent the commissioner as a nonvoting member.  The commissioner of higher education shall appoint an employee of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to represent the commissioner as a nonvoting member.  The governor shall appoint two nonvoting members.  The governor shall appoint a dean of a college of education in this state as one of the nonvoting members. The governor shall appoint a person who has experience working for and knowledge of an alternative educator preparation program and who is not affiliated with an institution of higher education as one of the nonvoting members. The remaining 11 members are appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate, as follows:
(1)  four members must be teachers employed in public schools;
(2)  two members must be public school administrators;
(3)  one member must be a public school counselor; and
(4)  four members must be citizens, three of whom are not and have not, in the five years preceding appointment, been employed by a public school district or by an educator preparation program in an institution of higher education and one of whom is not and has not been employed by a public school district or by an educator preparation program in an institution of higher education.
(a-1)  At least two of the members appointed under Subsection (a)(1), (2), or (3) must be from a school district eligible for an allotment under Section 48.101.
(b)  Appointments to the board shall be made without regard to the race, color, disability, sex, religion, age, or national origin of the person appointed.
(c)  A board member is immune from civil suit for any act performed in good faith in the execution of duties as a board member.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 1, eff. May 30, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1174, Sec. 1, eff. June 20, 1997;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1170, Sec. 12.01, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 931 (H.B. 2205), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2015.
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1030 (H.B. 2519), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter B. Certification of Educators › Section 21.034. Terms; Vacancy

Sec. 21.034.  TERMS;  VACANCY.  (a)  The board members appointed by the governor hold office for staggered terms of six years with the terms of one-third of the members expiring on February 1 of each odd-numbered year.  A member appointed by the commissioner of education or the commissioner of higher education serves at the will of the appointing commissioner.
(b)  In the event of a vacancy during a term of a member appointed by the governor, the governor shall appoint a replacement who meets the qualifications of the vacated office to fill the unexpired portion of the term.
(c)  A vacancy arises if a member appointed by the governor no longer qualifies for the office to which the member was appointed.
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 21 - Educators › Subchapter B. Certification of Educators › Section 21.035. Delegation Authority; Administration by Agency

Sec. 21.035.  DELEGATION AUTHORITY; ADMINISTRATION BY AGENCY.  (a)  The board is permitted to make a written delegation of authority to the commissioner or the agency to informally dispose of a contested case involving educator certification.
(b)  The agency shall provide the board's administrative functions and services.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 1, eff. May 30, 1995.  Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1112, Sec. 1.01, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1227 (H.B. 1116), Sec. 1.04, eff. September 1, 2005.
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 931 (H.B. 2205), 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 B. Certification of Educators › Section 21.036. Officers

Sec. 21.036.  OFFICERS.  The board shall elect one of its members to serve as presiding officer for a term of two years.  The presiding officer is entitled to vote on all matters before the board.  The board may elect other officers from among its membership.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 1, eff. May 30, 1995.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1174, Sec. 2, eff. June 20, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter B. Certification of Educators › Section 21.037. Compensation

Sec. 21.037.  COMPENSATION.  A board member may not receive compensation for serving on the board.  A member is entitled to reimbursement for actual and necessary expenses incurred in performing functions as a member of the board, subject to any applicable limitation on reimbursement provided by the General Appropriations Act.
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 21 - Educators › Subchapter B. Certification of Educators › Section 21.038. Meetings

Sec. 21.038.  MEETINGS.  (a)  The board shall meet at least once in each quarter of the calendar year.
(b)  The board may meet at other times at the call of the presiding officer or as provided by the rules of the board.
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 21 - Educators › Subchapter B. Certification of Educators › Section 21.040. General Powers and Duties of Board

Sec. 21.040.  GENERAL POWERS AND DUTIES OF BOARD.  The board shall:
(1)  appoint the members of any advisory committee to the board;
(2)  for each class of educator certificate, appoint an advisory committee composed of members of that class to recommend standards for that class to the board;
(3)  provide to its members and employees, as often as necessary, information regarding their qualifications for office or employment under this chapter and their responsibilities under applicable laws relating to standards of conduct for state officers or employees; and
(4)  develop and implement policies that clearly define the respective responsibilities of the board and the board's staff.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 1, eff. May 30, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1083 (S.B. 1179), Sec. 2, eff. June 17, 2011.
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 439 (S.B. 1376), Sec. 1.01, eff. June 4, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter B. Certification of Educators › Section 21.041. Rules; Fees

Sec. 21.041.  RULES;  FEES.  (a)  The board may adopt rules as necessary for its own procedures.
(b)  The board shall propose rules that:
(1)  provide for the regulation of educators and the general administration of this subchapter in a manner consistent with this subchapter;
(2)  specify the classes of educator certificates to be issued, including emergency certificates;
(3)  specify the period for which each class of educator certificate is valid;
(4)  specify the requirements for the issuance and renewal of an educator certificate;
(5)  provide for the issuance of an educator certificate to a person who holds a similar certificate issued by another state or foreign country, subject to Section 21.052;
(6)  provide for special or restricted certification of educators, including certification of instructors of American Sign Language;
(7)  provide for disciplinary proceedings, including the suspension or revocation of an educator certificate, as provided by Chapter 2001, Government Code;
(8)  provide for the adoption, amendment, and enforcement of an educator's code of ethics;
(9)  provide for continuing education requirements;  and
(10)  provide for certification of persons performing appraisals under Subchapter H.
(c)  The board shall propose a rule adopting a fee for the issuance and maintenance of an educator certificate that, when combined with any fees imposed under Subsection (d), is adequate to cover the cost of administration of this subchapter.
(d)  The board may propose a rule adopting a fee for the approval or renewal of approval of an educator preparation program, or for the addition of a certificate or field of certification to the scope of a program's approval.  A fee imposed under this subsection may not exceed the amount necessary, as determined by the board, to provide for the administrative cost of approving, renewing the approval of, and appropriately ensuring the accountability of educator preparation programs under this subchapter.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 1, eff. May 30, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 723 (S.B. 174), Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter B. Certification of Educators › Section 21.042. Approval of Rules

Sec. 21.042.  APPROVAL OF RULES.  The State Board for Educator Certification must submit a written copy of each rule it proposes to adopt to the State Board of Education for review.  The State Board of Education may reject a proposed rule by a vote of at least two-thirds of the members of the board present and voting.  If the State Board of Education fails to reject a proposal before the 90th day after the date on which it receives the proposal, the proposal takes effect as a rule of the State Board for Educator Certification as provided by Chapter 2001, Government Code.  The State Board of Education may not modify a rule proposed by the State Board for Educator Certification.
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 21 - Educators › Subchapter B. Certification of Educators › Section 21.043. Access to Peims Data

Sec. 21.043.  ACCESS TO PEIMS DATA.  (a)  The agency shall provide the board with access to data obtained under the Public Education Information Management System (PEIMS).
(b)  The agency shall provide educator preparation programs with data based on information reported through the Public Education Information Management System (PEIMS) that enables an educator preparation program to:
(1)  assess the impact of the program; and
(2)  revise the program as needed to improve the design and effectiveness of the program.
(c)  The agency in coordination with the board shall solicit input from educator preparation programs to determine the data to be provided to educator preparation programs.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 1, eff. May 30, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 757 (S.B. 1839), Sec. 2, eff. June 12, 2017.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter B. Certification of Educators › Section 21.0442. Educator Preparation Program for Probationary and Standard Trade and Industrial Workforce Training Certificates

Sec. 21.0442.  EDUCATOR PREPARATION PROGRAM FOR PROBATIONARY AND STANDARD TRADE AND INDUSTRIAL WORKFORCE TRAINING CERTIFICATES.  (a)  The board shall propose rules under this subchapter to create an abbreviated educator preparation program for a person seeking certification in trade and industrial workforce training.
(b)  A person is eligible for admission to an educator preparation program created under this section only if the person:
(1)  has been issued a high school diploma or a postsecondary credential, certificate, or degree;
(2)  has seven years of full-time wage-earning experience within the preceding 10 years in an approved occupation for which instruction is offered;
(3)  holds with respect to that occupation a current license, certificate, or registration, as applicable, issued by a nationally recognized accrediting agency based on a recognized test or measurement; and
(4)  within the period described by Subdivision (2), has not been the subject of a complaint filed with a licensing entity or other agency that regulates the occupation of the person, other than a complaint that was determined baseless or unfounded by that entity or agency.
(c)  In proposing rules for an educator preparation program under this section, the board shall ensure that the program requires at least 80 hours of classroom instruction in:
(1)  a specific pedagogy;
(2)  creating lesson plans;
(3)  creating student assessment instruments;
(4)  classroom management; and
(5)  relevant federal and state education laws.
Text of section effective on June 15, 2017, but only if a specific appropriation is provided as described by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1077 (H.B. 3349), Sec. 3, which states: This Act takes effect only if a specific appropriation for the implementation of the Act is provided in a general appropriations act of the 85th Legislature.
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1077 (H.B. 3349), Sec. 1, eff. June 15, 2017.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter B. Certification of Educators › Section 21.0443. Educator Preparation Program Approval and Renewal

Sec. 21.0443.  EDUCATOR PREPARATION PROGRAM APPROVAL AND RENEWAL.  (a)  The board shall propose rules to establish standards to govern the approval or renewal of approval of:
(1)  educator preparation programs; and
(2)  certification fields authorized to be offered by an educator preparation program.
(b)  To be eligible for approval or renewal of approval, an educator preparation program must:
(1)  incorporate proactive instructional planning techniques throughout course work and across content areas using a framework that:
(A)  provides flexibility in the ways:
(i)  information is presented;
(ii)  students respond or demonstrate knowledge and skills; and
(iii)  students are engaged;
(B)  reduces barriers in instruction;
(C)  provides appropriate accommodations, supports, and challenges; and
(D)  maintains high achievement expectations for all students, including students with disabilities and students of limited English proficiency;
(2)  integrate inclusive practices for all students, including students with disabilities, and evidence-based instruction and intervention strategies throughout course work, clinical experience, and student teaching;
(3)  adequately prepare candidates for educator certification; and
(4)  meet the standards and requirements of the board.
(c)  The board shall require that each educator preparation program be reviewed for renewal of approval at least every five years.  The board shall adopt an evaluation process to be used in reviewing an educator preparation program for renewal of approval.
Added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 931 (H.B. 2205), Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2015.
Amended by:
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 215 (H.B. 159), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter B. Certification of Educators › Section 21.0444. Temporary Certification for Certain Military Service Members and First Responders

Sec. 21.0444.  TEMPORARY CERTIFICATION FOR CERTAIN MILITARY SERVICE MEMBERS AND FIRST RESPONDERS.  (a)  In this section, "first responder" means a person elected, employed, or appointed as:
(1)  a peace officer as defined by Article 2.12, Code of Criminal Procedure;
(2)  fire protection personnel as defined by Section 419.021, Government Code; or
(3)  emergency medical services personnel as defined by Section 773.003, Health and Safety Code.
(b)  This section applies to a person seeking certification to teach career and technology education who:
(1)  has served in the armed forces of the United States and was honorably discharged, retired, or released from active duty; or
(2)  has served as a first responder and, while in good standing and not because of pending or final disciplinary actions or a documented performance problem, retired, resigned, or separated from employment as a first responder.
(c)  The board shall propose rules under this subchapter providing for the issuance of a temporary certificate to teach career and technology education to a person described by Subsection (b) who meets all other eligibility requirements for standard certification to teach career and technology education, except that the person may substitute for a requirement that the person hold:
(1)  an associate degree from an accredited institution of higher education, 48 months of active duty military service or service as a first responder; or
(2)  a bachelor's degree:
(A)  the military service or service as a first responder described by Subdivision (1); and
(B)  60 semester credit hours completed at a public or private institution of higher education with a minimum grade point average of at least 2.50 on a four-point scale.
(d)  Rules proposed by the board for a temporary certificate issued under this section must provide that the certificate is:
(1)  valid for no more than three years;
(2)  limited to a one-time issuance; and
(3)  not subject to renewal.
(e)  A person issued a temporary certificate under this section may be issued a standard certificate if the person completes all eligibility requirements required for that certification.
(f)  A school district shall require a new employee who holds a temporary certificate issued under this section to obtain at least 20 hours of classroom management training, unless the new employee has documented experience as an instructor or trainer during the employee's required 48 months of active duty military service or service as a first responder.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 806 (H.B. 621), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter B. Certification of Educators › Section 21.0451. Sanctions Under Accountability System for Educator Preparation Programs

Sec. 21.0451.  SANCTIONS UNDER ACCOUNTABILITY SYSTEM FOR EDUCATOR PREPARATION PROGRAMS.  (a)  The board shall propose rules necessary for the sanction of educator preparation programs that do not meet accountability standards or comply with state law or rules and shall at least annually review the accreditation status of each educator preparation program.  The rules:
(1)  shall provide for the assignment of the following accreditation statuses:
(A)  not rated;
(B)  accredited;
(C)  accredited-warned;
(D)  accredited-probation; and
(E)  not accredited-revoked;
(2)  may provide for the agency to take any necessary action, including one or more of the following actions:
(A)  requiring the program to obtain technical assistance approved by the agency or board;
(B)  requiring the program to obtain professional services under contract with another person;
(C)  appointing a monitor to participate in and report to the board on the activities of the program; and
(D)  if a program has been rated as accredited-probation under the Accountability System for Educator Preparation for a period of at least one year, revoking the approval of the program and ordering the program to be closed, provided that the board or agency has provided the opportunity for a contested case hearing;
(3)  shall provide for the agency to revoke the approval of the program and order the program to be closed if the program has been rated as accredited-probation under the Accountability System for Educator Preparation for three consecutive years, provided that the board or agency has provided the opportunity for a contested case hearing; and
(4)  shall provide the board procedure for changing the accreditation status of a program that:
(A)  does not meet the accreditation standards established under Section 21.045(a); or
(B)  violates a board or agency regulation.
(b)  Any action authorized or required to be taken against an educator preparation program under Subsection (a) may also be taken with regard to a particular field of certification authorized to be offered by an educator preparation program.
(c)  A revocation must be effective for a period of at least two years.  After two years, the program may seek renewed approval to prepare educators for state certification.
(d)  The costs of technical assistance required under Subsection (a)(2)(A) or the costs associated with the appointment of a monitor under Subsection (a)(2)(C) shall be paid by the educator preparation program.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 723 (S.B. 174), Sec. 2, eff. June 19, 2009.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 931 (H.B. 2205), Sec. 7, 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 B. Certification of Educators › Section 21.0453. Information for Candidates for Teacher Certification

Sec. 21.0453.  INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES FOR TEACHER CERTIFICATION.  (a)  The board shall require an educator preparation program to provide candidates for teacher certification with information concerning the following:
(1)  skills and responsibilities required of teachers with regard to all students, including students with disabilities;
(2)  expectations for student performance, including students with disabilities, based on state standards;
(3)  the current supply of and demand for teachers in this state;
(4)  the importance of developing classroom management skills; and
(5)  the state's framework for appraisal of teachers and principals.
(b)  The board may propose rules as necessary for administration of this section, including rules to ensure that accurate and consistent information is provided by all educator preparation programs.
Added by Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1292 (H.B. 2318), Sec. 1, eff. June 14, 2013.
Amended by:
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 215 (H.B. 159), Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter B. Certification of Educators › Section 21.0454. Risk Factors for Educator Preparation Programs; Risk-Assessment Model

Sec. 21.0454.  RISK FACTORS FOR EDUCATOR PREPARATION PROGRAMS; RISK-ASSESSMENT MODEL.  (a)  The board shall propose rules necessary to develop a set of risk factors to use in assessing the overall risk level of each educator preparation program.  The set of risk factors must include:
(1)  a history of the program's compliance with state law and board rules, standards, and procedures, with consideration given to:
(A)  the seriousness of any violation of a rule, standard or procedure;
(B)  whether the violation resulted in an action being taken against the program;
(C)  whether the violation was promptly remedied by the program;
(D)  the number of alleged violations; and
(E)  any other matter considered to be appropriate in evaluating the program's compliance history; and
(2)  whether the program meets the accountability standards under Section 21.045.
(b)  The set of risk factors developed by the board may include whether an educator preparation program is accredited by other organizations.
(c)  The board shall use the set of risk factors to guide the agency in conducting monitoring, inspections, and compliance audits of educator preparation programs, including evaluations associated with renewals under Section 21.0443.
Added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 931 (H.B. 2205), Sec. 9, 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 B. Certification of Educators › Section 21.0455. Complaints Regarding Educator Preparation Programs

Sec. 21.0455.  COMPLAINTS REGARDING EDUCATOR PREPARATION PROGRAMS.  (a)  The board shall propose rules necessary to establish a process for a candidate for teacher certification to direct a complaint against an educator preparation program to the agency.
(b)  The board by rule shall require an educator preparation program to notify candidates for teacher certification of the complaint process adopted under Subsection (a).  The notice must include the name, mailing address, telephone number, and Internet website address of the agency for the purpose of directing complaints to the agency.  The educator preparation program shall provide for that notification:
(1)  on the Internet website of the educator preparation program, if the program maintains a website; and
(2)  on a sign prominently displayed in program facilities.
(c)  The board shall post the complaint process adopted under Subsection (a) on the agency's Internet website.
(d)  The board has no authority to arbitrate or resolve contractual or commercial issues between an educator preparation program and a candidate for teacher certification.
Added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 931 (H.B. 2205), Sec. 9, 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 B. Certification of Educators › Section 21.046. Qualifications for Certification as Superintendent or Principal

Sec. 21.046.  QUALIFICATIONS FOR CERTIFICATION AS SUPERINTENDENT OR PRINCIPAL.  (a)  The qualifications for superintendent must permit a candidate for certification to substitute management training or experience for part of the educational experience.
(b)  The qualifications for certification as a principal must be sufficiently flexible so that an outstanding teacher may qualify by substituting approved experience and professional training for part of the educational requirements.  Supervised and approved on-the-job experience in addition to required internship shall be accepted in lieu of classroom hours.  The qualifications must emphasize:
(1)  instructional leadership, including the ability to create an inclusive school environment and to foster parent involvement;
(2)  administration, supervision, and communication skills;
(3)  curriculum and instruction management, including curriculum and instruction management for students with disabilities;
(4)  performance evaluation;
(5)  organization; and
(6)  fiscal management.
(c)  Because an effective principal is essential to school improvement, the board shall ensure that:
(1)  each candidate for certification as a principal is of the highest caliber;  and
(2)  multi-level screening processes, validated comprehensive assessment programs, and flexible internships with successful mentors exist to determine whether a candidate for certification as a principal possesses the essential knowledge, skills, and leadership capabilities necessary for success.
(d)  In creating the qualifications for certification as a principal, the board shall consider the knowledge, skills, and proficiencies for principals as developed by relevant national organizations and the State Board of Education.
(e)  For purposes of satisfying eligibility requirements for certification as a principal, a teacher who is certified under Section 21.0487:
(1)  is considered to hold a classroom teaching certificate; and
(2)  may apply as creditable years of teaching experience as a classroom teacher any period during which the teacher was employed by a school district as a Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps instructor before or after the teacher was certified under Section 21.0487.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 1, eff. May 30, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1194 (S.B. 1309), Sec. 2, eff. June 19, 2015.
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 215 (H.B. 159), Sec. 6, eff. September 1, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter B. Certification of Educators › Section 21.0462. Qualifications for Certification as School Counselor

Sec. 21.0462.  QUALIFICATIONS FOR CERTIFICATION AS SCHOOL COUNSELOR.  The qualifications for certification as a school counselor may not include a requirement that a candidate for certification have experience as a classroom teacher.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 344 (S.B. 798), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter B. Certification of Educators › Section 21.047. Centers for Professional Development of Teachers

Sec. 21.047.  CENTERS FOR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF TEACHERS.  (a)  The board may develop the process for the establishment of centers for professional development through institutions of higher education for the purpose of integrating technology and innovative teaching practices in the preservice and staff development training of public school teachers and administrators.  An institution of higher education with a teacher education program may develop a center through a collaborative process involving public schools, regional education service centers, and other entities or businesses.  A center may contract with other entities to develop materials and provide training.
(b)  On application by a center, the board shall make grants to the center for its programs from funds derived from gifts, grants, and legislative appropriations for that purpose.  The board shall award the grants on a competitive basis according to requirements established by the board rules.
(c)  A center may develop and implement a comprehensive field-based educator preparation program to supplement the internship hours required in Section 21.050.  This comprehensive field-based teacher program must:
(1)  be designed on the basis of current research into state-of-the-art teaching practices applicable to all students, including students with disabilities, curriculum theory and application within diverse student populations, evaluation of student outcomes, and the effective application of technology; and
(2)  have rigorous internal and external evaluation procedures that focus on content, delivery systems, and teacher and student outcomes.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 1, eff. May 30, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 215 (H.B. 159), Sec. 7, eff. September 1, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter B. Certification of Educators › Section 21.0485. Certification to Teach Students With Visual Impairments

Sec. 21.0485.  CERTIFICATION TO TEACH STUDENTS WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS.  (a)  To be eligible to be issued a certificate to teach students with visual impairments, a person must:
(1)  complete either:
(A)  all course work required for that certification in an approved educator preparation program; or
(B)  an alternative educator certification program approved for the purpose by the board;
(2)  perform satisfactorily on each examination prescribed under Section 21.048 for certification to teach students with visual impairments, after completing the course work or program described by Subdivision (1); and
(3)  satisfy any other requirements prescribed by the board.
(b)  Subsection (a) does not apply to eligibility for a certificate to teach students with visual impairments, including eligibility for renewal of that certificate, if the application for the initial certificate was submitted on or before September 1, 2011.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 362 (S.B. 54), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2011.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter B. Certification of Educators › Section 21.0486. Technology Applications Certification

Sec. 21.0486.  TECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS CERTIFICATION.  A person who holds a technology applications certificate issued under this subchapter may, in addition to teaching technology applications courses as authorized under the certificate, teach courses in:
(1)  principles of arts, audio/video technology, and communications; and
(2)  principles of information technology.
Added by Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1091 (H.B. 3573), 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 B. Certification of Educators › Section 21.0487. Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps Teacher Certification

Sec. 21.0487.  JUNIOR RESERVE OFFICER TRAINING CORPS TEACHER CERTIFICATION.  (a)  The board shall establish a standard Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps teaching certificate to provide Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps instruction.
(b)  To be eligible for a certificate under this section, a person must:
(1)  hold a bachelor's degree from an institution of higher education that is, and at the time the person received the degree was, accredited or otherwise approved by an accrediting organization recognized by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board;
(2)  satisfy the eligibility and testing requirements for certification as a Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps instructor established by the branch of service in which the person served; and
(3)  complete an approved educator preparation program.
(c)  The board shall propose rules to:
(1)  approve educator preparation programs to prepare a person as a teacher for certification under this section; and
(2)  establish requirements under which:
(A)  a person's training and experience acquired during the person's military service serves as proof of the person's demonstration of subject matter knowledge if that training and experience is verified by the branch of service in which the person served; and
(B)  a person's employment by a school district as a Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps instructor before the person was enrolled in an educator preparation program or while the person is enrolled in an educator preparation program is applied to satisfy any student teaching, internship, or field-based experience program requirement.
(d)  A person is not required to hold a certificate established under this section to be employed by a school district as a Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps instructor.
Added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1194 (S.B. 1309), Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter B. Certification of Educators › Section 21.0488. Trades and Industries Education Certification for Military Personnel

Sec. 21.0488.  TRADES AND INDUSTRIES EDUCATION CERTIFICATION FOR MILITARY PERSONNEL.  (a)  To the extent that rules adopted under this subchapter require a person seeking trades and industries education certification to hold a license or other professional credential for a specific trade, a person who is a current or former member of the United States armed services is considered to have satisfied that requirement if the person has  experience in that trade obtained through military service.
(b)  The board may not propose rules requiring a current or former member of the United States armed services who seeks career and technology education certification for a specific trade to hold a credential related to that trade or possess experience related to that trade other than the experience in that trade obtained through military service.
Added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 755 (H.B. 2014), Sec. 1, eff. June 17, 2015.
Redesignated from Education Code, Section 21.0487 by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 324 (S.B. 1488), Sec. 24.001(5), eff. September 1, 2017.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter B. Certification of Educators › Section 21.0489. Early Childhood Certification

Sec. 21.0489.  EARLY CHILDHOOD CERTIFICATION.  (a)  To ensure that there are teachers with special training in early childhood education focusing on prekindergarten through grade three, the board shall establish an early childhood certificate.
(b)  A person is not required to hold a certificate established under this section to be employed by a school district to provide instruction in prekindergarten through grade three.
(c)  To be eligible for a certificate established under this section, a person must:
(1)  either:
(A)  satisfactorily complete the course work for that certificate in an educator preparation program, including a knowledge-based and skills-based course of instruction on early childhood education that includes:
(i)  teaching methods for:
(a)  using small group instructional formats that focus on building social, emotional, and academic skills;
(b)  navigating multiple content areas; and
(c)  managing a classroom environment in which small groups of students are working on different tasks; and
(ii)  strategies for teaching fundamental academic skills, including reading, writing, and numeracy; or
(B)  hold an early childhood through grade six certificate issued under this subchapter and satisfactorily complete a course of instruction described by Paragraph (A);
(2)  perform satisfactorily on an early childhood certificate examination prescribed by the board; and
(3)  satisfy any other requirements prescribed by the board.
(d)  The criteria for the course of instruction described by Subsection (c)(1)(A) shall be developed by the board in consultation with faculty members who provide instruction at institutions of higher education in educator preparation programs for an early childhood through grade six certificate.
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 757 (S.B. 1839), Sec. 5, eff. June 12, 2017.
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 837 (H.B. 2039), Sec. 1, eff. June 15, 2017.
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 467 (H.B. 4170), Sec. 5.002, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter B. Certification of Educators › Section 21.04891. Bilingual Special Education Certification

Sec. 21.04891.  BILINGUAL SPECIAL EDUCATION CERTIFICATION.  (a)  In this section, "limited English proficiency" has the meaning assigned by Section 29.052.
(b)  To ensure that there are teachers with special training in providing instruction to students of limited English proficiency with disabilities, the board shall establish a bilingual special education certificate.
(c)  To be eligible for a certificate established under this section, a person must:
(1)  satisfactorily complete the coursework for that certificate in an educator preparation program, including a skills-based course of instruction on providing instruction to students of limited English proficiency with disabilities, which must include instruction on:
(A)  the foundations of bilingual, multicultural, and second language special education;
(B)  providing individualized education programs for students of limited English proficiency with disabilities;
(C)  providing assessment of students of limited English proficiency with and without disabilities;
(D)  developing teaching methods to recognize the intellectual, developmental, and emotional needs of students in dual language and transitional bilingual education settings;
(E)  teaching fundamental academic skills, including reading, writing, and mathematics, to students of limited English proficiency; and
(F)  creating partnerships with families and school professionals;
(2)  perform satisfactorily on a bilingual special education certificate examination prescribed by the board; and
(3)  satisfy any other requirements prescribed by the board.
Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 691 (H.B. 2256), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter B. Certification of Educators › Section 21.049. Alternative Certification

Sec. 21.049.  ALTERNATIVE CERTIFICATION.  (a)  To provide a continuing additional source of qualified educators, the board shall propose rules providing for educator certification programs as an alternative to traditional educator preparation programs.  The rules may not provide that a person may be certified under this section only if there is a demonstrated shortage of educators in a school district or subject area.
(b)  The board may not require a person employed as a teacher in an alternative education program under Section 37.008 or a juvenile justice alternative education program under Section 37.011 for at least three years to complete an alternative educator certification program adopted under this section before taking the appropriate certification examination.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 1, eff. May 30, 1995.  Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 609, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
See note following this section.
2023 Texas Statutes › Education Code › Title 2 - Public Education › Subtitle D - Educators and School District Employees and Volunteers › Chapter 21 - Educators › Subchapter B. Certification of Educators › Section 21.0491. Probationary and Standard Trade and Industrial Workforce Training Certificates

Sec. 21.0491.  PROBATIONARY AND STANDARD TRADE AND INDUSTRIAL WORKFORCE TRAINING CERTIFICATES.  (a)  To provide a continuing additional source of teachers to provide workforce training, the board shall establish a probationary trade and industrial workforce training certificate and a standard trade and industrial workforce training certificate that may be obtained through an abbreviated educator preparation program under Section 21.0442.
(b)  To be eligible for a probationary certificate under this section, a person must:
(1)  satisfactorily complete the course work for that certificate in an educator preparation program under Section 21.0442; and
(2)  satisfy any other requirements prescribed by the board.
(c)  To be eligible for a standard certificate under this section, a person must:
(1)  hold a probationary certificate issued under this section;
(2)  be employed by:
(A)  a public or private primary or secondary school; or
(B)  an institution of higher education or an independent or private institution of higher education as those terms are defined by Section 61.003; and
(3)  perform satisfactorily on a standard trade and industrial workforce training certificate examination prescribed by the board.
(d)  The limitation imposed by Section 21.048(a-1) on the number of administrations of an examination does not apply to the administration of the standard trade and industrial workforce training certificate examination prescribed by the board.
(e)  Notwithstanding any other law, the board may administer the standard trade and industrial workforce training certificate examination to a person who satisfies the requirements of Subsections (c)(1) and (2).
(f)  The board shall propose rules to:
(1)  specify the term of a probationary certificate and a standard certificate issued under this section; and
(2)  establish the requirements for renewal of a standard certificate.
Text of section effective on June 15, 2017, but only if a specific appropriation is provided as described by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1077 (H.B. 3349), Sec. 3, which states: This Act takes effect only if a specific appropriation for the implementation of the Act is provided in a general appropriations act of the 85th Legislature.
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1077 (H.B. 3349), Sec. 1, eff. June 15, 2017.