Requirement to Report Educator Misconduct

Let’s take a closer look at what the law says about reporting misconduct. Under Texas Education Code §§ 22A.051 and 22A.052, superintendents and principals have a legal duty to report certain types of educator misconduct to TEA or SBEC within 48 hours of becoming aware of it.

This includes misconduct such as:

Physical mistreatment or threats of violence toward a student or minor
Inappropriate communications or failure to maintain professional boundaries
Soliciting or engaging in romantic or sexual relationships with a student or minor

If a principal becomes aware of misconduct, they must notify the superintendent within 48 hours. Then, the superintendent must report it to TEA or SBEC within 48 hours.
Failing to report isn’t just a policy violation—it's a state jail felony if the failure was intentional and meant to conceal someone’s criminal history or misconduct.

State jail penalties include:

Confinement in a state jail for 180 days to 2 years.
A fine of up to $10,000.