TEA Investigation Process

Each case is reviewed individually, and the steps taken depend on the situation and applicable laws.

Click the accordions below to learn more about each step of the TEA investigation process.

Step 1: Intake

Arrow labeled Intake TEA’s Educator Investigations Division receives information from:

Criminal history reports (DPS/FBI)
DFPS
Public complaints
Reports from school districts, charter schools

Step 2: Preliminary Review

Arrow labeled Preliminary Review A TEA staff member conducts a preliminary review to decide if a formal investigation is needed. This includes verifying the person’s identity and job status, reviewing findings from DFPS and law enforcement, gathering basic facts, and coordinating with other agencies if needed.

TEA staff also considers:

Whether TEA has legal authority (jurisdiction)
Results of any previous investigations
SBEC Priority 1 and Priority 2 conduct under §249.14(k)
Whether the person may be protected under certain laws (e.g., Texas Penal Code §9.62 or TEC §22.0512)

Step 3: Formal Investigation

arrow labeled Formal Investigation If a formal investigation is opened, an “investigation warning” is placed on the person’s SBEC certificate, and the person may be listed on the Do Not Hire Registry.

Under SB 571, TEA can temporarily suspend a certificate or place someone on the Do Not Hire Registry if they are arrested for certain felonies or are considered a threat to public safety.

During the investigation, TEA:

Sends written notice to the individual
Issues subpoenas to schools and agencies
Assigns an investigator to the case

The investigation may include:

Reviewing documents, audio, and video evidence
Interviewing witnesses, students, and parents
Gathering information from law enforcement and DFPS

Step 4: Case Resolution

2 arrows labeled Recommend Resolution and Refer Litigation After the investigation, TEA may:

Close the case and remove the warning
Enter into an agreement with an educator to accept the recommended sanction for their conduct
Refer the case to the Law and Policy Division for legal action