Complaints Against Educator Preparation Programs

The complaint process allows for an applicant or a candidate in an educator preparation program to seek redress where they feel that the preparation program did not fulfill requirements for certification or actions that the candidate feels are wrong. Educator preparation programs may also file a complaint about the actions of other program when it involves a candidate transferring from one program to another.

Not all complaints fall under the authority of the Texas Education Agency (TEA). It is best to try to first resolve complaints between the parties. TEA has jurisdiction to investigate allegations of noncompliance regarding specific laws and rules, generally related to state and federal requirements. Complaints may address educator preparation program requirements listed in the Texas Administrative Code, ethics, fingerprinting, and certification. 

Filing a Complaint

To file a complaint with TEA about an educator preparation program, please compile a complete submission as outlined below. There is no specific complaint form that must be used.

Write a letter with a brief narrative of the facts of the complaint. To adequately review and address a complaint, TEA needs specific details. We must be able to identify a clear violation of a school law or Texas Administration Code and determine whether the agency has authority to act upon the allegation.

Complaints submissions should include the following:

• The reasons you believe the issues raised in your complaint are valid. You should also indicate how you believe that TEA can assist you with this matter. Remember that TEA cannot assist you in understanding your contractual arrangement with the educator preparation program, arranging for a refund, obtaining a higher grade or credit for training, or seeking reinstatement to an educator preparation program.
• Documentation to support your narrative when possible. For example, if you make reference in your complaint to an educator preparation program policy, include a copy of the policy with your complaint. Helpful documentation might include letters or email exchanged between the parties, agreements, or other documents.

Mail the letter and its attachments to:

Correspondence Management 
Communications Division
Texas Education Agency
1701 North Congress
Austin, TX 79701-1494 

You can also  FAX your submission to (512) 463-9008 or email it to generalinquiry@tea.texas.gov.

TEA staff will send confirmation of a complaint within 30 days of receiving the submission.

Remember, information the public sends to TEA by email may not be secure. Confidential or sensitive information should not be emailed to TEA, and the agency will remove confidential or sensitive information when replying by email. TEA will maintain confidentiality of information to the extent the law allows.

Please note that TEA will not consider phone complaints or complaints that are submitted anonymously. 

After the Complaint is Filed

Correspondence and complaints are forwarded to the appropriate TEA office for review. TEA staff reviews the complaint to ensure that TEA has jurisdiction and authority to intervene or investigate the matter. TEA staff also determines whether the complaint demonstrates a possible violation of school law or Texas Administrative Code. If the complaint is insufficient, or if TEA does not have authority to address the complaint, the agency will notify the complainant no more than 30 days after receiving the submission.

If an investigation is warranted, the TEA will send a written notice to each party. The notice will provide parties an opportunity to submit additional information. After a preliminary review, the TEA will notify parties involved of the disposition of the complaint.