About TEA

Teacher with students

 

The Texas Education Agency is the state agency that oversees primary and secondary public education. It is headed by the commissioner of education. The Texas Education Agency improves outcomes for all public school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems.

Overview

Learn more about TEA's roles and responsibilities and organization in this brief overview.

Agency Finances

Public education is a big business in Texas. Billions of dollars flow through the agency and are distributed to our more than 1,200 school districts and charters. The agency's finances from our legislative appropriations request to our check book register are all available for public review.

Come Visit or Drop Us a Line

Would you like to come to TEA or contact us by email or phone? You'll find all our contact information on one-page.

Laws and Rules

The work of TEA and the entire public school system is driven by laws created by the Texas Legislature and the U.S. Congress and administrative rules adopted by the commissioner of education, the State Board of Education, and the State Board for Educator Certification. Public input is critical in crafting laws and rules.

Leadership

The commissioner of education, the State Board of Education and the State Board for Educator Certification provide statewide leadership for the Texas public schools.

Legal Services

TEA's Legal Services Division provides information and resources about legal issues that affect public education in Texas.

Other Services

TEA coordinates with 20 Regional Education Service Centers (ESCs) that provide support to school districts and charters. They provide a wide array of training, services such as handling payrolls for districts, meeting space and much more to Texas schools. The agency also has programs supporting military families and homeless students and provides up-to-date information on weather and other disasters affecting Texas school districts.