To participate in student or clinical teaching in a TEA accredited public school, candidates must undergo a criminal history background check, as mandated by Sul Ross State University. This background check is required before both employment as an educator and clinical teaching, ensuring that all applicants meet the standards necessary. The background check will be conducted through CastleBranch, and results will be reported to Sul Ross State University. Candidates should be aware that this information may be shared with the School District(s) involved in their teaching placements. Additionally, when applying for a Teacher Certificate, the State will conduct a criminal history inquiry through the Federal Bureau of Investigations. It is essential for students to understand these requirements as part of their journey towards becoming educators.

TEXAS ADMINISTRATIVE CODE

Chapter 228. Requirements for Educator Preparation Programs

Subchapter D. Required Educator Coursework and Training

TAC §228.57(c)(3) & (8) Educator Preparation Curriculum. 

(c)        The following subject matter shall be included in the curriculum for candidates seeking initial certification in any certification class:

(3)          instruction regarding mental health, substance abuse, and youth suicide, as indicated in TEC, §21.044(c-1). Instruction acquired from the list of recommended best practice-based programs or from an accredited institution of higher education or an alternative certification program as part of a degree plan shall be implemented as required by the provider of the best practice-based program or research-based practice;

*SRSU will provide the teacher candidate with Responsive Learning training

                                                                   &

(8)          instruction in digital learning, virtual instruction, and virtual learning, as defined in TEC, §21.001, including a digital literacy evaluation followed by a prescribed digital learning curriculum. The instruction required must:

 

1. be aligned with the latest version of the International Society for Technology in Education’s (ISTE) standards as appears on the ISTE website;
2. provide effective, evidence-based strategies to determine a person’s degree of digital literacy;
3. cover best practices in:
   1.       assessing students receiving virtual instruction, based on academic progress; and
   2.       developing a virtual learning curriculum; and
4. include resources to address any deficiencies identified by the digital literacy evaluation;

*SRSU will provide the teacher candidate with Northstar Digital Literacy training

About Responsive Learning

633 – Mental Health Awareness

Presenter: Responsive Learning
Core Area: Compliance
Grade Level: Elementary & Secondary 

Ideally, all students would come to school happy, healthy, and ready to learn, but for many students that isn’t the case. In this course, you’ll learn about different mental health conditions, how they affect students, what your responsibilities as an educator are, and how you can support students struggling with a mental health condition.

In this 1.25-hour course you will explore:

• Laws relating to mental health in schools
• Your role as an educator is supporting students with mental health conditions
• The defining characteristics of common mental health conditions

604 – Suicide Prevention

Presenter: Responsive Learning
Core Area: Compliance
Grade Level: Elementary & Secondary 

Suicide is the most common form of death for school-aged youth, and is entirely preventable. Teachers, administrators, and school employees are in a unique position to help youth who are at risk by identifying those who need assistance and taking preventative actions to help them.

In this 1-hour course you will learn how to:

• Identify suicide risk and resiliency factors
• Identify suicide warning signs
• Identify high-risk populations
• Understand the legal responsibilities of school districts and school employees
• Seek appropriate support for at-risk students
• Take preventative measures against suicide

Publisher’s Note: This content was originally developed, vetted, and approved for individuals completing their compliance training in the state of Texas. Please contact your state’s department of education to ensure that this training meets your needs.

*Students will receive registration information from the Department of Education.

About Northstar

Northstar Digital Literacy defines basic skills needed to perform tasks on computers and online. Online, self-guided modules assess the ability of individuals to perform tasks based on these skills. Included are basic computer digital literacy standards and modules in three main areas:

• Essential Computer Skills – Basic Computer Skills, Internet Basics, Using Email, Windows OS, Mac OS
• Essential Software Skills – Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Docs
• Using Technology in Daily Life – Social Media, Information Literacy, Career Search Skills, Accessing Telehealth Appointments, Supporting K-12 Distance Learning, Your Digital Footprint.

*Students will receive registration information from the Department of Education.

Notice to Constituents of Complaint Rights

Per Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §§ 228.70, students and constituents have the right to submit formal, written complaints about the Educator Preparation Program for investigation and resolution. The TEA staff and the SBEC do not have jurisdiction over complaints related to contractual arrangements with an EPP, commercial issues, obtaining a higher grade or credit for training, or seeking reinstatement to an EPP.

All complaints filed with the TEA must be in writing – hard copy or electronically. The TEA does not accept complaints by phone or complaints that are submitted anonymously. A person or entity may file a written complaint with TEA by filling out the complaint form online or by mailing or faxing a hard copy to the address on the form.

Complaint form URL and QR Code https://form.jotform.com/TXEd/generaledcomplaint?language=en

Hard copy complaints may be sent to:

Texas Education Agency – Complaints Management
1701 N. Congress Ave.
Austin, TX 78701-1494

To adequately review and address a complaint, TEA needs specific details and must be able to identify a clear violation of Texas Administrative Code §§ 227, 228, 229, ethics (TAC 247), fingerprinting (TAC §§227, 232), or certification (TAC §§230, 231, 232, 239, 241, 242) to 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.

Documentation to support your claim when possible. For example, if you refer in your complaint to an educator preparation program policy, include a copy of the policy with your complaint. Helpful documentation might include letters or e-mails exchanged between the parties.

More information is available here: https://tea.texas.gov/about-tea/contact-us/complaints/general-education-complaints

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Expiring Certification Exams in PE, Health, and ELAR 7-12

This is a time-sensitive notice for candidates pursuing certificates in Physical Education (PE) EC-12, Health EC-12, and English Language Arts & Reading (ELAR) 7-12. The certification exams for these areas are being replaced. Candidates who have not received standard certification using the expiring exams (158, 157, 231) by September 1, 2025, will need to pass the new exams (258, 257, 331).