Teacher Education Program Disclosures

Tarleton State University expressly discloses the following:

  1. HB1508, effective September 1, 2017, requires notice regarding the consequences of a criminal conviction on eligibility for an occupational license.
    1. The potential ineligibility of an individual who has been convicted of an offense for the issuance of an occupational license on completion of the educational program.
    2. The current guidelines issued by the applicable licensing authority (See Texas Occupations Code, Sec. 53.025). In particular, the licensing authority’s guidelines must state the reasons a particular crime is considered to relate to a particular license and any other criterion that affects the decisions of the licensing authority.
    3. Any other state or local restriction or guideline used by the licensing authority to determine the eligibility of an individual who has been convicted of an offense for an occupational license issued by the licensing authority; and
    4. The right of an individual to request a criminal history evaluation letter (See Texas Occupations Code, Sec. 53.102).
  2. As a provider of teacher education programs, Tarleton State University must ensure its students demonstrate adherence to the Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators, which requires the observance of federal and state law. An arrest, indictment, conviction, and/or deferred adjudication may result in a student being dismissed from the program
  3. While Tarleton State University does not perform criminal history background checks, Texas public schools are permitted by state law to conduct criminal history background checks on a person intended for hire or a person who has requested a volunteer position. As a participant in field experiences or clinical teaching in a Texas public school, you may be subject to a criminal history background check.
  4. Admission of a student into the Tarleton State University Teacher Education Program and student participation in the program does not constitute any guarantee that the student will be accepted into a field experience or clinical teaching placement in a Texas public school. Lack of available field experience positions within a school district is the only reason that Tarleton State University will seek additional placements after two rejections from public schools. Failure to participate in field experiences may prevent a student from completing the Tarleton State University Teacher Education Program and obtaining teacher certification from the Texas State Board for Educator Certification.
  5. While Tarleton State University does not perform criminal history background checks, the Texas State Board for Educator Certification requests information regarding any previous arrest, indictment, conviction, and/or deferred adjudication. When applying for state certification, you will be subject to a criminal history background check by the State Board for Educator Certification. An applicant with a criminal history may be denied certification.