The complaint process allows for an applicant or a candidate in an educator preparation program to seek redress in areas where they feel that the 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 programs when it involves a candidate transferring into a program.

Please see the link for the Region 5 Education Service Center policy for procedures in filing a formal complaint. Complaints must be filed within 15 days of the date the individual first knew, or with reasonable diligence should have knowledge, of the decision or action giving rise to the complaint. Complaints must be in writing and submitted to the Director of the Region 5 ESC Educator Certification Program.

After the candidate has exhausted all attempts at the program level to resolve a complaint that occurred and has not received the relief sought, information on how to file a complaint with TEA  can be secured from the EPP by information posted at their physical facility, on their website or, upon request, directions in writing. The official TEA complaint process can be found at www.tea.texas.gov in the banner located at the bottom of the page under "Complaints".

Not all complaints fall under the authority of TEA. 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 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) in Chapters 227, 228, 229, ethics (TAC 247), fingerprinting (TAC §§227,232) and certification (TAC §§230, 231, 232, 239, 241, 242).

All complaints filed with the TEA must be in writing. 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 TEA complaint form online or by mailing or faxing a hard copy to the address on the form. You may fax your submission to (512) 463-9008 or email it to generalinquiry@tea.texas.gov.

To adequately review and address a complaint, TEA needs specific details. They must be able to identify a clear violation of TAC 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 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.

Texas Education Agency 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. Do not email sensitive information to TEA. The agency will remove confidential or sensitive information when replying by email. TEA will maintain confidentiality of information to the extent the law allows.

TEXAS ADMINISTRATIVE CODE §228. 70