Background Reviews

In 2007, the Texas Legislature passed a law requiring fingerprint-based criminal background reviews for certain school employees. The legislation was enacted to ensure the safety of all children, teachers, and staff in Texas public schools.

Who is required to submit fingerprints for a criminal background check?

• All certified educators
• All substitute teachers and aides, certified or not
• Non-certified employees hired on or after January 1, 2008
• Charter school teachers and other professionals (serving in a position that would require certification if they were employed in a traditional school district)
• Contract employees hired after January 1, 2008, who have direct contact with students

Who is not required to submit fingerprints but must undergo a name-based background check?

• Non-certified employees hired before January 1, 2008
• Contract employees hired before January 1, 2008, who have direct contact with students
• Student teachers
• Volunteers (excludes parents and guardians, those accompanied on campus by a district employee, or individuals volunteering for a single event)

When must employees be fingerprinted?

• All employees, both certified and non-certified, as well as substitute teachers, must be fingerprinted before their first day of employment.