Department of Education

As defined by Texas Administrative Code §228 a candidate or former candidate in an Educator Preparation Program (EPP), an applicant for candidacy in an EPP, an employee or former employee of an EPP, a cooperating teacher, a mentor, a site supervisor, or an administrator in a public or private school that serves as a site for clinical teaching, internship or practicum experiences may submit, in accordance with subsection (c)(1) of this section, a complaint about an EPP for investigation and resolution. The complaint process allows individuals to seek redress in areas where they feel that the program did not fulfill requirements for certification or for actions that the individual feels are wrong.

Educator Preparation Program Complaint Process Documentation.

It is the goal of the West Texas A&M University Educator Preparation Program (WTAMU EPP) to graduate and certify candidates who will become successful educators in the state of Texas. However, there may be circumstances in which the dismissal of a candidate becomes necessary. This policy outlines some of the reasons for dismissal, and the procedures used when the WTAMU EPP makes the decision that dismissal of a candidate is warranted. 

Additional Information.

A criminal background check including fingerprinting will be performed by the Texas Education Agency before a candidate will be allowed to certify or gain employment on a non-teacher certificate. TAC 227.1(b)(1)(2).

• Items on a candidate’s criminal history report may render the candidate ineligible for certification.
• Candidates may request a preliminary TEA background check for an evaluation of their criminal history. Please note that applicants may request a preliminary TEA background check for an opinion of charge prior to starting a program: https://tea.texas.gov/texas-educators/investigations/preliminary-criminal-history-evaluation-faqs
• All applicants with any prior or current criminal charges are encouraged to discuss their specific background with the Director of Educator Preparation Programs before enrolling in any academic program that includes a certification route.

An applicant for certification in Texas must be able to communicate, listen, read, write, and comprehend the English language sufficiently to use it easily and readily in daily communication and teaching. English language proficiency shall be evidenced by one of the following: Consult WTAMU’s university policy on language proficiency: https://www.wtamu.edu/student-support/international-student-services/Applicants/international-undergraduate-test-scores.html

• Completion of a high school diploma, undergraduate, or graduate degree at an accredited institution of higher education in the United States; or
• Verification of minimum scaled scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT) of 24 for speaking, 22 for listening, 22 for reading, and 21 for writing; (TOEFL scores must not be older than 2 years from the date of application) or
• A high school diploma, undergraduate, or graduate degree was earned at an institution of higher education in a country outside of the United States listed in TAC 230.11