�һ�������Ƶ

Ensuring Safe Hiring in �һ�������Ƶ Schools 

TEA is committed to helping schools provide safe, supportive environments where every student can thrive. One important way we do this is by guiding school districts and charter schools through the required fingerprinting process and the use of the Do Not Hire Registry.

These background checks help ensure that individuals working in schools meet high standards of safety and professionalism—so families can feel confident that their children are supported by qualified, trustworthy adults every day.

Background Check Requirements 

�һ�������Ƶ Public School Employees

To help ensure student safety, �һ�������Ƶ law requires background checks for individuals working in or around schools. 

Fingerprint-based background checks

This is a national criminal history check that uses digital fingerprints. It is required for individuals who are likely to have direct and ongoing contact with students.

The following individuals must complete a national fingerprint-based background check before starting work:

• Certified teachers and certificate applicants 
  - Standard, provisional, probationary, intern, and one-year certificates
  - Educational aide certificates 
  - Emergency permits
• Substitute teachers
• Charter school employees in teaching or professional roles 
• Non-certified staff hired on or after January 1, 2008
• Contractors who have direct student contact 

Fingerprinting is conducted through the �һ�������Ƶ Department of Public Safety’s approved vendor, IdentoGO, which has locations across the United States.

Name-based background checks

This is a state-level check using a person's name and date of birth.  It applies to individuals who are not required to be fingerprinted including:

• Non-certified staff hired before January 1, 2008
• Certain charter school employees
• Volunteers and student teachers (in some cases)

Other School-Based Roles

Shared services staff 

Employees working on a school campus or directly with students through a shared services arrangement must complete a fingerprint-based background check. 

• Staff who do not work directly with students may not be required to complete fingerprinting, but checks are encouraged. 

The Do Not Hire Registry 

Student safety is a top priority in �һ�������Ƶ. To support this commitment, the �һ�������Ƶ Legislature established the Do Not Hire Registry as part of House Bill 3. This important tool helps ensure that individuals who may pose a risk to students are not allowed to work in �һ�������Ƶ Public schools.

Before hiring any employee or contractor, �һ�������Ƶ public schools are legally required to check the Do Not Hire Registry. If a person’s name appears on the registry, they cannot be hired in any role.

About the Do Not Hire Registry 

The Do Not Hire Registry is a searchable online list of individuals who are not eligible to work in �һ�������Ƶ public schools due to serious misconduct or criminal history. Anyone can search the registry — including parents and the general public — by entering a person’s first and last name to check if they are eligible for employment in a �һ�������Ƶ school.

The registry may include:

• Non-certified individuals (such as school bus drivers, custodians, cafeteria workers, etc.) under investigation for abuse or inappropriate relationships with students.
• Individuals found ineligible for employment under �һ�������Ƶ law in public schools, charter schools, regional service centers, or shared service arrangements.
• Individuals with certain criminal convictions listed in the �һ�������Ƶ Education Code.
• Educators whose teaching certificates were revoked due to misconduct involving students.

Registry Status Definitions 

• Not Eligible for Hire: The person cannot be employed in any role at a �һ�������Ƶ public school.
• Under Investigation: The person is currently being investigated for serious allegations. A final decision has not yet been made.
• Date on Registry: Shows when the person was added to the list. The registry began on January 2, 2020.
• Approximate Age: Based on the person’s birth year.

Important Notes

• If a non-certified person has been cleared after an investigation, the registry will show: "No Records Match the Search Criteria."
• The registry does not show if a certified educator is under investigation.  To check a certified educator's status, use the .