Criminal History Background Check Prior to Clinical Teaching

This notification is to inform you that school districts require criminal history background clearance before anyone works in their schools. All students accepted into the PDS are required to complete a criminal history check for the district in which they are placed.

Criminal history checks may require completing district forms, online applications, and in some cases, fingerprinting. Educator Preparation Services will provide instructions for completing the criminal history check required by the school district. 

You will be notified of this required information and you will be provided the Generic Criminal History Check Authorization Form to complete prior to your clinical teaching placement.

It is important to know that felonies and even certain misdemeanors may prevent students from participating in the fieldwork required by this program.  If you have questions about what may be on your record, you may request a copy by visiting the Texas Department of Public Safety and reviewing the Criminal History Records FAQs or you may view the specific procedure for personal review here.