FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 5, 2026
CONTACT:
Marco Guajardo, mguajardo@texasaft.org
Texas educators urge caution and transparency for new TEA Inspector General
TEA must ensure serious misconduct concerns are not conflated with political squabbling.
Austin, Texas – Yesterday, the Texas Education Agency announced a new Inspector General for Educator Misconduct position to “better respond to allegations of educator misconduct” and “provide regular policy and process guidance and recommendations” to the State Board for Education Certification (SBEC), TEA Commissioner Mike Morath, Governor Greg Abbott, and the Texas Legislature.
“We all want students to have a safe, supportive learning environment. Educators have a responsibility to protect their students from harm. When that trust is violated, it’s indefensible. We do, however, have concerns that this new position will be weaponized against educators over political differences or frivolous allegations of misconduct,” said Zeph Capo, President of Texas AFT. “We urge both TEA and IG Fuller to be transparent about the grounds for investigation and how educators’ due process rights will be protected in this process.”
For months, Texas educators have faced investigations they believe violate their First Amendment rights and have resulted in everything from written reprimands and termination to doxxing and death threats. They have legitimate cause for concern and a sound basis for re-thinking their decision to work in Texas Public Schools.
The Texas American Federation of Teachers represents 66,000 teachers, paraprofessionals, support personnel, and higher-education employees across the state. Texas AFT is affiliated with the 1.8-million-member American Federation of Teachers and the AFL-CIO.