Teacher contracts are governed by Chapter 21 of the Texas Education Code. The definition of “teacher” for purposes of Chapter 21 is a principal, supervisor, classroom teacher, counselor or other full-time professional employee who is required to hold a certificate issued by the State Board for Educator Certification (as well as educational diagnosticians and nurses). The Texas Education Code provides for three basic types of teacher contracts: probationary, continuing and term.

Resignation deadline

Be aware: Districts of Innovation may have earlier resignation deadlines

What happens if I resign now?

Understanding resignations for a promotion

TCTA's Take on Contracts and Resignations

TCTA staff attorneys Dohn Larson and Julie Leahy review SBEC's new rules (adopted in March 2022) regarding sanctions for contract abandonment in this 9-part video series.

The videos below are for information only and are NOT a substitute for legal advice. TCTA members with questions about resignation or other job-related issues should call the Legal Department at 888-879-8282 to speak with a staff attorney.

Part 1: Introduction to SBEC's Rules

Dohn Larson provides an overview of the State Board for Educator Certification's role in determining sanctions for educators who abandon contracts.

Part 2: Why the Law and Rules Changed

Julie Leahy reviews how legislation passed in 2021 required SBEC to change its rules regarding sanctions for contract abandonment.

Part 3: Good Cause to Resign

Dohn Larson reviews what constitutes "good cause" for an educator to resign fewer than 30 days before the first day of instruction or during the school year.

Part 4: Understanding Mitigation

Julie Leahy explains mitigation and how certain factors may reduce the sanction an educator faces if their school district files a contract abandonment complaint with TEA.

Part 5: Mitigating Factors

Dohn Larson reviews the existing mitigating factors, three new mitigating factors and a catch-all SBEC now considers in contract abandonment cases.

Part 6: Working Conditions vs. Physical Danger

Julie Leahy reviews the new mitigating factor of physical harm and how it may apply in contract abandonment cases.

Part 7: Timing of Good Cause and Mitigation, and Why Documentation Matters

Dohn Larson explains how good cause and mitigating factors only apply in situations that arise after an educator signs a contract. He also reviews how documentation can impact SBEC's decision-making.

Part 8: District Report of Abandonment

Julie Leahy reviews the process when a school district files a complaint with TEA against an educator for contract abandonment.

Part 9: Summary and Hypothetical Situations

Dohn Larson and Julie Leahy answer some frequently asked questions, providing examples of how good cause and mitigating factors may come into play when SBEC considers sanctions for contract abandonment.

Contracts & Resignations