Teacher Certification: Part 4—Temporary Classroom Assignment Permit

Part four of the teacher certification series focuses on the temporary classroom assignment permit (TCAP) used at the secondary level for a certified teacher assigned to teach one to four classes outside of their certification.

A TCAP can be activated for a secondary assignment in Grades 7–12 (Title 19 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §230.77). To be eligible for this permit, the teacher must be certified at the secondary level, hold an all-level certificate, or have an elementary/4–8 certificate for middle/junior high school assignment in Grades 7–8.

Additionally, 12 semester hours must be completed in the specific subject area(s) to be taught. For science or mathematics, the individual must have completed 15 semester hours. The teacher also must register for the next available content examination.

Activating a TCAP

A TCAP permit form must be completed and signed by the individual and the superintendent or authorized representative. Districts are not required to file the TCAP form with the Texas Education Agency (TEA), but documentation must be maintained in the employee’s personnel file. No fee is required.

The permit is valid for only one school year and is not renewable unless it’s issued for fewer than 90 calendar days before the last day of instruction. This permit can’t be used for special education, bilingual education, or English as a second language assignments.

For an individual not meeting TCAP semester hour requirements, or assignments exceeding four class periods, the district may request a hardship approval by sending a letter to TEA. TEA will not grant approval if a teacher has six or fewer hours in the subject area.

Flexibility

The TCAP provides district flexibility by assigning a current certified teacher to one or more class periods outside of their current certification. It is a cost-effective approach because it does not require a fee to activate and can be processed locally unless a hardship exists. Additional information may be found in the TEA resources District Permit Reminders and Which Permit Should I Choose.