Levi Fuller (Texas Public Policy Foundation)
AUSTIN, Texas - The commissioner of the Texas Education Agency has made his appointment to the new Inspector General for Education Misconduct role.
The purpose of the new role is to act as an enforcer of policies to foster safe learning environments, following widespread investigations into Texas educators the agency calls "flawed."
TEA Inspector General
The latest:
Levi Fuller has been appointed into the new role by TEA Commissioner Mike Morath, the agency announced Wednesday. Fuller will oversee the enforcement of educator misconduct policies and processes within the agency.
Fuller will work to conduct investigations and cases, including decisions related to certification sanctions, placement on the Do Not Hire Registry, settlement decisions and case closures.
He previously served as a Chief of Staff for State Representative Andy Hopper and as an Assistant Attorney General in the office of the Attorney General of Texas.
Texas student walkouts: TEA releases new guidance outlining consequences, responsibilities
The Texas Education Agency has released new guidance regarding student walkouts and absences, as well as educator and district responsibilities.
What they're saying:
"I look forward to the impactful work Levi Fuller will do in service of our students, families and school systems," said Texas Education Commissioner, Mike Morath. "With more than a decade of experience holding bad actors accountable, Levi will help root out the flawed few that sow distrust among families and school communities while helping to restore confidence in the teaching profession."
"I know the positive impact my teachers had on my life, and I want all students in our public schools, including my own children, to have that same experience. My mandate from Commissioner Morath is to do everything in the TEA’s power to ensure a safe learning environment for all Texas students, and I intend to see that mandate fulfilled," Fuller said.
TEA teacher investigations
The backstory:
The creation of a new inspector role follows a recent influx of investigations into Texas teachers by the education agency. Notable among these were cases opened for hundreds of teachers accused of making inappropriate comments after the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.
More than 350 Texas educators were investigated by the agency in the wake of the September 2025 fatal shooting, after which a lawsuit was filed by the Texas American Federation of Teachers, on the grounds that the agency was unlawful in pursuing action against the teachers for expressing free speech.
How Charlie Kirk's death is affecting Texas education from classrooms to campuses
The Texas Education Agency is investigating Texas public school staff over social media posts about the death of Charlie Kirk, drawing sharp criticism from a major teachers' union.
Earlier in 2025, investigations were launched into hundreds of teachers accused of fraudulent teacher certification practices. According to prosecutors, many teachers were believed to have paid others to stand in for them in their certification exams, falsifying their results.
Most recently, the TEA released new guidance for handling student walkouts as many young people in Texas are starting to participate in anti-ICE protest efforts. The agency said Tuesday that teachers who facilitate walk-outs will be subject to investigation and sanction, including licensure revocation. The guidance came after Texas Gov. Greg Abbott threatened to strip school funding in response to the walk-outs.
The Source: Information in this article comes from the Texas Education Agency and previous FOX Local reporting.