Forensics in the Classroom School Educator

The Forensics in the Classroom School Educator Certificate is designed to give graduates a recognized credential that can translate into greater recognition within the teaching field for expertise in forensics content. After completing the required courses offered through the Texas Forensic Science Academy graduates will have a foundational understanding of forensics topics and how to to teach crime scene processes and field skills in conjunction with laboratory practices.

Required Courses

Once all TEEX courses have been completed, applicants should confirm they meet all certificate requirements using the Forensics in the Classroom School Educator Application and return it to the TEEX Law Enforcement & Protective Services division. Eligibility of each candidate will be reviewed and email notification of decision will be sent.

Effective September 1, 2024, the unit price fee for the standard certificate will increase from $37 to $50. This fee change will apply for all applications received on or after this date.

Note: All courses must be taken within seven (7) years of the date of the application. Only one course from another provider will be accepted if the curriculum and hours match TEEX curriculum. To submit training for TEEX course equivalency review/consideration, please submit the following:

  1. Copy of the course syllabus
  2. Copy of the certificate of completion
  3. Details of the training event
    • Dates of training
    • Format of training (in person, online, webinar, other)

TEEX’s approval decision is based on equivalency of course content, activities, and duration. TEEX will review your course equivalency request and make a determination on a case-by-case basis; additional information may be required from you.

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Category Course # Course Title Description
Forensics in the Classroom School Educator FSA105 Basic Criminal Investigation
This course prepares participants for their transition from a traditional patrol/traffic function to an investigative position, such as a detective. The Basic Criminal Investigation course is also appropriate for those agencies that require officers to perform both patrol and investigative functions. From the initial response to case prosecution, officers will learn how to manage a wide variety of common criminal investigations. Emphasis is placed on preparation of affidavits, procurement and execution of search and arrest warrants, interview and interrogation procedures, and rules governing the collection and preservation of evidence. Additionally, participants will learn case preparation techniques and unique aspects of special topic investigations, such as narcotics, property crimes, and crimes against persons.
This course meets Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements Texas Forensic Science Academy Basic Criminal Investigation Course #40051.
Participant Testimonials:”I am so much more confident in the ability to do my job after taking this course.””Both a new investigator and a seasoned investigator could benefit from this class.” Show less
This course prepares participants for their transition from a traditional patrol/traffic function to an investigative position, such as a detective. The Basic Criminal Investigation course is also appropriate for those agencies that require officers to perform both patrol and investigative…
Show more
 Face-to-Face LAW Learn More about Basic Criminal Investigation
Forensics in the Classroom School Educator FSA110 Death Investigation
From the moment a human body is discovered, there are many potential causes, factors, and circumstances that must be considered in completing a thorough criminal investigation and potential prosecution. This course addresses the procedures for conducting investigations of various types of human death and the investigator’s role throughout the investigative process.
This course meets Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements Texas Forensic Science Academy Death Investigation Course #40059.
Participant Testimonials:”The objectives are realistic for an investigator without any death investigation training.””I think that regardless of one’s training this course can benefit any death investigator. Very applicable to our job as detectives.” Show less
From the moment a human body is discovered, there are many potential causes, factors, and circumstances that must be considered in completing a thorough criminal investigation and potential prosecution. This course addresses the procedures for conducting investigations of various types of…
Show more
 Face-to-Face LAW Learn More about Death Investigation
Forensics in the Classroom School Educator FSA114 Death Investigation (Online)
From the moment a human body is discovered, there are many potential causes, factors, and circumstances that must be considered in completing a thorough criminal investigation and potential prosecution.  This online course addresses the procedures for conducting investigations of various types of human death and the investigator’s role throughout the investigative process.
This course meets the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements Texas Forensic Science Academy Death Investigation Course #40059.
Participant Testimonials:”I was recently promoted to investigations and this course will definitely make me more capable of doing my job.””Course material was good and I would really recommend this course to any police officers whether they are new officers or veterans.” Show less
From the moment a human body is discovered, there are many potential causes, factors, and circumstances that must be considered in completing a thorough criminal investigation and potential prosecution.  This online course addresses the procedures for conducting investigations of various…
Show more
 Online LAW Learn More about Death Investigation (Online)
Forensics in the Classroom School Educator FSA115 Foundations of Fingerprint Comparison
Identification of suspects through fingerprint comparison is critical for many investigators. This online course teaches participants the fundamental principles of fingerprint comparison while guiding them through the ACE-V Methodology (Analysis, Comparison, Evaluation, and Verification). Participants will be provided with the history and science of fingerprint analysis and comparison while simulating the role of an expert witness in court.
This course meets Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements for Texas Forensic Science Academy Foundations of Fingerprint Comparison course #40063. Show less
Identification of suspects through fingerprint comparison is critical for many investigators. This online course teaches participants the fundamental principles of fingerprint comparison while guiding them through the ACE-V Methodology (Analysis, Comparison, Evaluation, and Verification)….
Show more
 Online LAW Learn More about Foundations of Fingerprint Comparison
Forensics in the Classroom School Educator FSA116 Foundations of Forensic Photography
Photography is a critical element in the documentation of criminal investigations. This online course addresses the basic concepts of photography and their application to professional investigative documentation. For the final project, participants have the opportunity to capture photographs at a simulated crime scene, acting in the traditional role of an investigator for the case.
This course meets Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements for Texas Forensic Science Academy Foundations of Forensic Photography course #667369. Show less
Photography is a critical element in the documentation of criminal investigations. This online course addresses the basic concepts of photography and their application to professional investigative documentation. For the final project, participants have the opportunity to capture photographs…
Show more
 Online LAW Learn More about Foundations of Forensic Photography
Forensics in the Classroom School Educator FSA118 Foundations of Courtroom Testimony
Those who conduct investigations or deal with evidence are expected to testify as expert witnesses. This means they must establish credibility the moment they enter the courtroom and proceed to the witness stand to present their testimony. This online course provides participants with an understanding of the basic factors that create effective courtroom testimony.This course meets Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements for Texas Forensic Science Academy Courtroom Testimony course #40065.This online course, along with the 24-hour Face-to-Face FSA119 Courtroom Testimony Practical Applications, will meet the 40-hour Courtroom Testimony requirement for multiple Texas Forensic Science Academy Certificate Programs. Show less
Those who conduct investigations or deal with evidence are expected to testify as expert witnesses. This means they must establish credibility the moment they enter the courtroom and proceed to the witness stand to present their testimony. This online course provides participants with an…
Show more
 Online LAW Learn More about Foundations of Courtroom Testimony
Forensics in the Classroom School Educator FSA250 Crime Scene Processes & Field Skills – Phase I
This unique course developed for forensic and criminal justice educators provides participants with a hands-on, application-driven training event that presents new skills to less experienced educators and enhances the skills of the more experienced. Instruction will be on the core concepts and methodologies utilized at a crime scene to include taking crime scene progression photographs, generating a crime scene sketch, collecting, packaging, and documenting evidence, collecting, comparing, and processing fingerprints, and handling bloodstains at a scene. Skills demonstration, coupled with discussion and implementation strategies for the K-12 classroom facilitation of activities, provides participants with the most current field-based methodologies to best incorporate the concepts within their classroom. This professional development opportunity aligns with TEKS objectives. This course meets Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements for Texas Forensic Science Academy TEEX Crime Scene Processes & Field Skills – Phase I #78050. Show less
This unique course developed for forensic and criminal justice educators provides participants with a hands-on, application-driven training event that presents new skills to less experienced educators and enhances the skills of the more experienced. Instruction will be on the core concepts and…
Show more
 Face-to-Face LAW Learn More about Crime Scene Processes & Field Skills – Phase I
Forensics in the Classroom School Educator FSA251 Crime Scene Processes & Field Skills – Phase II
This unique course developed for forensic and criminal justice educators provides participants with a hands-on, application-driven training event that expands upon the concepts learned in Crime Scene Processes and Field Skills Phase I. Instruction will be on the progressively more advanced concepts and methodologies utilized at a crime scene to include advanced photography concepts to include low light and laser photography, advanced print processing techniques, handling difficult, adhesive, and textured surfaces, how to build a mock crime scene, and how students should work through and be evaluated on their performance working through the scene. Skills demonstration, coupled with discussion and implementation strategies for the K-12 classroom facilitation of activities, provides participants with the most current field-based methodologies to best incorporate the concepts within their classroom.. This professional development opportunity aligns with TEKS objectives. This course meets Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements for Texas Forensic Science Academy TEEX Crime Scene Processes & Field Skills – Phase II #77999. Show less
This unique course developed for forensic and criminal justice educators provides participants with a hands-on, application-driven training event that expands upon the concepts learned in Crime Scene Processes and Field Skills Phase I. Instruction will be on the progressively more advanced…
Show more
 Face-to-Face LAW Learn More about Crime Scene Processes & Field Skills – Phase II