Chaplains could be in Texas public schools this fall under new bill
Lawmakers in Texas have passed a bill that could allow chaplains to work in public schools as soon as the 2023-24 academic year.
Texas House members passed Senate Bill 763 on Monday which will permit school districts to hire chaplains. Unlike school counselors in the state who must have master’s degrees and two years of classroom teaching experience, the chaplains are not required to be certified by the State Board for Educator Certification.
Chaplains, however, must pass a background check, be endorsed by a religious organization and must have some training to meet the Department of Defense chaplain standards.
A chaplain is a certified clergy member who offers spiritual support typically in non-religious settings outside of a church. A school chaplain may be available to counsel and guide students and staff. A chaplain may even lead a prayer, a service, or even teach classes depending on the school.
USA TODAY