Texans can be proud of many things.
But this is not one of them.
It seems the number of illicit relationships between students and teachers is skyrocketing in the state.
This fiscal year, which ended the last day of August, the Texas Education Agency opened 222 investigations of teachers, the majority involving alleged improper relationships.
That's up 80 percent from just eight year ago, according to the Austin-American Statesman.
Currently, the agency has 1,110 open cases.
Why? Blame social media.
TEA Director of Investigations Doug Phillips told the Statesman that almost all cases, to some degree, involve Facebook, Snapchat or some other social media site or application.
While social media has been a boon in many areas, it also makes it a lot easier for teachers and students to carry on questionable or even unlawful relationships.
Ironically, it also makes it easier for those relationships to be exposed as every contact online leaves a trace.
Unfortunately TEA only has seven investigators to handle the caseload. That's not enough. The agency wants lawmakers to approve funding for two more investigators and an administrator.
We think that's a good use of tax dollars.
The Statesman also reported that lawmakers are working on a bill to require registered sex offenders to surrender their teaching licenses.
Frankly, we are surprised that's not already the law, but apparently there is a loophole. It should be closed. And fast. It seems every few days one reads of a teacher being arrested somewhere in the U.S. for a sexual relationship with a student. The Twin Cities haven't been spared.
And while there are some who laugh these things off-especially if the teacher is an attractive woman-these things are wrong. Flat out wrong.
The TEA should have the resources to investigate and stop these relationships. And state law should take better care of students.