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Texas Educator Preparation Programs Newsletter
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Welcome
“You’re always going to have those butterflies. If you don’t, then you’re not a competitor, and you’re not a player. When you lose the feeling in your stomach, that’s when you need to not do it anymore. That’s what makes it special and exciting.” - Jimbo Fisher
August always brings me butterflies. The excitement of the new, the anxiousness of the unknown, the implementation of things designed in the summer, and a fresh start with new individuals. The butterflies are what drive hard work (e.g., execution, reception, and learning that comes from a well-designed training or lesson), and to me butterflies show care. I challenge you this month to embrace the butterflies knowing that the feeling is only temporary, while the results can be life-changing.
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Our goal is for this newsletter to serve as a support by compiling the most up-to-date information concerning what you need to know that impacts your candidates in the coming weeks. Please thoroughly read all the sections for reminders, upcoming events, to dos, and FAQs.
There are no upcoming events at this time.
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New Introductory Passing Standard
(Below committee recommendation)
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School Counselor Certification
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Last day to apply and recommend for certification using #152
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Trade & Industrial Education 6-12 Certification
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Last day to apply and recommend for certification using #270
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Last day to apply and recommend for certification using #117
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Last day to apply and recommend for certification using #291
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(At committee recommendation)
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Your best source for information and support at the TEA.
As an Educator Preparation Program, your main point of contact is your Education Specialist.
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Or, EPPs (and candidates) may call (512) 936-8400 and select Option #5: Educator Preparation Programs. If an Education Specialist is not available to answer the call at that time, please leave a voicemail. An Education Specialist will promptly return the call.
If EPPs (and candidates) would like to speak to a representative from another area(s), they may submit a Help Desk Ticket or contact (512) 936-8400 and select one of the options listed below.
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Option 2: Educator Certification
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Option 3: Fingerprinting
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Option 6: Investigations
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Option 8: General Office Information
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Updates related to Accountability System for Educator Preparation (ASEP) Reporting
To assist EPPs with completing ASEP Reporting with ease, we have developed weekly reminders for those staff working on ASEP Reporting at each EPP. Each week, you will receive a reminder in this EPP Newsletter that includes timely tasks to successfully complete reporting for 2021-22 by September 15, 2022.
Week 4 ASEP Task Reminders: Remove all exiters.
If candidates exited your EPP during the 2021-2022 year, be sure that you have removed them from your Finisher Records List (FRL). Please also remember to remove their test approvals. Once ASEP closes, you will not be able to make any changes to the FRL.
ASEP Webinar and FAQs.
TEA facilitated the annual ASEP webinar on August 3, 2022. If you missed the webinar or would like to review it again, TEA will post the webinar’s recording and FAQs on the Program Provider Resources page soon.
Updates related to Educator Preparation Program Management
Virtual Observation Guidance for the 2022-2023 Academic Year
The virtual field supervision rules the SBEC took action on at the February 2022 SBEC meeting become effective as of September 1, 2022 and will be applicable for the 2022-23 academic year and onward. The item (linked here) includes the updated rule related to virtual observations. NOTE: In all cases, candidates are still required to have some observations conducted in-person.
The chart below summarizes the number of observations that can be conducted virtually by teacher preparation route.
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If EPPs Conduct Only In-Person Observations
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If EPPs Conduct In-Person and Virtual Observations
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Intern Certificate Holders
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3 in-person and 2 virtually
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28-Week Clinical Teaching
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2 in-person and 2 virtually
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Probationary Certificate Holders
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14-Week Clinical Teaching
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2 in-person and 2 virtually
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*Individuals who are seeking more than one certificate field are required to receive more observations based on the total number of certificate fields being sought.
Additional Updates to 19 TAC Ch 228, Effective September 1, 2022
Due to the upcoming implementation of updates in 19 TAC Chapter 228 that are effective September 1, 2022, we wanted to provide a reminder for EPPs to review these updates and make revisions to coursework and training as needed to meet the new requirements. The updates can be viewed in the February 2022 SBEC agenda item.
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Provide training in virtual instruction and virtual learning [19 TAC §228.30(c)(8)]
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Provide training on educating students with disabilities, which is now a component for approval [19 TAC §228.10(a)(1)(J) & §228.30(c)(9)]
Intern or Probationary Certificate Effective Date Guidance
As EPPs prepare for the upcoming academic year, TEA wanted to provide guidance regarding effective dates for Intern and Probationary certificates.
It is best practice for the effective date of the Intern or Probationary certificate to be the first date of instruction with students in the internship assignment. This allows the candidate’s assigned field supervisor to be mindful of the initial contact and observation frequency requirements set in 19 TAC Chapter 228. TEA understands that some districts and school boards may require the candidate to have an effective date on the certificate that is prior to the start of the school year. If this happens, the candidate’s EPP will need to work with the assigned field supervisor to track the date for initial contact and the observation frequency schedule to align with TAC requirements. TEA encourages EPPs and districts to work together to determine the effective date of the Intern or Probationary certificate that aligns with TAC requirements.
It should be noted that EPPs are able to issue an Intern or Probationary certificate with a future effective date. This allows the certificate to show up in the candidate’s TEA account but will not be active until the effective date identified by the EPP. This could be a great way for the district to see the Intern or Probationary certificate in the candidate’s account while still identifying the effective date as the first date of instruction with students in the internship assignment.
ECOS Account Reminder
TEA would like to remind EPPs to allow candidates to create their own educator accounts in ECOS when possible. This will help to a) ensure all candidate information is entered correctly; and b) avoid duplicate accounts for a candidate that are disruptive to the preparation process. If an EPP enters a candidate’s name, date of birth or SSN incorrectly, the candidate is required to submit a Help Desk Ticket to TEAL Access for assistance. If the candidate creates a new account using the correct information, then the two accounts will have to be merged by TEA which often delays candidates in testing and or certification. EPPs can share the Educator setup guide that includes screenshots and graphics found on the TEA’s Educator Certification Online System website with candidates to support them in creating their own account successfully.
Updates related to Educator Standards and Certification Testing
Exam Deadline Reminders
School Counselor #152 and PPR for Trade & Industrial #270 can only be used for certification through September 6, 2022. The informational one-pagers for both exams are available on the Teacher Certification Redesign webpage.
ELAR #117 can only be used for certification through October 30, 2022. The ELAR 4-8 (217) informational one-pager is available to address timelines and other frequently asked questions related to the exam launch
New: EPPs’ Role in Certification Assignment Flexibilities
As the academic year approaches, school districts are diligently working to hire educators that meet their districts’ needs. Although the hiring flexibilities primarily fall within the purview of the school district, EPPs may have a role in supporting their EPP candidates and partnering school districts.
Listed below are frequently asked questions TEA has received from EPPs regarding certification assignment flexibilities. NOTE: These flexibilities are not applicable for special education, bilingual, or ESL assignments due to federal requirements and state statutes.
Teacher Certification Waiver
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Does the EPP have any responsibilities for their EPP candidate who is working in a district on a certification waiver?
- Yes, the EPP should provide preparation (e.g., test preparation) and work with their partnering school district to encourage the candidate to finish the program requirements (e.g., pass required exams) to qualify for an SBEC-issued credential as quickly as possible since the activities and service on a certificate waiver do not count towards completion of EPP preparation and certification requirements. The moment the candidate can qualify for an SBEC-approved credential (e.g., Intern certificate), the EPP must recommend the candidate for the credential.
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For an EPP candidate who has been issued an SBEC-approved certificate (i.e., Intern or Probationary), can they qualify for a teacher certification waiver?
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Yes, a certification waiver could be issued to a candidate who is enrolled in an EPP on an Intern or Probationary certificate; however, prior to considering approval of the request, TEA staff would seek additional information to determine why the assignment cannot be covered with an SBEC-issued credential (e.g., EPP candidate is needed to teach in an area outside of those approved by the EPP).
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How long may an individual be employed as a teacher on a certification waiver?
- The educator may serve on a certification waiver for up to 3 years. The certification waiver must first be approved by the local board of trustees, and the district must apply for and request each certification waiver based on their district’s needs (i.e., needs in teaching assignments and other teaching assignments), and the Commissioner must approve each request before serving on a certificate waiver.
SBEC-Approved Emergency Permits
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Who may serve on an emergency permit?
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Aspiring educators who have a conferred bachelor's degree (or higher degree) or educators who are certified in another classroom teaching area, may serve on the SBEC-approved emergency permit. NOTE: Educators already certified as a classroom teacher and serving on the emergency permit must be registered for the requisite teaching assignment’s exam at its next administration date.
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What is the EPP’s role to support their EPP candidates for the SBEC-Approved Emergency Permit?
- The EPP may complete the Statement of Eligibility (SOE), indicating what the EPP candidate is qualified to teach. Once the district has received the SOE from the EPP, this should be sufficient in completing the emergency permit request. NOTE: The requirement to be registered for the next testing date (as noted in the FAQ above) is specific to individuals who are already certified as a classroom teacher and only need to pass exams to qualify for issuance of a new certificate area.
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Where can I find more information about emergency permits?
School District Teaching Permit
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What should an EPP know about the school district teaching permit?
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There are two types of school district teaching permits (SDTPs). The Noncore Academic CTE SDTP is used by districts to notify the commissioner of education about the placement of an individual into CTE course assignments that are not eligible to satisfy foundation graduation credit in mathematics, science, language arts, or social studies. This process is vetted by the superintendent and local board of trustees, and by provisions in statute (TEC 21.055), there is no approval needed by the commissioner of education. The SDTP for Other Than Noncore Academic CTE teaching assignments does require commissioner of educator review and approval for individuals to teach core subject area course. This process must also be vetted by the superintendent and local board of trustees prior to submitting a completed application to TEA. The school district teaching permit once issued, and regardless of type, is valid for the duration that the individual remains employed and in good standing with the district.
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Most school district teaching permits requested are for noncore academic CTE assignments and do not require commissioner approval. TEA strongly discourages utilizing school district teaching permits as data indicates that candidates do not complete requirements for an SBEC-approved certificate. NOTE: Certified educators are not eligible for issuance of a school district teaching permit. More information about school district teaching permits can be found on the page, School District Teaching Permits | Texas Education Agency.
Districts of Innovation Plan
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What should an EPP know about the District of Innovations’ (DOI) Plans?
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A school district develops their DOI plan based on their districts’ needs that will support their ability to hire hard-to-fill teaching assignments. Districts work with their legal counsel and local school board to develop, amend, and approve the districts’ DOI plans. Districts are required to notify TEA of their plans, but TEA does not have the authority to approve or reject the plans. More information about DOIs can be found on the page, Districts of Innovation.
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May an EPP support their EPP candidate who is teaching in a DOI?
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Yes. There is nothing in TAC that would prohibit an EPP from supporting their EPP candidate (e.g., supervising, coaching) who is teaching in a DOI. It should be noted though that the activities and service in a DOI do not count towards a candidate’s completion of EPP requirements.
In each newsletter, we aim to celebrate the great work from EPPs around Texas.
Reminder: Do you know of exemplar educator preparation work happening in Texas? We want to spotlight this excellent work in our great state! If you would like to nominate your EPP or another EPP you’ve worked with, please complete and submit the Program Spotlight Nomination Form. If you have any questions, please reach out to Kelly Torrey (Kelly.Torrey@tea.texas.gov) or your Education Specialist.
Every newsletter we take this space to highlight questions that we have heard from EPPs.
Q: What is our EPP required to report for observations? Can we report initial contact and informal walkthroughs?
A: EPPs are required to report formal observations only. During the formal observation, the assigned field supervisor identifies educational practices and progress towards mastery of the education standards related to the certification sought. See TAC Chapter 228 for the observation requirement for teacher and non-teacher candidates. Initial contact is not formatted like a formal observation and would not allow the assigned field supervisor to observe the candidate as required.
Q: Does TEA have updates to the cosmetology license issue?
A: The cosmetology instructor license issued by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) was eliminated during the 2021 legislative session. TEA addressed this change in TDLR licensing as part of proposed changes to the Chapter 231 assignment rules for 231.469. Cosmetology, Grades 9-12. The assignment rules became effective July 21, 2022, and now require a valid Cosmetology Operator license or Class A Barber Operator license.
We anticipate proposing similar updates to the licensure reference for a cosmetology teacher included in 233.14 of SBEC’s rules, Chapter 233, Categories of Classroom Teacher Certificates. TEA staff will present a Chapter 233 discussion item at the September 30, 2022, SBEC meeting, and will continue to provide relevant updates as we navigate that rulemaking process.
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Lesson Study Gateway Resources
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Practice based preparation resources for virtual field-based experience: Provides model lessons and video of instructional delivery.
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Texas Teach Like a Champion (TLAC)
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Practice based preparation resources for virtual field-based experience: Provides content neutral pedagogical skill building through observing a model of and practicing the same high leverage skill.
Texas TLAC One Pager for EPPs
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PASL Videos
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TEA
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TEALearn has a new dyslexia training, TEA Dyslexia, that has been made available (at no cost) to candidates who are seeking an initial certification for all certification classes. Information about the training and how to enroll can be found on the TEA Learn platform. NOTE: For candidates who have not yet been issued an intern, probationary, or standard certificate, please follow the steps noted on the webpage, Dyslexia Requirements for Educator Preparation Programs, to enroll in the course.
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Information and updates regarding the Performance Assessment for School Leaders (PASL) can be accessed at the Important Updates link.
Updated information related to the COVID-19 response can be accessed here.
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The Texas Education Agency will improve outcomes for all public school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems.
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