May 17, 2024: Texas Educator Preparation Programs Newsletter

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Texas Education Agency

May 17, 2024

Texas Educator Preparation Programs Newsletter

students standing in hall

Welcome

This newsletter compiles the most up-to-date information concerning what EPPs need to know to best support their faculty/instructors, staff, and candidates. Please thoroughly read all the sections for reminders, upcoming events, To Dos, and FAQs.   

If you are not currently subscribed to the newsletter, please sign up at the link below.    

Educator Preparation Program Listserv Registration


Educator Preparation Program Support

Updates related to Educator Preparation Program Management 

New: Chapter 228 Informational Webinars are Posted  
The Approved Chapter 228 Debut Webinar & Recording and the Approved Chapter 228 Debut Webinar for Districts & Recording are now posted under EPP Training Events and Materials on the Program Provider Resources page. 

Reminder: Employment Data Set Distributed!
On Friday, May 10th, TEA distributed the data sets to EPPs that contain five years of employment data for finishers. This is our fourth year of providing this data, and we have updated it to include the 2023-2024 employment data. These data sets include TEA IDs, LEA of employment, Campus, Course Assignments, Population Served, and Pay. This data was shared through the ShareFile data locker. 

If you have questions about Sharefile, please submit a Helpdesk ticket. 


FAQs

We take this space to highlight questions that we have heard from EPPs.

Q: If our EPP exits a candidate from the EPP, are they still able to earn the degree with the university 

A: Yes, if the EPP exits a candidate, the individual may still pursue the degree without certification. The    EPP would need to also remove the candidate’s enrollment status and testing status. In case the candidate wishes to pursue certification in the future, the EPP should provide the candidate with a transfer form. Reference the current exit policy requirements in 19 TAC §228.20(h) and the new exit policy requirements effective 9/1/2024 in 19 TAC §228.31(b). 

Q: Can our Principal program admit a candidate who does not have a Standard teaching certificate? 

A: Yes, but the program must provide a written deficiency letter to the candidate identifying the missing certification requirement. A candidate may be admitted into a Principal program without a teacher certification but may not be certified as a principal without the teacher certification. Reference 19 TAC §227.10(a)(5). 


EPP Points of Contact

Your best source for information and support at the TEA.   

  • As an Educator Preparation Program, your main point of contact is your Education Specialist.   

    • View a list of EPPs and their assigned Education Specialist. 
    • For most efficient assistance, please submit a Help Desk ticket to Preparation Programs.   
    • EPPs may contact their assigned Education Specialist directly via phone or email. 
    • Candidates may call (512) 936-8400 and select Option #2: Educator Preparation and Certification for assistance.  
    • Updated: If EPPs (and candidates) would like to speak to a representative from another area(s), they may call (512) 936-8400 and select one of the options listed below. 
    • Option 2: Educator Preparation and Certification  
    • Option 3: Fingerprinting  
    • Option 6: Investigations 

    The Teal Account Access team and Educator Testing team are available through the Help Desk. Links to both teams are below. 

Help Desk Link