June 5, 2024: Texas Educator Preparation Programs Newsletter

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Texas Education Agency

June 5, 2024

Texas Educator Preparation Programs Newsletter

students in front of school jumping

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 Adoption Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Document is Now Available
The Chapter 228 Adoption FAQ Document has been added to the Program Provider Resources page under EPP Training Events and Materials. This resource is intended to support EPPs as they begin to implement the SBEC’s newly adopted 19 TAC Chapter 228: Requirements for Educator Preparation Programs and was informed by questions provided by stakeholders. This information will be updated periodically and redistributed in this newsletter.  


Educator Preparation and Certification

Updates related to Education Preparation and Certification

New: Superintendent Certification Applications to Substitute Managerial Experience EPP Advisors, as you recommend individuals to complete the application to substitute managerial experience in lieu of the principal certification requirement to be enrolled in the superintendent certification program, please be certain to confirm that the individual has three years of experience as a district employee in the following areas: 

  • Supervising and/or appraising personnel (direct supervision or appraisal, not simply taking part in the appraisal process) 
  • Leading district-wide (not campus-wide) projects or initiatives 
  • Managing and/or creating a budget 

Also, please ensure that you are using the most recent application from the TEA website found at this link. 


FAQs

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

Q: During the admissions process, how do we calculate GPA to ensure we adhere to GPA requirements in Ch. 227? 

A: When calculating the GPA on a transcript at admission, the EPP will use the overall GPA or the GPA in the last 60 hours. If using the overall GPA, the EPP would use the overall GPA reflected on the transcript. If using the last 60 hours, the EPP would count from the most recent and work back to get the last 60 hours. Reference 19 TAC §227.10(a)(3)(A)(i-ii).  

PRO TIP: Highlight the GPA used for admission and the subject-specific content hours so it is easy for the staff who creates the admission record to locate and enter the data correctly.  

Q: Once we formally or contingently admit a candidate, are we required to retain all transcripts, even if they were not used to determine admissions GPA? 

A: Yes. All transcripts provided by the applicant are used in the admissions process and must be retained. The EPP must retain all documents that evidence a candidate’s eligibility for admission to the program and evidence of completion of program requirements for a period of five years after the candidate completes, withdraws or is discharged or released from the EPP. Reference the current records retention requirement in 19 TAC § 228.40(f). The new records retention requirement will be found in 19 TAC §228.31(i) and the requirement will be the same. 


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