 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.
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Educator Preparation Program Listserv Registration
The 186 Special Education Specialist EC-12 Framework Overview and Application Process Webinar will guide programs through an overview of the updated Special Education Specialist EC-12 exam framework, closely examine program application requirements and timeline, and provide programs an opportunity to exchange resources and discuss course/curriculum problems of practice. TEA staff will facilitate this webinar several times throughout the Fall semester. Programs are encouraged to attend the webinar that best suits their availability. We strongly encourage those faculty or staff who
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Topic
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Description
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Event Date & Time
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EPP Support Webinar: Revised Classroom Teacher Pedagogy Standards
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EPPS have the opportunity to learn about the revised Classroom Teacher Pedagogy Standards currently being considered
by the SBEC.
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Webinar Alert for Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs): Understanding Research-Based Instructional Strategies (RBIS)
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Join TEA for an engaging webinar designed specifically for Educator Preparation Programs! This session will focus on Research-Based Instructional Strategies (RBIS) and their critical role in ensuring equitable, on-grade-level instructional opportunities for all students across Texas classrooms. This webinar is an excellent opportunity for all EPP staff to gain a high-level understanding of RBIS and their synergy with High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM).
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Wednesday,
January 22, 2025
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Updates related to Educator Preparation Program Management
New: For TTRPR Approved Programs
The team has uploaded the recording of the new ECOS functions for the Texas Teacher Residency Preparation Route (TTRPR) webinar. Here is the link: Residency Webinar and the slide deck. All should be “live” to go ahead and start working in ECOS for admitting and enrolling residency candidates.
New: ECOS Pass Rates Data Update
As of January 6th, the pass rates displayed in ECOS for 2024-2025 include the edTPA results in the pedagogy tests calculations. If your EPP prepares candidates who complete the edTPA, you may now click into any group to review results.
Reminder: Updated 2024-2025 Technical Manual Now Posted
The 2024-2025 Technical Manual was updated on 12/12/2024 to reflect information and guidance related to the Residency route to certification. The updated 2024-2025 Technical Manual is posted on the Program Provider Resources page under Forms and Documents.
Updates related to agency initiatives and opportunities
New: 2025-2027 Texas Strategic Staffing Grant Reminders
We would like to provide some reminders about the 2025-2027 Texas Strategic Staffing Grant to LEAs. This grant supports district and EPP partnerships to develop sustainable, paid yearlong teacher residencies.
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In order to be eligible to apply for the grant, the LEA must partner with an EPP that has been approved or has submitted an application to offer the Texas Teacher Residency Preparation Route. Any EPP that applied by the December 2024 deadline is an eligible partner.
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If partnering with a new district, please note that the EPP would not need to place residents in the district until the 2026-2027 school year. Among other supports, the grant provides funds for the district to obtain contracted services with the EPP to support field supervisor work in 2026-2027.
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Webinar #2 will take place on February 6th at 9:00am CST. Register here. Questions for the webinar should be submitted by February 4th.
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Questions can be submitted to william.sea@tea.texas.gov. Questions cannot be answered individually and will be added to a FAQ. You can also view FAQ #1 here.
We take this space to highlight questions that we have heard from .
Q: Our EPP tried to back-date a standard certificate to the start of the academic year in September 2024, but the Educator Certification Online System (ECOS) did not allow it. Why did the system not allow it?
A: The system will not allow a certificate to be back-dated more than 60 calendar days. A certificate shall not become effective more than 60 calendar days before TEA staff receives the application and may not precede the date all certification, degree, and examination requirements are met. There is a system validation that will cause an error message if the requirements completed are more than 60 days from when the certificate is to be effective. Reference 19 TAC §230.97(a)(3).
Q: Can our EPP recommend a certificate before all requirements are met?
A: No, the EPP cannot recommend a certificate before all requirements are met. The EPP must verify that the candidate who has applied for a certificate has met all certification requirements before making the recommendation. The EPP will want to verify the following:
In ECOS, verify that all exams have been passed & reported in the educator account;
Confirm that the correct application and fee have been submitted online by the educator; and
Confirm that the appropriate degree has been conferred and the degree conferred date precedes the certificate issuance.
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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View a list of EPPs and their assigned Education Specialist.
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For most efficient assistance, please submit a Help Desk ticket to Preparation Programs.
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EPPs may contact their assigned Education Specialist directly via phone or email.
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Candidates may call (512) 936-8400 and select Option #2: Educator Preparation and Certification for assistance.
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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.
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Option 2: Educator Preparation and Certification
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Option 3: Fingerprinting
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Option 6: Investigations
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