 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
Topic
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Description
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Event Date & Time
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Understanding Research-Based Instructional Strategies (RBIS)
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This is a repeat session from January. We 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, tailored specifically for leaders and Deans of Educator Preparation Programs.
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). Together, RBIS and HQIM empower educators to deliver on-grade-level instruction that benefits every student at every level.
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Date: February 21, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM CST
Register here: ZOOM
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Updates related to Educator Preparation Program Management
New: Teacher Residencies in Texas Website NOW LIVE
The new Teacher Residencies in Texas website is now live. This is a great resource for LEAs and Partners, Educator Preparation Programs, and interested potential Teacher Candidates. The most recent information about the SBEC approved TTRPR programs is listed on the site as well as important information for prospective EPPs interested in offering the route. https://tea.texas.gov/texas-educators/teacher-residencies-in-texas
Reminder: Insight to Impact Academy – New Videos
New videos for the Insight to Impact Dashboards are now available on the Insight to Impact Academy website. These videos provide guidance on basic dashboard features as well as how to use support materials.
Reminder: EPP Map
The quarterly update to the interactive approved EPPs map on the TEA website is complete. Thank you to those EPPs who submitted update requests. Please review the information on the map and notify TEA if any changes are needed. Changes will be made in the next quarterly update.
Reminder: Creating Clinical Experience Records and Entering Observations
If your EPP has not started creating clinical experience records (CER) and observation records completed during the fall semester into ECOS, now is a good time to start completing that task. In mid-March, TEA will be running the mid-year reports for CERs and observations. If you have no data entered, there will be no information in these reports. TEA will be uploading mid-year data to the ShareFile in late March or early April for each EPP. The Legal Authority or Primary Point of Contact will be informed via email when data has been loaded along with instructions on how to access their data.
If you need assistance with how to upload observations and create CER, please first reference the 2024-2025 Technical Manual located on the Program Provider Resources page under Forms and Documents. Pages 31-47 contain guidance on how to do so. If you still need assistance, please contact your Assigned Education Specialist. We are available to assist you by phone, TEAMS call, Help Desk, or via email. We are happy to help!
Updates related to Educator Standards and Certification Testing
New: 186 Special Education Specialist EC-12 Application Process Requirement Reminder
Thank you again to those programs who attended one of four 186 Special Education Specialist EC-12 Framework Overview and Application Process webinars in the Fall 2024 semester. As we approach the September 2025 launch of the redesigned 186 Special Education Specialist EC-12 exam and aligned certificate, we are sharing application process reminders for programs looking to either continue or begin certifying candidates in special education.
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Programs who currently offer the Special Education EC-12 or Special Education Supplemental certificates will need to meet the following requirements to offer the new Special Education Specialist EC-12 certificate and approve candidates for the aligned exam:
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Attend (or view the recording of) the Special Education Specialist Framework Overview and Application Process Webinar and submit the webinar exit ticket.
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Complete and submit a modified application (program amendment request).
- There is no fee for this application.
- Please contact your Education Specialist for application materials and additional information.
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Programs who do not currently offer the current Special Education EC-12 or Special Education Supplemental certificates will need to meet the following requirements to offer the new Special Education Specialist EC-12 certificate and approve candidates for the aligned exam:
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Attend (or view the recording of) the Special Education Specialist Framework Overview and Application Process Webinar and submit the webinar exit ticket.
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Complete and submit an application for a new certification field.
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Must have an accreditation status of Accredited.
- There is a $500 fee for this application.
- Please contact your Education Specialist for application materials and additional information.
Please visit the Educator Testing site for additional 186 Special Education Specialist EC-12 resources.
Reminder: 2024-2025 Texas Test of Educator Proficiency (T-TEP) EPP Development Team Grant Webinar and FAQ Now Available
We are excited to announce that the 2024-2025 Texas Test of Educator Proficiency (T-TEP) EPP Development Team Grant webinar and FAQ are now available. Please visit the TEA Grant Opportunities webpage for additional information.
We take this space to highlight questions that we have heard from .
Q: Can my EPP enter observations before a candidate in an internship has an intern or probationary certificate?
Q: Are non-teacher candidates required to have observations uploaded into ECOS?
A: Yes. All candidates completing a clinical experience must have a clinical experience record with observations. In addition to teacher candidates, this includes candidates seeking principal, superintendent, school counselor, reading specialist, educational diagnostician, and school librarian certification.
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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