 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
Updates related to Educator Preparation Program Management
Reminder: 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
Updates related to Educator Standards and Certification Testing
New: 185 Deafblind EC-12 and 186 Special Education Specialist EC-12 Exam in Focus Webinars
In advance of the September 2025 launch of the 185 Deafblind EC-12 and 186 Special Education Specialist EC-12 exams, Pearson will host two 90-minute webinars (one for each exam) in March 2025. The webinars will give an in-depth look into the development, structure, and scoring of the assessments. They will be recorded and posted for those who cannot attend. Register below for one or both sessions.
Reminder: 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.
We take this space to highlight questions that we have heard from .
Q: Must my EPP field supervisors provide informal observations and coaching to all candidates?
Q: Can multiple staff members provide informal observations and coaching?
A: Yes. Per 19 TAC §228.101(b)(1), any of the field supervisors qualified and trained to support candidates in a specific certificate class may conduct field supervision for a given candidate, including conducting informal observations for candidates in that class. The EPP may assign multiple field supervisors to support a candidate. There is no rule in place that requires the EPP to assign only one field supervisor to a candidate.
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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