 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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Updates related to Educator Standards and Certification Testing
New: 2024-2025 Texas Test of Educator Proficiency (T-TEP) EPP Development Team Grant Deadline Reminders and Application Resources
The deadline to submit an application for the 2024-2025 Texas Test of Educator Proficiency (T-TEP) EPP Development Grant is quickly approaching! Interested programs should submit applications no later than Monday, March 17, 2025. This grant application can be found on the TEA Grant Opportunities page which includes relevant timelines, a recording of the grant webinar, an FAQ document, and an errata to update the Program Guidelines.
Reminder: 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.
We take this space to highlight questions that we have heard from .
Q: Can our EPP require a candidate to complete a Preliminary Criminal History Evaluation (PCHE)?
A: No, an EPP cannot require a candidate or applicant to complete a PCHE.
However, the EPP is required to notify, in writing, all applicants and candidates of their right to request a PCHE. For the complete rule text, reference 19 TAC §227.1(d).
Q; What is the consequence to the EPP if our EPP does not provide notice about the PCHE?
A: The consequence for not providing notice about the PCHE to applicants and candidates is that if the candidate is denied certification because the individual has been convicted of an offense prior to the EPP providing notice, the EPP will be required to refund the amount of any tuition paid by the individual to the EPP and pay the individual an amount equal to the total of any application fees paid by the individual and the amount of any examination fees paid by the individual to the SBEC and/or to a provider of examinations required for certification, as applicable.
An EPP is not liable for examination fees if the examination was not required to be passed to meet the admission requirements of the EPP and/or the EPP did not provide test approval for the examination.
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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