December 17, 2025: Texas Educator Preparation Programs Newsletter

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Texas Education Agency

December 17, 2025

Texas Educator Preparation Programs Newsletter

dec newsletter

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


Exam Launch Overview

Exam Launch Reminders and Resources  

Year 

Exam  

Resources  

2025 

186 Special Education Specialist EC-12 

185 Deafblind EC-12 

2026 

165 Bilingual Education Spanish Supplemental 

2027 

Core Subjects Redesign,  Phase 1 

  • Core EC-6 
  • Core with Fine Arts/Health/PE 
  • Core with Special Education 

Texas Test of Educator Proficiency (T-TEP) (pending SBEC action) 

2028 

Core Subjects Redesign,   
Phase 2
 

  • Core with Bilingual Education Spanish 
  • Core with ESL 

254 ESL Supplemental 

187 Bilingual Special Education 


Educator Standards and Testing

Updates related to Educator Standards and Certification Testing  

Update: Educator Standards and SBEC Rule
TEA staff are working to remove educator standards not previously adopted by the SBEC by January 30, 2026. When adjusting or developing curriculum, programs are encouraged to refer to educator standards in SBEC rule, relevant exam frameworks, and the grade and subject area TEKS (if applicable). TEA will communicate additional updates regarding this topic in an upcoming newsletter.  


Insight to Impact Updates

Updates related to Insight to Impact 

Reminder: Kickoff Survey Results: How EPPs Engage With the I2I Dashboards   
Wondering how your peers are utilizing the Insight to Impact Dashboards? Wait no further! The 2025 Insight to Impact Kickoff Survey results are in, so you can take a behind-the-scenes look at how your EPP peers are making the most of the I2I Dashboards. 

Check out usage rates, data trends, wins, opportunities, data success stories, and more takeaways in this latest blog 

Reminder: Dashboards Sign-up Event Video Posted
For those who missed the December 4 Insight to Impact Dashboards Sign-up Event, you’re in luck. A previously recorded sign-up event video was posted for members of the EPP community who would like to learn more about the steps needed to obtain dashboard access, depending on their roles and the work they perform. 

Feel free to share this video widely with your EPP community to ensure that all who are eligible and would benefit from using dashboard data to make programmatic decisions have appropriate access. 


TEA Updates

Updates related to agency initiatives and opportunities

Reminder: Join Us for January Stakeholder Engagement 
We value your voice in shaping the future of educator preparation. Please join us to provide stakeholder feedback on Chapter 228 Educator Preparation Program requirements in support of House Bill 2 (HB2) implementation.   

Your input is essential as we work together to strengthen continuous improvement efforts. Mark your calendar and make a difference!   


FAQs

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

Q: Does an applicant need a TEA number to register for a PACT exam?  

A: Yes, applicants must have a TEA ID number to take a TX PACT. That means the applicant must have a TEAL account that is connected to the ECOS for Educators account.  

Q: Could you please clarify the specifics on the two screening instruments needed for admission of Principal and Superintendent applicants?  

A: An applicant to an EPP must participate in either an interview or other screening instrument to determine if the applicant's knowledge, experience, skills, and aptitude are appropriate for the certification sought [19 TAC §227.10(a)(8)]. Applicants to the Principal or Superintendent program must participate in two or more screens. Your EPP will decide on what the screening instruments will be [19 TAC §241.5(c) and 19 TAC §242.5(c)].  


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