 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
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Topic
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Description
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Event Date & Time
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Data Day Training
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This training will delve into the creation of a Data Day, exploring what it is, how it can help, the planning behind one, how the I2I dashboards can assist, and potential positive outcomes.
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Thursday, January 29, 2026
3:00 – 4:00 PM CST
via ZOOM
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Exam Launch Reminders and Resources
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186 Special Education Specialist EC-12
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165 Bilingual Education Spanish Supplemental
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Core Subjects Redesign, Phase 1
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Core with Fine Arts/Health/PE
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Core with Special Education
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Texas Test of Educator Proficiency (T-TEP) (pending SBEC action)
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Core Subjects Redesign,
Phase 2
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Core with Bilingual Education Spanish
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187 Bilingual Special Education
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Updates related to Educator Preparation Program Management
New: Education Specialists Assignments
The Education Specialist Assignments posted on the Program Provider Resources page have been updated effective January 1, 2026. Please review the list to see who your assigned Education Specialist is. We look forward to meeting and working with our new assigned EPP staff!
New: EPP Interactive Map
TEA is currently experiencing a technical issue affecting the EPP map published on the TEA website. Our team is actively working to resolve the problem and restore full functionality as quickly as possible. Please stay tuned for further updates, which will be shared as soon as more information becomes available. Meanwhile, users can access a data file published on the Consumer Information About EPPs page to learn more about the approved EPPs in Texas. We appreciate your patience and understanding.
Updates related to Educator Standards and Certification Testing
Reminder: 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.
Updates related to Insight to Impact
New: EPP Spotlight: I2I Dashboards Spark Sul Ross State’s Deeper Data Dive
Education Preparation Programs throughout the state are at various stages in their use of the Insight to Impact Dashboards. Dean of Education at Sul Ross State University, Kevin Badgett, is just at the genesis of his team’s incorporation of I2I, but he has already witnessed its benefits. Learn more about his team’s dip into the I2I waters in the latest EPP Spotlight.
New: I2I Dashboards Team to Host Data Day Training
On Thursday, January 29, from 3-4 p.m. CT, the I2I Dashboards Team will host its latest training session to help improve data comprehension, analysis, and application at EPPs. This training will dive into the creation of Data Day: what it is, how it can help, the planning behind one, how the dashboards can assist, and potential positive outcomes.
Facilitated by the I2I Dashboards Team and featuring EPP leaders as panelists, this session’s goals are to offer another learning opportunity and help create a supportive community where EPPs can routinely share and tackle problems, provide insights and solutions, and receive value and benefits from the data.
Register here and feel free to share this invitation widely with your EPP community to ensure that all who use the dashboard data have the opportunity to benefit.
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!
We take this space to highlight questions that we have heard from .
Q: Will you 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 programs 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)].
Q: Can the application be one of the screeners for principals?
A: No. 19 TAC §227.10(a)(8) states that applicants must submit an application AND participate in a screen (or two or more screens if they are applying for a Principal or Superintendent program). The screen(s) are in addition to the EPP’s application.
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 Education Specialist Assignments.
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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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