 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
|
|
|
|
|
|
Building context on PREP Kickoff for LEAs and EPP partners.
|
Wednesday,
February 18, 2026
9:00 - 11:00 AM CST
|
Exam Launch Reminders and Resources
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
186 Special Education Specialist EC-12
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
165 Bilingual Education Spanish Supplemental
|
|
|
|
Core Subjects Redesign, Phase 1
-
Core with Fine Arts/Health/PE
-
Core with Special Education
|
|
Texas Test of Educator Proficiency (T-TEP) (pending SBEC action)
|
|
|
|
Core Subjects Redesign,
Phase 2
-
Core with Bilingual Education Spanish
|
|
|
|
|
187 Bilingual Special Education
|
|
Updates related to Educator Preparation Program Management
New: PREP Kickoff Webinar
Districts participating in the PREP Program Allotment have been contacted with their award amounts. In preparation for the kickoff of the PREP Program, TEA staff will be hosting a Kickoff Webinar on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, from 9:00- 11:00 AM CST. Information regarding the PREP Program and EPP roles will be discussed during the webinar. It is strongly encouraged that EPPs who will be partnering with PREP-eligible LEAs register and attend this kickoff webinar. (Note: due to the large number of participants anticipated for this event, a new link may be needed)
Reminder: EPP Interactive Map
The EPP interactive map has been redesigned, transitioning from ArcGIS to Power BI to deliver an improved user experience and more intuitive navigation. The EPP map is now available on the TEA website, and is linked from several TEA webpages, including the Consumer Information About EPPs webpage.
The updated map has also been reworked and divided into three dedicated views, each offering a clearer, more focused view of the information it presents. The 3 pages are: EPP Map Explorer, Teacher Preparation and Employment, and EPP Overview. We appreciate the feedback from the field that helped to shape this new version.
Updates related to actions by the State Board for Educator Certification, the State Board of Education, and the Legislature.
New: Website Update: Approved Districts Delaying Teacher Certification Requirements
Information regarding districts approved to delay implementation of teacher certification requirements for foundation curriculum courses until the beginning of the 2029-2030 academic year is now available on the Certification | Texas Education Agency webpage. This webpage includes an alphabetical list of approved districts, along with links to each district’s locally approved transition plan. District staff interested in reviewing examples of plans approved in other districts may visit these links to see how they are approaching their transition to full certification by the statutory deadline.
Updates related to Insight to Impact
Reminder: Data Day Training Materials Posted
On Thursday, January 29, the I2I Dashboards Team hosted our latest training session and interactive panel on creating and implementing a “Data Day.”
Teach Us Executive Director of Academic Programs Dr. Lecia Eubanks, Lone Star College’s Executive Director of Education Preparation Rebecca Saiz, and Sam Houston State University’s Associate Dean for Academic Assessment & Accountability Dr. Casey Brown provided their respective insights on what a Data Day is, how it can help faculty and staff become more comfortable with using this type of data, best practices for planning the day, how the I2I dashboards can be a key support, and potential positive outcomes. 87 EPP staff members attended the training session.
For those who missed the event, the I2I Dashboards Team has you covered. EPP community members interested in learning how they can host a Data Day at their respective organizations can check out the recorded event video.
In addition, you can review this takeaway document, complete with questions, answers, and a transcription of the training session.
We take this space to highlight questions that we have heard from .
Q: Does the clock reset on the internship if the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR) exam (#160) is not passed during the same year?
A: No, there is no “reset” on the internship. An Intern certificate is valid for one 12-month period from the date of issuance, and the internship must be a full school year in duration. To qualify for a Standard certificate following a successful internship, the candidate must have a passing score on the PPR. If the candidate must have an extension of the internship for one of the reasons identified in 19 TAC §228.73(f), then a passing score on the PPR is required for issuance of a Probationary certificate [19 TAC §230.36 and 19 TAC §230.37].
Q: Where can I find the test redesign page?
A: Information on redesigned exams, including deadlines to apply for certification, can be found on TEA’s Educator Testing page. The information is also located on the Program Provider Resources page under the Educator Testing section.
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.
-
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
|
