 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.
You may subscribe to the newsletter or access previous editions
using the links below:
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Topic
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Description
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Event Date & Time
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English as a Second Language Framework Overview Webinar
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The 254 ESL Supplemental EC-12 Exam Framework Overview Webinar will guide programs through an overview of the redesigned ESL Supplemental EC-12 Exam Framework.
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1:00 PM – 3:00 PM CST
via ZOOM
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Join PREP Office Hours for support with key implementation tasks, including:
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ECOS data entry support for Spring 2027 start dates
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General PREP implementation questions
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Wednesday, October 21, 2026, 2:00 – 3:00 PM
Wednesday, November 18, 2026, 2:00 – 3:00 PM
Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 2:00 – 3:00 PM
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LASO Cycle 5 Webinars: Register for Upcoming Sessions
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EPPs are encouraged to register for upcoming LASO Cycle 5 webinars to prepare for the next cycle and better understand how PREP programs will be presented to school system partners. Webinar sessions will include:
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PREP Preservice: Residency, Traditional, and Alternative
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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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187 Bilingual Special Education
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Texas Test of Educator Proficiency (T-TEP) (pending SBEC action)
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Updated one pager anticipated Summer 2026
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- Core EC-6
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Core with Fine Arts/Health/PE
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Core with Bilingual Education Spanish
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Core with ESL
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Updates related to Educator Preparation Program Management
New: ASEP Reporting Year 2025-2026 is Closed
Thank you to our EPP partners for completing ASEP reporting by 5:00 PM CDT on Tuesday September 15, 2026, and for submitting all RFEs on time.
TEA is in the process of reviewing your submitted RFEs and expects to have them back to your EPP by late September. Once they are reviewed, the assigned EPP Program Specialist will return the completed RFE to your EPP. If you have any questions, please submit a Help Desk ticket.
Reminder: Clinical Experience Record Issues
There is a known ECOS issue that prevents the system from properly recognizing intern certificate data with an expiration date in the 2026-2027 reporting year when a clinical experience record is being created. IT is aware of the issue and is actively working on a resolution. Because these clinical experiences end in the 2026-2027 reporting year, they will not impact 2025-2026 ASEP accountability ratings. Once the ECOS issue has been resolved, the associated Clinical Experience Records (CERs) can be reported accordingly.
Reminder: TEA Login Account Set up Requirement
A valid Social Security Number (SSN) is required to create a TEAL account and gain access to the Educator Certification Online System for Educators. Once a Social Security Number is available to the applicant, the applicant can then create a TEAL account, gain access to the Educator Certification Online System for Educators, and begin the certification application process.
Having a Social Security Number supports later certification requirements, including fingerprinting and certificate issuance. For information on how to apply for or check the status of an SSN, please visit the Social Security Administration website.
Reminder: Social Security Number Required for EPP Admission
All applicants to EPPs must have a SSN to be able to set up a TEAL account and establish a TEA ID number that is required to create the admission record. EPPs should remind current candidates who may have a P-number to apply for the SSN, if they have not already done so, and to submit a Help Desk ticket with documentation to TEA to replace the P-number with the SSN.
See related information below in the Updates section under “New: TEA Login Account Set Up Requirement.”
Reminder: TEA Dyslexia Course Update
The TEA Dyslexia Learn Course is updated annually to reflect current best practices. The 2026-2027 course, which meets the Dyslexia training requirement in 19 TAC §228.57(c)(2) / TEC 21.044(b) for EPP candidates, is now available. The course is named “TEA Dyslexia 2026-2027.” If candidates have questions about enrollment or need assistance with the course, certificates, passwords, or account access, they should contact the TEA Learn Support Portal, which is separate from the EPP Help Desk. The TEA Learn Help Desk provides support to both EPP staff and candidates with enrollment, course completion certificates, password issues, and other TEA Learn-related inquiries.
Updates related to the PREP Program Allotment
New: COE Stakeholder Feedback Invitation
TEA Staff is currently working on updates to the Commissioner of Education (COE) rules regarding the implementation of the PREP Preservice Routes, including the new Preservice Traditional and Preservice Alternative routes, in the Texas Administrative Code (TAC).
EPPs are invited to participate in this stakeholder feedback event that will take place on Monday, October 5, 2026, at 12:30 PM.
Update: PREP Office Hours
EPPs can join office hours for an opportunity to ask questions and receive implementation support.
Wednesday, October 21, 2026, 2:00 – 3:00 PM
Wednesday, November 18, 2026, 2:00 – 3:00 PM
Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 2:00 – 3:00 PM
Reminder: LASO Cycle 5 Webinars: Register for Upcoming Sessions
EPPs are encouraged to register for upcoming LASO Cycle 5 webinars to prepare for the next cycle and better understand how PREP programs will be presented to school system partners. Webinar sessions will include:
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PREP Preservice: Residency, Traditional, and Alternative
Submit your questions through the PREP support portal at any time. Include enough detail to assist the team with identifying the issue. Screenshots or documentation may be helpful when reporting ECOS issues.
Visit the PREP Allotment webpage to find helpful program information, guidance documents, resources, and updates.
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For questions related to PREP, EPPs and LEAs should use the PREP Program Allotment tile in the TEA Help Desk. This ensures inquiries are directed to the appropriate TEA staff for review and response. Include enough detail to assist the team with identifying the issue. Screenshots or documentation may be helpful when reporting ECOS issues. |
Updates related to Educator Standards and Certification Testing
New: English as a Second Language Supplemental EC-12 Exam (254) Framework Overview Webinar
The 254 ESL Supplemental EC-12 Exam Framework Overview Webinar will guide programs through an overview of the redesigned ESL Supplemental EC-12 Exam Framework, closely examine shifts to the exam format, new content fields, and timeline, and provide programs an opportunity to exchange resources and discuss course/curriculum problems of practice via Padlet. We strongly encourage those faculty or staff who will be responsible for supporting students or making programmatic changes to attend. We look forward to seeing you there!
Updates related to Insight to Impact
New: Register Now for the CSOTTE Conference
CSOTTE, which is dedicated to the support and refinement of professional preparation and development programs for all certified school personnel in Texas, is hosting its annual conference October 11-13, 2026, in Denton, Texas.
As the voice of the education profession in all matters related to state and national educator preparation and certification in Texas, registration for the CSOTTE Conference is available today. The Insight to Impact Dashboards Team will be on hand to offer specific training for the EPP Community, so register now!
Reminder: Check Out the Observation Tool FAQ
Completely optional, the I2I Observation Tool provides a streamlined, digital interface for Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs) to record, track, and report observations, as well as view visualized metrics associated with the observations they enter. The primary objective of the I2I Observation Tool is to bridge the gap between field-based assessments and state-level reporting to drive continuous improvement efforts.
Check out the newly updated Observation Tool FAQ webpage that addresses questions posed during August 27, 2026, launch webinar. As a reminder, you can begin requesting I2I Observation Tool roles in TEAL on Monday, September 21, 2026, and you may begin entering observations for the 2026-27 reporting year on Wednesday, October 1, 2026.
Reminder: I2I Dashboards Trivia Challenge Winners Announced
TEA would like to congratulate two Insight to Impact Dashboards Trivia Challenge Winners for their skillful displays! In a five-question challenge put forth in the EPP Newsletter last week, University of Texas at San Antonio Assistant Director of Assessment and Program Accountability Dr. Jessica McConnell and Lubbock Christian University Director of Certification and PDSO Shelley Parnell both received a perfect score on trivia, earning them the title of Dashboard Experts!
Not only do they each receive widespread recognition in this newsletter and a prize (they’re definitely in the mail!), but virtual high-fives from the I2I Dashboard Team are also in order!
Updates related to agency initiatives and opportunities
Reminder: TEA Login Account Set up Requirement
A valid Social Security Number (SSN) is required to create a TEAL account and gain access to the Educator Certification Online System for Educators. Once a Social Security Number is available to the applicant, the applicant can then create a TEAL account, gain access to the Educator Certification Online System for Educators, and begin the certification application process.
Having a Social Security Number supports later certification requirements, including fingerprinting and certificate issuance. For information on how to apply for or check the status of an SSN, please visit the Social Security Administration website.
We take this space to highlight questions that we have heard from EPPs.
Q: How do I change a mentor, host teacher, or cooperating teacher on a clinical experience record (CER)?
A: Search for the CER using the candidate’s TEA ID. You must search by TEA ID or you will not be able to edit the record. Once you locate the CER, click the pencil icon on the right-hand side to edit the mentor, host teacher, or cooperating teacher information. You do not need to send correction documents through the Help Desk.
Q: How did the GPA requirement change in §227.10(a)(3)?
A: The language changed from “an applicant shall have a GPA of at least 2.5 before admission’ to “an application shall have a GPA of at least 2.50 on a four-point scale or the equivalent before admission.” This update was made to allow EPPs flexibility in determining GPA from a variety of different types of transcripts such as those from competency-based universities that may not have a clear GPA.
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 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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