Program Provider Resources

This page provides information to educator preparation programs (EPPs). Individuals seeking information about the performance of approved EPPs should visit Consumer Information about Educator Preparation Programs

Educator Preparation Curriculum

State Board for Educator Certification

The State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) was created by the Texas Legislature in 1995 to recognize public school educators as professionals and grant educators the authority to govern the standards of their profession. The SBEC oversees all aspects of the preparation, certification, and standards of conduct of public school educators.

EPP Governance

All EPPs must follow the requirements of the Texas Administrative Code (TAC). These rules are developed by the SBEC and approved by the State Board of Education.

The TEA Division of Educator Standards, Testing, and Preparation monitors and supports EPPs for quality. EPPs are responsible for implementing current rules, content, and best practices as they prepare future educators.

TEA Educator Preparation / EPP Collaboration

The SBEC is statutorily authorized to appoint members of advisory committees.

The Educator Preparation Advisory Committee (EPAC), which is appointed by the SBEC, provides input and guidance on EPP matters. If you are interested in serving on this committee, fill out and return an Advisory Committee Member Application Form (PDF, 176 KB).

The Division of Educator Standards, Testing, and Preparation periodically convenes committees of educators and educator preparation staff to participate in the development of content standards and certification tests. Interested persons may submit an Educator Certification Committee Application. (PDF, 177 KB)

Vetted Teacher Residency Program List: 2020-2021:

The Vetted Teacher Residency Program List includes Texas educator preparation programs that offer high-quality teacher residency programs. The list has been established in preparation for state and federal grant opportunities that require LEAs to partner with a high-quality teacher residency program. For the purpose of Vetted Teacher Residency Program List, a teacher residency pathway is defined as:

• A teacher resident is where a teacher candidate is paired with an experienced, highly effective mentor teacher for a full year of clinical training/co-teaching in a K-12 classroom (a minimum of three days per week for a full year). Residencies take place at the undergraduate and post-baccalaureate levels. In some cases, residents receive a stipend during the year-long residency.

Applications and Matrices

Individuals or entities seeking approval to become a new EPP, and approved EPPs seeking to add certificates or seeking approval for candidates to complete requirements out-of-state, must submit applications to the TEA.

New Program Application

An individual or entity that wants to become an approved EPP must submit an application to TEA staff and pay a non-refundable application fee (fee information is listed below). Payment of fees does not guarantee approval to operate. Final approval of a new EPP is made by the SBEC.

TEA offers new applicant workshops once a year to help aspiring EPPs with the application process. At the workshop, TEA staff provides resources, detailed guidance, and application materials. The workshop is free, but a reservation is required. Please submit a Help Desk ticket for reservations and more information.

New Certification Fields and Classes

An EPP rated "accredited" by SBEC may apply to offer new certification fields, classes, or clinical teaching by submitting the appropriate documents to the TEA. The addition of new classes requires approval by the SBEC. Interested EPPs should contact the assigned Education Specialist for application materials. See the Forms and Documents section of this page for the Education Specialist assignment list.

Application for Out-of-State Clinical Teaching, Internship or Field-Based Experience

An EPP may apply to the TEA for approval to offer clinical teaching, internship or field-based experience at a site outside the state of Texas or outside the U.S. in schools recognized by the U.S. State Department of Overseas Schools. Interested EPPs should contact the assigned Education Specialist for application materials.

Clinical teaching, internship, and practicum experiences at Department of Defense Activity (DoDEA) schools do not require prior TEA approval.

Required Fees

The table below lists required fees for new programs and for the addition of new certification fields and classes. For more information about these fees, see 19 TAC §229.9. All fees must be paid at the time the application is submitted. Payment of fees does not guarantee approval of applications. Fees are non-refundable. Please send payment to: 

TEA-Accounting
1701 N. Congress Ave.
Austin, TX 78701  

Reporting and Accountability

EPP staff must submit data to the TEA for the Accountability System for Educator Preparation Programs (ASEP) and to the U.S. Department of Education for the Title II Institution and Program Report Card (IPRC).

Timeline for Reporting

Data is generally reported according to the following schedule:

EPP Training

To register for Division of Educator Standards, Testing, and Preparation webinars or training for approved EPPs, please contact your assigned Program Specialist. See the Forms and Documents section for a current Education Specialist assignment list. Past training events with FAQ’s are posted in the EPP Training Events and Materials section of this page.