SBEC approves two new educator preparation programs and residency approvals; TEA staff brief EPP vetting process

The State Board for Educator Certification voted to approve two new educator preparation programs and took consent action to adopt related items in its consent agenda.

During the consent agenda the board approved items 4 through 7, which included February minutes, rule adoptions (Chapter 227 review and proposed amendment to Chapter 250) and approval of teacher residency programs. The motion to approve consent agenda items 4 through 7 was made by Dr. Michael McFarland, seconded by Ms. McDonnell, and carried by voice vote.

TEA staff described the agency vetting process for new educator preparation programs, which includes an applicant workshop, review of a full application, a required preapproval site visit and verification of the applicant’s ability to operationalize program components. Laurie Ayers of TEA’s EPP management team introduced staff and explained the component-based review under Chapter 228.

Texas State University: Under the consent agenda the board heard testimony from Jennifer Porterfield, associate dean for educator preparation at Texas State University, and from resident Raquel Pearson in support of Texas State’s teacher residency program. Dr. Porterfield and Raquel Pearson described residency benefits, hands-on preparation and the program’s effect on early career confidence. The consent vote approved the residency program as part of items 4–7.

Educate Heart’s Teaching Corps (Houston): TEA staff recommended approval after a January 23, 2025, preapproval site visit. Educate Heart presented details in person: the group requested initial certification categories in EC–6 with the Science of Teaching Reading and secondary core subjects (7–12) including English, math, science and social studies; they anticipate launching September 8, 2025, and enrolling 25–50 candidates in year one at a program cost of $6,500 per candidate. Educate Heart staff described a volunteer teacher candidate program and in-person coursework. The board voted to “enthusiastically approve” Educate Heart's Teaching Corps as a new EPP; the motion was made by Mr. Bob Gore, seconded by Dr. McFarland, and carried.

Tarrant County College District (Fort Worth area): TEA staff reported a preapproval site visit in February 2024 and presented Tarrant County College’s proposal for initial certificates in EC–6 (with STR), English as a second language supplemental and special education supplemental (transitioning to a new certificate). Tarrant County College representatives outlined multiple campus delivery, in-person courses, field experiences and a mentor/field-supervisor joint training model. The board voted to approve Tarrant County College Educator Preparation Program; the motion to approve was made by Ms. Weir and seconded by Ms. McDonald, and the motion carried.

TEA said programs that do not currently offer a certificate must submit a full application; programs that offer aligned certificates may need an amendment request depending on whether the certificate name or standards change. Staff noted programs must be ready to operate on short notice if approved.

Ending: The board recessed after congratulating the newly approved programs. TEA said it will continue capacity-building webinars, framework crosswalks and program support materials for EPPs preparing to implement these certificates.