TPC Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
I’ve always wanted to be a teacher. Is there a way?
Yes. The Region 10 Teacher Preparation and Certification (TPC) Program provides a way for selected college graduates to become teachers without graduating from a traditional teacher education program. This route to certification is considered an “alternative” route because it accomplishes certification outside the traditional university program setting. Mid-career candidates and others may have significant teaching and workplace experience and may benefit from a program that presents teaching methodologies to an “intern” while she/he is actually employed as a teacher and practicing these methodologies in the classroom.
What are the major components of the program?
After an applicant is accepted into the program, he/she becomes a candidate and will apply for teaching positions at full pay and benefits. During candidacy, initial coursework and training in such areas as curriculum, reading, teaching strategies, classroom management, beginning teacher responsibilities and technology will be provided. Once a candidate secures a teaching position, he/she becomes an intern.
As the intern (teacher of record), he/she will be assigned to work closely with a mentor teacher, school administrator, and TPC staff who will provide support throughout the program. An intern's teaching performance will be evaluated using the local or statewide teacher appraisal system and must complete all requirements for Texascertification and pass state examinations. After satisfactory completion of the internship and meeting all program requirements, the TPC Program recommends the intern for certification to the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC).
Will my certificate differ from that received by a graduate from a Texas college or university teacher education program?
No. Certificates received through the TPC Program are identical to certificates received through a traditional university teacher preparation program. The certificate enables recipients to teach in the certificate area anywhere in Texas, and reciprocity is available in some other states.
How does the Region 10 TPC Program differ from other alternative certification programs?
All state approved certification programs must address prescribed components. The specifics of delivery vary from program to program. The Region 10 TPC Program offers a combination of face-to-face and online training models. In addition, thorough preparation and review for required TExES exams is included. Strong support for interns as they complete their internships is also a high priority.
What is the time commitment for the program?
The Region 10 TPC Program is an intense accelerated route to teacher certification, and the time commitment is extensive. Full attendance is required for all training, which is offered in three-hour and six-hour segments.
In addition, the intern must fulfill all teaching responsibilities, complete observations of master teachers, prepare for and take state required examinations and complete necessary documentation.
Federal “No Child Left Behind” Legislation (NCLB) requires districts to employ teachers who are considered “highly qualified.” Content teachers 4-8, 6-12, 8-12, and EC-12 must have 24 semester hours of university coursework in their content area and have passed the content TExES/ExCET. Generalist EC-4, Bilingual Generalist EC-4, Generalist, 4-8, Generalist, and 4-8 Bilingual Generalist individuals must have passed the appropriate generalist exam, according to current interpretation from SBEC. Special education teachers can be considered highly qualified when they have passed the EC-4 Generalist or a content TExES AND the Generic Special Education exam. ESL teachers, according to SBEC, must pass their ESL exam AND a Generalist EC-4 or 4-8 content exam. (These new requirements mean prospective teachers need to apply early, and if accepted, begin training and pass their examinations well in advance of anticipated employment.)
When should I submit my application?
The TPC Program accepts applications year round allowing those accepted into the program to begin classes at any time. However, individuals who begin the program at least a semester before the school year begins, taking training and tests, increase their chances of being offered a teaching position as schools begin the hiring process in the spring and into the summer. For individuals who have already been offered a job, early acceptance into the program will afford them an opportunity to incorporate strategies and learning from their training courses into the classrooms. Note - Individuals completing a bachelor's degree can apply to TPC during their last semester.
How long does it take to process an application?
This depends on how quickly all the required documents are submitted. Applicants can expedite the process by obtaining transcripts and test scores and submitting these along with the other required documents as soon as possible. Depending on the receipt of these items, the process usually takes from 3 to 8 weeks.
Do I need to have a job before I am accepted into the program?
No. In fact, NCLB requires a teacher to be classified "highly qualified" before hired for a teaching position.
Does Region 10 TPC offer grants or loans for the program fees?
Region 10 TPC itself does not offer grants and loans, but its finance department will work with various entities that provide financial assistance to participants. Financial assistance opportunities include the College Access Loan (CAL), the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), deferment of existing school loans, Troops to Teachers (TTT), and Veteran benefits. Click here for additional information about these opportunities .
Is the THEA required even though I was TASP Exempt by my university?
The Region 10 educator preparation program requires assessment of college level skills in reading, oral and written communication, critical thinking. mathematics. This requirement may be met by passing the THEA or other acceptable tests: Accuplacer, ACT, ASSET, CBEST, CBT, CEEB, CLAST, Compass, GMAT, GRE, LSAT, PPST, SAT, TASP.
When should I take the THEA or other acceptable assessment?
If you have not taken and passed one of the assessments described above, you need to take the Quick THEA immediately after deciding to apply for the TPC Program. Applications will not be considered for interview until the applicant has submitted passing scores to Region 10.
Where can I locate additional information on the THEA?
The Region 10 website includes a current THEA testing schedule and links to assist you with preparing to take the test. Click here.
How does Region 10 obtain my basic skills test scores?
You should mail a copy of your test score report to the Region 10 TPC Program. Score reports sent from the testing service also meet program documentation requirements. In addition, if your high school or college transcripts include your basic skills test score, that documentation can be submitted.
Once I apply and meet basic eligibility requirements, am I enrolled in the Region 10 TPC program?
Submitting an application begins the process of possible admission to the Region 10 TPC Program. Once received, applications and documentation are reviewed and a multifaceted screening process is completed. Meeting eligibiity requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program. You may be scheduled for a formal interview with Region 10 personnel. All available information is considered to select those applicants most likely to succeed in this intensive accelerated teacher preparation program.
If I do not have all the necessary coursework at this time, may I still submit an application and be considered for this program?
You may submit an application; however, you will need to submit proof of registration for the coursework you are lacking. Consideration for program acceptance will not occur until you have completed all applicant requirements and submitted the required documents.
Where will the TPC training take place?
Much of the TPC training is conducted at Region 10, 400 East Spring Valley Road, Richardson, Texas. Some training modules are offered online, while some training may be offered in local school districts throughout the region.
When does TPC training take place?
Course schedules specific to your certification area are distributed during Candidate Orientation once you have been accepted into the program. Certification areas offer blocks of training each semester, which may include courses in a specific sequence. Courses required by all participants are offered numerous times throughout the year and must be coordinated with the certification area schedule. TPC training does not follow the typical college schedule of M/W or T/TH classes. A course may meet 2 or 3 evenings a week and often includes one or two Saturday sessions. Some trainings are available on a Saturday only schedule. These compacted schedules are often necessary for TExES examination preparation.
When do districts hire teachers?
Some districts hire certified teachers as early as January and February for the next school year. Generally, districts begin considering non-certified candidates who are already enrolled in a certification program throughout the spring and summer. Complete applications in several districts before attending their job fairs. You may also contact campus administrators by email to inquire about teaching on their campuses. Remember to make the email short and to the point.
Does Region 10 TPC place interns in teaching positions with school districts?
No. Each candidate is responsible for securing his/her own employment with a participating school district. Districts give priority to candidates who have passed appropriate exams in accordance with No Child Left Behind (NCLB).
What school districts are in Region 10?
There are 80 public school districts, 35 charter schools, and numerous private schools in 8 counties in Region 10. Click here. Not all school settings are approved for TPC internships. Review the list of charter schools approved for internships at http://www.region10.org/tpc/Candidates/Candidate_Information.html. Private schools must be on the TEA accredited statewide list.
How long does the internship last?
Internships require two consecutive semesters as the "teacher-of-record" in a school district, approved charter school or TEA accredited private school. An intern is expected to complete all program requirements including training, state exams, and the internship within 12-18 months.
Am I paid a salary during my internship year?
Yes. Candidates hired by a participating school district receive the same salary as other first-year teachers, minus the program fee. As with any employment, it is the employee’s responsibility to inquire as to salary and benefits. An intern is hired as teacher of record and is an employee of the school district. As such, interns are subject to all rules and responsibilities outlined in local school board policies. Once certification is earned, the internship is credited as the first year of teaching service.
What salary can I expect to earn?
It is the applicant’s responsibility to check with individual districts about respective salary scales and benefit packages. Most districts post salary scales on their websites. Click here to access Region 10 district websites.
When will I begin receiving my salary?
In most districts, teachers are paid on a monthly basis on the last working day of the month over a 12 month period beginning in September and extending through August. Some districts will pay new teachers over 13 months so they can receive a check in August. It is the applicant’s responsibility to solicit this information from districts prior to accepting a position.
If an emergency prevents my completion of internship, am I responsible for the entire TPC training/internship fee?
No, if an intern resigns, the monthly deduction ceases at the end of the month the resignation becomes effective. Those who satisfactorily complete requirements for certification are responsible for payment of the entire program fee even if they resign their district positions at the end of the internship year.
Once I complete my internship year, do I automatically receive teaching certification?
No. Completing the internship year does not automatically entitle you to certification. You must have met all state, district and Region 10 ESC requirements, as well as have been recommended for certification by your district and Region 10 ESC. You must have passed all exams required for your certification area and achieved at least a "proficient" rating on your district teacher appraisal. Please refer to Intern tab on website for a more complete description of certification requirements.
Do I need to complete the entire program if I have a degree in education but did not complete student teaching?
Yes, however, some of the coursework you completed may be accepted in place of some training requirements. Once you are accepted in the program, please inquire.
Does Region 10 TPC offer librarian, reading specialist, or counselor certification?
No. Please contact SBEC for information regarding these certifications. Region 10 TPC is in the process of designing a counselor certification program to be implemented in the 2008-2009 school year.
How can I get answers to other questions?
We understand you are making very important decisions and need to be fully informed to proceed with confidence. If you are interested in finding out more about the program before beginning the application process, TPC offers monthly evening face-to-face information sessions to answer your questions regarding the program. Click here to view dates/times of the information meetings and register for the session of your choice.