TPC Online Intern Handbook
Assessment and Evaluation
Your professional performance will be evaluated by your assigned campus administrator. Most Texas schools use the Professional Development and Appraisal System (PDAS) for this purpose. Regardless of the evaluation tool, your administrator will observe you and conference with you regarding your performance. You must earn at least an overall proficient score on the initial and summative PDAS / School Evaluations. PDAS Domains I - IV must be at least proficient. Your administrator will also meet with you toward the end of the year to review your professional performance. The written evaluation that you will receive is called the summative report. This document must be signed by both intern and administrator. As soon as you receive any written evaluation fax a copy directly to Amy Lambert (fax 972-348-1491) or Cynthia Bavi (fax 972-348-1739).
Click here to access the TEA Educator Development website.
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Campus Administrator
There are three major roles for a campus administrator working with a TPC Program intern. The first is to assign a mentor teacher to provide early assistance and ongoing support throughout the school year. The second role is to provide administrative support to the intern. The administrator will also provide feedback in a variety of forms to Region 10 about the intern's professional growth and effectiveness meeting students' needs.
Visit the TPC Program website to access further information regarding the administrator's role.
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Consultants (Region 10 TPC / Visiting)
The TPC Program assigns a consultant who will visit, provide feedback, and support you during your internship. Throughout your candidacy you have been working with a TPC Program certification area consultant who works full time at Region 10. Although full-time Region 10 consultants will visit some interns, it is impossible to visit all interns in their certification areas. As a result, Region 10 hires experienced educators as visiting consultants to serve as an additional professional in your support network. Your Region 10 TPC Program certification area consultant will always be available by phone or email to assist you. The visiting consultant will offer support, complete observations, provide feedback and offer recommendations related to your growth as a beginning teacher. The support of the visiting consultant enables new teachers to expand their knowledge and skills in order to meet the needs of students. Should concerns arise about an intern's professional conduct and/or teaching progress, the visiting consultant will discuss the concerns with the campus administrator and Region 10 TPC Program staff. The school administrator and Region 10 TPC Program staff will work collaboratively to develop an appropriate course of action.
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Coursework Clock Hour Requirements
Complete all coursework outlined in your certification area Clock Hour Requirements by the given deadlines. Register online for allcoursework. Passcodes are available on your certification area Clock Hour Requirements document received at Candidate Orientation. Status letters are emailed periodically to confirm completed coursework/documentation and any lacking coursework/documentation.
Criteria for Intern Certification
To become certified the Intern must . . .
- Demonstrate professional ethics complying with the Texas Education Code of Ethics (TAC 247.2).
- Meet all requirements defined in the Teacher Preparation and Certification Program Agreement between Region 10 Education Service Center and the Intern.
- Complete five (5) formal classroom observations of master teachers.
- Achieve mastery of clock hour coursework provided through the Region 10 TPC Program and of local district professional development as demonstrated through observation reports and appraisal(s).
- Demonstrate effective instruction as defined by the Texas Learner-Centered Teacher Proficiencies.
- Attain an overall Proficient rating (with Proficient or Above required on Professional Development Appraisal System Domains I-IV) or satisfactory performance on another school selected teacher appraisal instrument.
- Achieve goals and objectives on Professional Action Plan and/or Campus Growth Plans initiated by school administration and/or Region 10 staff.
- Achieve passing scores on appropriate examinations required by the state.
- Be recommended for certification by Region 10 ESC Teacher Preparation and Certification Program based on input from the local district and approval by the Region 10 TPC Program Advisory Board.
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Evaluation
(See Assessment)
Examinations (State Required)
The appropriate Pedagogy and Professional Responsibility (PPR) examination should be completed by the end of the first half of the internship. Remember schools offer contracts for the next school year in February or March and if your exams have been completed you will be in the best position for contract renewal.
- You must pass your content examination(s) and complete appropriate coursework before registering for the PPR.
- You are required to test each time examinations are offered until all tests are passed.
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Extra Curricular Agreement
Your contract may include responsibilities for extra curricular activities such as coaching, cheerleader sponsor, or some other student activity that requires faculty support. These responsibilities may even be added at some point after the school year begins. The Extra Curricular Agreement must be signed by you, your campus administrator and the district representative who made the assignment at the time the added responsibility is assigned. The purpose of the agreement is to clarify that your primary responsibility is to complete all TPC certification requirements in accordance with the state guidelines for alternative certification programs. This form is due within the first month of the internship or immediately following the assignment.
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Fingerprinting Process
To ensure the safety of children, before an individual begins a position in a school that person must submit fingerprints for screening to verify that no criminal history is on file. State and federal criminal background checks are completed on any individual applying for a teaching credential in Texas. You may have already begun this process since this information was included with the probationary certificate application information. After applying for the probationary certificate, you must make an appointment IMMEDIATELY with L-1 Identity Solutions for fingerprinting.
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Intent to Initiate Internship
This form provides specific internship information and defines financial obligations during the internship. Once you have notified TPC Program staff of your teaching position the Intent to Initiate Internship form will be forwarded to you. That form must be completed and submitted IMMEDIATELY upon receipt of a district contract/letter of intent to hire. Submit a copy of the contract/letter of intent to hire with this form to the appropriate certification area consultant or secretary.
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Intern Observation Reports
This form is used when an intern observes a mentor or master teacher. Interns are required to complete five observations, as indicated on the Schedule of Mentor / Intern Observations. This opportunity to observe and learn from other teachers is a privilege that can provide you a wealth of ideas and strategies to implement as time permits. When preparing for your observations, you and your mentor should set goals to assist you in maximizing your learning experience. Use the Texas Beginning Educator Support System (TxBESS) Framework, issued during Effective Teaching Practices, to identify the cluster and standard(s) that will be the focus of your observation. The standards should be recorded at the top of each form. Each observation should be a minimum of forty-five minutes in length. The reports must be submitted to Region 10 TPC Program within 10 days of the observation. Fax reports directly to Amy Lambert (fax 972-348-1491).
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Internship Extensions
Occasionally, interns need additional classroom experience and coursework to further develop the necessary skills to be consistently effective with the roles and responsibilities of a beginning teacher. When Region 10 TPC Program professional staff and/or the school administrator recommend a second year of internship, with approval from the TPC Program Advisory Board, an intern may continue the process of seeking teaching certification. An intern may receive an extension of the probationary certificate for a maximum of two additional years (total of 3 years maximum). Additional fees apply. Reasons for an extension include, but are not limited to: additional time to gain the requisite knowledge and skills to be a proficient classroom teacher, additional time to pass a certification exam, outstanding fee balance, and incomplete coursework requirements.
Mentor
The campus administrator will assign a campus mentor to support, assist, and encourage the professional development of the intern. Since the mentor has been teaching at that campus, the advice offered will be valuable. The mentor teacher will conduct observations as described in the guidelines and provide technical assistance, encouragement, and support to the intern throughout the year. The mentor will work collaboratively with the intern utilizing the Texas Beginning Educator Support System (TxBESS) Framework to determine the level and type of support and/or professional development that is needed. Information gathered during observations will be for the purpose of providing feedback and guidance to interns regarding professional growth.
Paperwork
Completing and returning all required forms to the TPC Program office by the due dates is mandatory. This is necessary for certification documentation and auditing purposes. Incomplete or late forms may result in a probationary program status and may delay the certification process. Establish a system of organization that reminds you of due dates for required forms. Status letters are emailed to program participants regularly listing current requirements to be met. Upon receipt of the status letter, review it for accuracy. For questions about the completion of required forms or status letters, contact the TPC Program office. Forms to complete are available at www.region10/tpc/interns.
Probationary Certificate
A 1 year Probationary Certificate must be in place before school begins, whenever possible. A Probationary Certificate cannot be issued unless you meet requirements to be considered highly qualified. Once your Intent to Initiate Internship form and a copy of your contract have been submitted, you will be approved to apply for a Probationary Certificate. Apply for this certificate IMMEDIATELY, however, remember that the certificate is limited to 1 year and needs to coincide as closely as possible with the district contract.
Probation and Dismissal
The Region 10 TPC Program is a rigorous path to teaching that requires adherence to all program requirements, policies, and guidelines in order for an individual to be considered for certification. Participants must agree to meet specific professional expectations and responsibilities described in the TPC Program Agreement, the Intent to Initiate Internship form, and the Program Guidelines during program participation. Infrequently, an intern is placed on probation and, if insufficient corrective actions are taken, the intern is dismissed. An intern receives written notification of probationary status or program dismissal that includes the reason(s) for this action. The following cites criteria for probation and possible dismissal:
• Failure to meet financial agreement/responsibilities
• Failure to register or unenroll once registered/participate/complete coursework and/or make-up coursework sessions as directed by Region 10 TPC Program staff
• Tardy arrival for coursework/returning late to sessions from breaks/leaving coursework early after signing in
• Inappropriate, unprofessional behavior during coursework sessions and/or at any time during the internship
• Failure to update communication sources or to respond to communications from Region 10 TPC personnel
• Failure to submit assignments, intern documentation, observation appraisals and/or payments by specific deadlines
• Failure to register for and take required state examinations according to the certification area schedule
• Failure to meet the requirements of individual study plans for state examinations
• Failure to implement recommendations for improvement from Region 10/school personnel
• Failure to consistently structure a productive learning environment for school students
• Unsatisfactory appraisal/evaluation results by school district appraiser/TPC consultant
After being placed on probation, the participant will receive notice of required corrective actions and must address all areas of deficiency in order to regain active status in the TPC Program. An intern placed on probation may be required to complete an additional year of internship. In some cases, approval of the TPC Program Advisory Board may be required. Although a participant may be placed on probation prior to dismissal, there is no requirement that any individual be placed on probation prior to dismissal. Severe or unacceptable behavior may result in immediate dismissal or non-recommendation for certification. The following are reasons for dismissal:
• Violations of the Texas Educator’s Code of Ethics
• Falsification of information/documentation and/or plagiarism
• Failure to follow school/district/TPC directives/rules/policies/procedures
• Insubordination to TPC Program and/or school/district personnel
• Resignation/Termination/Non-renewal of teaching contract from the employing school during the internship
• Failure to address the requirements of an action or TINA plan and to show consistent progress
• Demonstrating attitudes and/or behaviors that detract from the learning environment of a classroom or campus or does not serve the best interests of children
Any decision by the Region 10 TPC Program Director (or designee) to dismiss an intern from the TPC Program and terminate the intern’s participation in the TPC Program is a final decision. There will be no refund of fees paid.
NOTE: To appeal a dismissal or extension, an intern must contact the Program Director in writing with documentation about reasons and rationale for the appeal. The letter will be submitted to the TPC Program Advisory Board at the next scheduled meeting (May or November) for review and action. TPC Program Advisory Board decisions are communicated in writing after the meeting and are final decisions.
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Professional Action Plan
If extra support becomes necessary, a Region 10 TPC Program Professional Action Plan will be developed for you. This plan will focus on fostering professional growth and require activities and assignments designed to strengthen identified areas of deficiency. A Professional Action Plan, once initiated, will remain in effect until the end of the school year unless otherwise specified.
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Program Agreement
The Program Agreement focuses on three areas: program expectations, your responsibilities, and professional commitments. You signed a TPC Program Agreement at Candidate Orientation. If you have misplaced your copy, you can review the agreement online or download the document for future reference.
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Program Guidelines
A copy of the TPC Program Guidelines was issued at Candidate Orientation. They describe program expectations and responsibilities. Please be sure to review these guidelines carefully. If you have misplaced your copy you can review the guidelines online.
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Schedule of Intern / Mentor Observations
This form is due within the first month of the internship. Observing experienced teachers can provide an intern with a wealth of knowledge pertaining to instruction and classroom management. As soon as you have been assigned a mentor by the administrator, schedule a meeting with the mentor to complete this form together. The intern schedules five dates to observe the mentor and/or other master teachers. (Schedule at least four observations within the first 18 weeks, about one per month.) Choosing the classrooms for the observations can be completed later, the first priority is to schedule times before your school calendar is too full. The mentor schedules four dates to observe the intern, two during each semester. Fax this form directly to Amy Lambert (Fax 972-348-1491) or Cynthia Bavi (Fax 972-348-1739).
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Status Reports
Status Reports provide feedback related to your completion of required program components. Each report indicates your status regarding completion of coursework, testing, and documentation. Status Reports are sent in October, January, and March. Contact us immediately if there are any discrepancies, or if you do not receive a report by the end of each reporting month. All coursework, testing, and documentation must be completed at least one month prior to the projected end of the internship.
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