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Teacher Preparation and Certification Teacher Preparation and Certification

TPC Program Guidelines

Absence

In the event of an absence from a training session, the participant is expected to notify the TPC office in advance, if possible. When an absence occurs , it is the responsibility of the participant to contact the TPC office within seven (7) working days. The participant will be required to make-up the absence. Failure to do so will result in lack of credit for the training.

Attendance

Attendance is a critical part of the participant’s commitment to the TPC Program and to the acquisition of relevant knowledge and skills. Participants are required to attend all sessions. Please do not grade papers or conduct other business during this time. Excessive tardiness will result in an absence being issued for the entire session/day. Tardiness includes the beginning of a session and returning from breaks and/or lunch. Each participant is expected to sign in for each training session.

Children

Due to safety concerns, children are not permitted at training. Participants need to make other arrangements for child care. If children are brought to any training sessions, the participant will be asked to leave the session, make other arrangements, and make-up the session at a later date.

Communication

Participants need to stay abreast of all TPC activities and due dates. There are several means of communication available to all participants to assist them, including the master calendar, website, e-mail, and telephone. If there is a concern, please do not hesitate to ask for assistance. The TPC staff is here for support. Please schedule time to talk with TPC staff before or after training, not during the training time. Office hours are 8:00 – 4:30, Monday through Thursday and 8:00 – 3:00 on Fridays. To foster effective communication, maintain up-to-date personal contact information (e-mail, phone, address, change of name) so that information reaches you.

Dress

Dress during training sessions is casual, but respectful. If in doubt, check with a TPC staff member concerning proper attire. While teaching during the internship, interns need to dress as professionals. Many schools/districts have established dress codes for professional staff, so be sure to inquire about expectations for appropriate attire in your internship school/district.

Examination Information

  • TExES/ExCET/AAFCS Reviews/Practice Tests
    In preparation for the state required examinations, participants are required to attend review sessions and complete practice tests for their certification areas, when available. If unsuccessful with the practice test, a follow-up review session is required before taking the specified certification area examination.
  • Test Registrations
    Registration for the TExES/ExCET/AAFCS examinations requires online registration and links the test taker to an educator preparation program. Region 10 TPC will issue registration approval when it is time for you to register for the examination. You may only take the test for which you have been approved. When registering for a test, you MUST provide all requested information and provide the same information for each test registration. Non-compliance with these policies may result in being placed on probation with the TPC Program

Food/Beverages

Participants may bring food or drinks into the training rooms provided they do not interfere with the learning process and/or participation. No food or drinks are permitted in computer labs. Individuals are expected to dispose of all trash by the end of the training session. While in the schools, interns will be notified of specific school policies related to food/beverages in the classroom.

Paperwork

Completing and returning all required forms to the TPC office by the due dates is extremely important. 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. For questions about the completion of required forms, contact the TPC office. Forms to complete are available at www.region10.org/tpc.

Probation and Dismissal

The TPC Program is a rigorous path to the classroom 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 these Program Guidelines during program participation. Infrequently, a candidate/intern is placed on probation and, if insufficient corrective actions are taken, the candidate/intern is dismissed. A candidate/intern receives written notification of probationary status or program dismissal that includes the reason(s) for this action.

 

  • Failure to register/participate/complete trainings and/or make-up training sessions as directed by Region 10
  • Tardy arrival at trainings/returning late to sessions from breaks/leaving training early after signing in
  • Inappropriate, unprofessional behavior during training sessions 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 and take required state examinations according to the certification area schedule
  • Failure to implement recommendations for improvement from Region 10/school personnel
  • 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. In some cases, approval of the TPC Advisory Board may be required. An intern placed on probation may be responsible for an additional year of internship. 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 Educators’ Code of Ethics
  • Falsification of information
  • Failure to follow school/district/TPC directives
  • Insubordination to TPC program and/or school/district personnel
  • Resigning/Termination from the employing school during the internship
  • Failure to address the requirements of an action or TINA plan and to show consistent progress
  • Failure to meet financial agreement/responsibilities after being placed on probation
  • Non-renewal of teaching contract

 

Any decision by the Region 10 TPC Program Director (or designee) to dismiss a candidate or intern from the TPC Program and terminate the candidate/intern’s participation in the TPC Program is a final decision. There will be no refund of paid fees.

Professional Conduct

Professional conduct is an expectation for all TPC Program participants at all times. This includes conduct duringtraining sessions as well as in a school setting. Continued participation in the TPC Program is contingent upon maintaining professional conduct. Professional conduct includes:

 

  • Attending all required classes, being punctual, remaining in attendance after signing in, and signing in for yourself only
  • Watching for and attending to trainer/instructor signals during training sessions
  • Maintaining a positive attitude and creating a productive learning climate at all times
  • Completing all required assignments within designated timeline
  • Accepting constructive feedback and contributing to team/school efforts with the intent to grow professionally

 

Recognizing the need for a safe, educationally sound learning environment for everyone, participants may not bring non-program participants/family members to training or have children on Region 10 on-site or off-site premises during trainings. If children/family/non-program participants are brought to trainings, the participant will be asked to leave, make other arrangements, and then make-up the session at a later date

Professional Action Plan

A Professional Action Plan, for remediation or intervention, is designed and implemented in order to provide effective support for interns who experience difficulties. The written plan addresses the area(s) in which there is evidence of deficiency(ies) indicating lack of progress during internship. The Professional Action Plan is stated in measurable, objective terms, includes a reasonable timeline and is signed by all parties involved. Once initiated, the professional action plan will remain in effect until the end of the school year unless otherwise specified.

Telephone Calls

All participants are expected to be in their assigned sessions during training. Avoid telephone calls except in an emergency. Please turn off all cell phones and pagers, or place them on silent/vibrator mode. Phone calls or messages should be handled during the scheduled breaks.

Training Requirements

Participants must successfully complete all training requirements. The training has been carefully planned to address the state teacher proficiencies and the state examinations. Each required online course is also considered a training session. Participants are expected to complete online course assignments within the specified time limits. If the participant does not complete the make-up activities for missed training sessions prior to the end of the internship year, the internship will be extended until the training requirements are met. An additional fee will be assessed and the participant will not be eligible for certification until the fee and the training requirements are met.