Education Service Center, Region 20 (ESC-20) is one of the alternative teacher certification program sites in the state of Texas approved by the State Board of Education. One of its programs, the Teacher Alternative Preparation Program (TAPP), provides for the certification of persons who are not graduates of traditional university teacher education programs but who hold an undergraduate degree. TAPP is a collaborative between ESC-20 and seven independent school districts: Carrizo Springs CISD, Cotulla ISD, Crystal City ISD, Eagle Pass ISD, La Pryor ISD, Pearsall ISD, and Uvalde CISD. The program is made possible through a Transition Into Teaching grant from the United States Department of Education. This grant supports delivery and training through the use of distance-learning technology. Individuals must satisfactorily meet training requirements that are outlined by the program. Furthermore, they must complete an internship under the supervision of program staff and the respective school district. The program provides overall coordination, preservice and in-service training, and program evaluation. Program staff works cooperatively with the identified local education agencies who screen, hire, and place interns; provide mentor teachers; provide release time for mentors and interns as necessary; and recommend interns for certification.

TAPP offers teacher certification in the following certificate areas:

• EC-Grade 4 Bilingual Generalist

• Grades 4-8 & 8-12 Single Subject Mathematics

• Grades 4-8 & 8-12 Single Subject Science

• Special Education

Participation in the program requires a three-year commitment to teaching in the district offering employment.

The program is field-based and concentrates on integrating theory with practice. It includes:

• Classroom observations

• Professional development sessions (evenings, Saturdays, and one consecutive week during the summer)

• Online book studies

• One-year paid internship at a participating public school district or charter school  

• Two years of additional support and training beyond the initial year

Throughout the program, candidates must frequently check the information on the web site for updates to ensure they are current with the program requirements. All of the forms that need to be submitted by the candidate are found online. Due to its speed and broadcasting ability, e-mail is the preferred means of communication of the program staff.

Note: ESC-20 reserves the right to implement changes during the course of the program that will improve the quality of the training, coursework, and internship.

For information, call the TAPP staff at 210-370-5694 or send an e-mail to john.gutierrez@esc20.net.