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TITLE

Education Service Center (ESC) Region 20, Teacher Orientation and Preparation Program (TOPP)

WEBSITE

www.esc20.net/topp

APPLICATION DEADLINE

1/04

CONTACT

Ms. Debby Hewitt, Coordinator
ESC Region 20
Teacher Orientation and Preparation Program (TOPP)
1314 Hines Avenue
San Antonio, TX 78208
e-mail: debby.hewitt@esc20.net
Phone (210) 370-5450
FAX (210) 370-5750

The Teacher Orientation and Preparation Program (TOPP) is a State Board of Educator Certification approved alternative teacher certification program coordinated by Education Service Center, Region 20.  Alternative certification programs in Texas were authorized in 1984 by the 68th Legislature in House Bill 72.

The mission of the Teacher Orientation and Preparation Program is to prepare qualified individuals for a successful career as a professional educator in the 21st century by providing research-based learning experiences.

CERTIFICATION AREAS

Individuals who meet specific requirements may be eligible to pursue certification in one of the following areas:

  • EC-Grade 4 Generalist
  • EC-Grade 4 Bilingual Generalist
  • Grades 4-8 Generalist
  • Grades 4-8 Bilingual Generalist
  • Grades 4-8 Single Subject
  • Grades 4-8 Dual Subject (Language Arts/Social Studies and Math/Science)
  • Grades 4-8, 8-12 Single Subject (Social Studies, Science, Mathematics, English Language Arts, and Reading)
  • Grades 8-12 Single Subject (Computer Science, Family and Consumer Science, Speech, Journalism, History, Life Science, and Physical Science)
  • Grades 6-12 Theater Arts, Dance, Foreign Languages (Spanish, French, and German), Business, and Vocational Home Economics
  • Generic Special Education EC-12
  • All Level EC-12 (Physical Education, Art, Music, and Technology Applications)
  • Grades 8-12 Technology Applications
  • Other certification areas will be considered, based on applicant qualifications and personnel vacancies in public and charter schools in the region.

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

  • University courses;
  • Classroom observations;
  • Professional development sessions (evenings, Saturdays, and two consecutive weeks daily during the summer prior to internship); and
  • One-year paid internship at a participating public school district or charter school.