TOPP Info' Presentation

1
(No Transcript)
2
Welcome to Region 20
Authorized by the Texas legislature and according
to Texas Education Code (TEC) , Service Centers
are mandated to

• assist school districts in improving student
  performance in each region
• enable school districts to operate more
  efficiently and economically
• and implement initiatives as assigned by the
  Texas legislature or the Commissioner of
  Education

3
Region 20 Vision

• To be the definitive choice in providing
  educational solutions through leadership,
  innovation, and integrated products and services.

Region 20 Mission
Education Service Center, Region 20 exists to
serve the educational community
4
What is TOPP?

• Teacher Orientation Preparation Program
• We are a state approved program that provides
  qualified individuals an alternative route to
  teacher certification.
• We have been recruiting, training, supporting,
  and certifying teachers in the San Antonio area
  for over 20 years.

5
Why does TOPP exist?

• HB 72 authorized alternative routes to teacher
  certification in response to statewide teacher
  shortages in the areas of Mathematics, Science,
  Bilingual Special Education.

Is there a teacher shortage in the San Antonio
area?
6
Why choose TOPP?

• 20 year reputation of serving the educational
  community
• Extensive support from educational professionals
• Field based training that merges theory with
  practice
• Online and face-to-face training and preparation
• Relevant to the real world
• Fast track to the classroom
• Flexible schedule options
• Affordable fees

7
Do I qualify to be a TOPP teacher? Admission
Requirements Handout

8
How do I apply to be a TOPP teacher?

• Submit an online application and pay application
  fee.
• Submit official transcripts from all colleges or
  universities where coursework was attempted.
• Submit a Criminal History Release Form.
• Evidence of English language proficiency may be
  required.
• Foreign transcript evaluation may be required.

9
When should I apply to TOPP?
Application Deadlines for 2010-2011 program cycle
are Fall Friday, August 7, 2009 Spring
Friday, January 8, 2010
http//www.esc20.net/to
pp
10
How do I know if I am accepted into TOPP?
You will receive an e-mail of acceptance
including information about pre orientation
(personal interview), orientation and content
preparation training.
Orientation evenings are currently scheduled
for Fall September 2 (Wednesday) or 3
(Thursday), 2009 Spring January 20 (Wednesday)
or 21 (Thursday), 2010 Evening pre orientation
orientation sessions are located in the
conference center at Region 20 from 530 PM-830
PM
Summer Orientation May 29, 2010 (Saturday)
Summer Orientation sessions are located in the
conference center at Region 20 from 830 AM-330
PM
11
How do I know if I do not meet TOPP requirements?

• You will receive an e-mail that explains any
  deficiencies with an offer of assistance to help
  you meet those deficiencies.
• GPA deficiencies can be made up faster by
  retaking courses rather than adding new course
  work.

12
What teacher certificates does TOPP
offer? Certificate handout
13
How do I choose a teacher certification area?

• Very personal choice
• Consider what age group of children you prefer to
  work with.
• Consider experience you have working with
  children.
• Consider what your degree qualifies you for.

14
How is TOPP structured?
Phase I Content Preparation Fall Content
Preparation Spring Content Preparation Phase
II Pre-employment Summer Institute Saturday
Training Phase III Internship Year Saturday
Training
Two online book studies are required for all
participants.
Special Education online study is also required
for all participants
15
How is TOPP structured?
Phase I Content Preparation Phase II
Pre-employment Phase III Internship
Year Refer to Teacher Orientation Preparation
Program Preparation Training Summary
16
What are online studies?

• Higher education based knowledge
• Close alignment to TExES standards and
  competencies
• Textbooks provided
• Professionally facilitated
• Flexible schedule

17
Miscellaneous Information

• THEA Information
• Registration 1-866-565-4879
• Web address http//www.thea.nesinc.com
• THEA Practice http//www.thea.nesinc.com/pract
  ice.htm

18
Miscellaneous Information

• Northwest Vista College
• Testing is by appointment and must be
• made in advance
• To make an appointment or for questions
• call 210-348-2059, email at
• aguillen_at_mail.accd.edu
• or aruiz1_at_mail.accd.edu
• or visit website at
• http//www.accd.edu/nvc/students/admissions/asses
  sment.htm

19
continued

• Foreign Credential Evaluation Services
• Web address http//www.sbec.state.tx.us/SBE
  COnline/certinfo/forcredevalservice.asp
• State Board for Educator Certification
• Web address http//www.sbec.state.tx.us/
• TEA Accredited Schools link
• http//www.tepsac.com/directory/index.htm
• Beginning teacher salaries vary
• check district websites for salary
  information

20
continued

• VA Information 1-800-827-1000
• Troops to Teachers 1-800-231-6242
• Contact Ms. Meryl Kettler, Coordinator
• e-mail meryl.kettler_at_esc13.txed.net
• web site http//www.esc13.net/troops

21
continued

• Texas Oral Proficiency Test (TOPT)
• Required if you pursue a Bilingual, Spanish or
  French certification
• Website http//www.texes.ets.org/topt/
• American Council of Teaching Foreign Languages
  (ACTFL)
• Websitehttp//www.actfl.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?p
  ageid1

22
continued

• TExES Registration
• Main Website http//www.texes.ets.org/
• Preparation Manuals http//www.texes.ets.org/pre
  pMaterials/

23
toppstaff_at_esc20.net
TOPP Staff

• Coordinators
• John Gutierrez
• Julie (Juliana) Segura Cordova
• Educational Specialists
• Sandra Slough (Single Subject)
• Richard Jenkins (Single Subject)
• Ellie Ross (Generalist EC-4 Bilingual
  candidates)
• Michele Salinas (Generalist 4-8)
• Laura Miller (Special Education)
• Kathy Cervantez (Certification Officer)
• Joseph Hilderbran (Technology Specialist)
• Diana Peña, TOPP Assistant
• Bessie Smith, TOPP Assistant

_at_esc20.net
24
(No Transcript)