TEA Releases Guidance on PREP Program Allotment

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) recently released a To the Administrator Addressed Correspondence providing guidance, implementation timelines, and list of upcoming webinars related to the Preparing and Retaining Educators through Partnership (PREP) Program Allotment.

Implementation Timeline

House Bill (HB) 2 established the PREP Program Allotment to strengthen teacher recruitment, preparation, and mentorship across Texas. TEA outlined the phased rollout of funding for the allotment: 

• 2026-2027 school year: PREP Preservice Residency Program, Grow Your Own Program, and Mentor Program
• 2027-2028 school year: PREP Preservice Traditional Program and PREP Preservice Alternative Program

Application Process

Participation in the PREP Program is optional. Districts and open-enrollment charter schools that choose to participate must apply through the LASO Cycle 4 process. Although the PREP Program Allotment is formula funding (not a grant), TEA is using the LASO process to facilitate applications and funding.  The application window for LASO Cycle 4 is Oct. 1-Dec. 1, 2025.

Funding

District allocations will be determined based on the formula structure in statute that funds a specific number of teacher candidates or employees per year, capped at 40 individuals per program. Funding amounts for the preservice programs will vary based on whether the school is rural and/or has a high level of socio-economic need. TEA will share more details on funding formulas in the upcoming webinars.

Next Steps

Districts and charter schools interested in participating should plan to attend an informational webinar for each program of interest. TEA is offering two options for each webinar.

Additional information and webinar registration links are available on the TEA To the Administrator Addressed Correspondence.