The PREPP Program and the Texas Educator Pipeline

House Bill (HB) 2, passed during the 89th Regular Legislative Session, established the Preparing and Retaining Educators Through Partnership Preservice (PREPP) Program, an initiative designed to strengthen the teacher pipeline through strategic partnerships.

PREPP Program Intent

The bill directs the commissioner of education to develop the PREPP Program to enable educator preparation programs (EPPs) to collaborate with school districts and open-enrollment charter schools (OECSs) to provide preservice practice opportunities in Pre-K through Grade 12 classrooms through traditional, residency-based, or alternative preservice programs.

PREPP Program Requirements

The bill sets forth specific components the PREPP Program must follow, including:  

• Instructional materials and training. The program must use instructional materials and training from the educator preparation materials and training created by the commissioner and approved by SBEC. These materials must be research-based, support educator proficiency in core teaching skills, and be aligned with the knowledge and skills students are expected to learn.
• Incorporation of literacy and math academies. The PREPP Program must incorporate the literacy and mathematic achievement academies and ensure that instruction and training are conducted by a person who completed training certification with the Texas Education Agency (TEA). SBEC must designate components of the academies that a candidate may complete after receiving an intern with preservice experience certification.
• Program structure and flexibility.
  • Traditional preparation programs must include significant preservice classroom practice.
  • Alternative certification programs (ACPs) must allow flexibility in demonstrating teaching proficiency but still require meaningful preservice experience, which may include prior paraprofessional service.
  • Institutions of higher education and other approved entities may offer alternative educator preparation programs under SBEC rules.
  • Residency-based programs must include one full year of classroom experience and synchronous training, with certification processes developed by SBEC.

District Entitlement and Funding Support

HB 2 also provides financial support to districts under TEC § 48.157 for the PREPP Program, adding it to the list of Costs to Be Borne by the State under TEC § 19.007.

The bill also specifies PREPP Program Stipend amounts the district must pay teacher candidates and mentor teachers.

• Traditional program: $3,000 to teacher candidate, $1,000 to the cooperating teacher
• Alternative preservice program: $3,000 to teacher candidate, $1,000 to the cooperating teacher
• Residency program: $10,000 to the teacher candidate, $2,000 to the cooperating teacher
• Grow your own partnership program: may be paid or unpaid
• Mentorship program: $1,000 to the mentor teacher

The Path Forward

Through school-based partnerships and targeted financial incentives, the PREPP Program aims to provide aspiring educators with a strong, practice-based entry into the teaching profession by strengthening the teacher pipeline.

When exploring partnerships with EPPs and the financial benefits of the PREPP program, districts will want to consider teaming with programs that meet their local needs, creating clear roles and support systems for mentor teachers, and ensuring that stipend opportunities are structured in a way that attracts and retains high-quality candidates.