Embedded Files
Texas Administrative Code
Title 19 Education
Part 7 State Board for Educator Certification
Rule 228.35 Preparation Program Coursework and/or Training
A candidate who does not qualify as a late hire who is issued a probationary certificate after September 1, 2012, may not be employed by a school district as a teacher of record until the candidate completes a minimum of 30 clock-hours of field-based experience or clinical teaching in which the candidate is actively engaged in instructional or educational activities under supervision at a public school accredited by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) or other school approved by the TEA for this purpose, as provided in this section. Unless a candidate qualifies as a late hire, a candidate shall complete the following prior to any clinical teaching or internship:
(A) a minimum of 30 clock-hours of field-based experience. Up to 15 clock-hours of this field-based experience may be provided by use of electronic transmission or other video or technology-based method; and
Definition: Late hire--An individual who has not been accepted into an educator preparation program before June 15 and who is hired for a teaching assignment by a school after June 15 or after the school's academic year has begun
Check with the school district Human Resource department on protocol for completing field based experience. Applies to conducting observations and/or working with students under the supervision of a teacher.
New State Ruling- effective September 1, 2012
30 Hours
15 hours - direct involvement with students UNDER SUPERVISION of a certified teacher in an instructional setting: instructional aide, substituting as an instructional aide, tutoring, mentoring, volunteering in the classroom providing instruction.
15 hours - online observations, direct observations
OR
Entire 30 hours can be - direct involvement with students UNDER SUPERVISION of a certified teacher in an instructional setting; instructional aide, substituting as an instructional aide, tutoring, mentoring, volunteering in a classroom providing instruction.
Field Based Experience consists of 30 hours of observation and direct involvement working with students.
FBE is mandatory and a State requirement which must be completed prior to be the first day of school working with students. It is imperative TOPP receive this documentation as soon as possible. Should a school district contact us to ask if paperwork has been completed, we have to comply with inquiry and inform the district if the requirement has or has not been completed.
When do I submit FBE Documentation?
FBE Documentation is due ASAP. Letter of Eligibility cannot be provided until this requirement has been completed.
IMPORTANT! Make a copy of your documentation prior to arriving to the training session
Failure to complete FBE requirement may result in loss opportunity for employment
FBE is required in order to obtain "Letter of Eligibility"
What do I do if it's difficult for me to get off work during the work week or working hours?
Check with school districts to see if campuses will hold STAAR Saturdays or Tutorial programs after school. Some school districts have evening classes for high school students.
Majority of school districts require Criminal Background checks to be completed prior to assisting/mentoring students. Make sure you have done this first before arriving to a campus.
Where can I go to obtain hours to meet the FBE requirement?
See our sidebar "Online Videos" for the 15 hours of observation. Or click the hyperlink Online Videos.
What forms do I turn into TOPP?
See chart below.
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