Teacher Orientation and Preparation Program (TOPP)
About
Education Service Center, Region 20, is one of 20 regional education service agencies within Texas that assist school districts in improving student performance and increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of school operations. As a non-regulatory agency, its relationship with school districts is collaborative and supportive.
ESC-20's clients are its partners. To respond to their needs, ESC-20 provides an array of programs and services in the areas of administration, business support, certification and recruitment, curriculum, instruction and assessment, health and safety, professional development, specialized services and technology.
The Teacher Orientation and Preparation Program (TOPP) is a State Board of Educator Certification-approved alternative route to teacher certification coordinated by Education Service Center, Region 20. TOPP began providing services in 1986 and maintains a trustworthy and enduring reputation with its educational partners.
ESC-20 TOPP is the alternative certification program of choice for:
Professionals wanting a career change
College graduates who have decided to teach
Education majors who may have been unable to complete student teaching
Many adults do not have the luxury of taking an unpaid semester for student teaching. The program's flexible training schedule allows you to take training courses while working until you can secure a full-time teaching internship with full teacher pay.
Upcoming Deadlines
Deadlines
Program Start
Sep. 24, 2025
Fall
Jan. 14, 2026
Winter
Feb. 04, 2026
Spring
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Ways to Lower Your Costs
Students at Teacher Orientation and Preparation Program (TOPP) have reduced the cost of their program using these methods. Check with Teacher Orientation and Preparation Program (TOPP) to see if you can, too!
Amount
Description
$5,000
Grants, Stipends, Scholarships
Ready to Work San Antonio funds are available if you meet certain eligibility criteria. Learn more.
Varies
Student Loans, Payroll Deduction
The College Access Loan program is an option for Texas students. You have six months to begin repayment after completing the program. Learn more.
Varies
Work Study, Working While Still Enrolled
As an alternative certification intern, you will earn a full teacher salary for the whole internship year.
Certifications
Art (Pre-K-12) Bilingual Education Supplemental Core Subjects (4-8) Core Subjects (Pre-K-6) English Language Arts and Reading (4-8) English Language Arts and Reading (7-12) English Language Arts and Reading / Social Studies (4-8) English as a Second Language Supplemental Junior ROTC (6-12) Life Science (7-12) Mathematics (4-8) Mathematics (7-12) Mathematics / Science (4-8) Music (Pre-K-12) Physical Education (Pre-K-12) Science (4-8) Science (7-12) Social Studies (4-8) Social Studies (7-12) Spanish (Pre-K-12)
Special Education (Pre-K-12) Technology Applications (Pre-K-12) Theatre (Pre-K-12)
Program Costs Overview
Certification Area
Grades
Total Cost
All certifications not requiring The Science of Teaching Reading
All
$5,595
Core Subjects
Early Childhood–6th Grade OR Grades 4–8
$6,145
English Language Arts and Reading
Grades 4–8
$6,145
English Language Arts and Reading/ Social Studies
Grades 4–8
$6,145
Program Overview
From orientation until you begin your teaching internship, you will work to meet the intern eligibility requirements:
Study for and pass your content (TExES) certification exam.
Take classroom foundations courses, including ethics, classroom management and instructional design and delivery.
Document 50 hours of field-based experiences by volunteering or substituting in a K-12 school.
Enroll in asynchronous, online courses aligned with Texas Teacher Standards.
Take intensive summer pre-service teacher courses, including instructional strategies, understanding poverty, human development, family engagement and English as a Second Language strategies.
You will secure a teaching internship after you have met the eligibility requirements (TExES passed, 50 hours of field-based experiences documented, and 150 training hours completed). During the teaching internship, you will:
Teach full-time with full teacher pay as the teacher of record in a school
Have the support of your field supervisor, who will observe your teaching and give you constructive feedback
Attend internship Saturday sessions once per month focused on understanding the teacher evaluation tool, T-TESS
Complete the Texas Teacher Standards-based, asynchronous online courses
Study for and pass the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities TExES
Program Hallmarks
You will be able to learn on the job during your teaching internships. Before starting the internship, you must participate in hands-on, interactive field-based experience by volunteering or substituting in K-12 schools for at least 35 hours.
ESC-20 TOPP is committed to preparing you to succeed in the diverse San Antonio community and its surrounding areas. You will take courses on relevant topics such as:
Understanding poverty
ESL strategies
Introduction to special education
Special education accommodations and modifications
Differentiated instruction
Social/emotional learning
Migrant education
As an intern teacher at ESC-20 TOPP, you will have a mentor and a field supervisor assigned to support you throughout your first year of teaching.
Mentor
Your mentor will be a successful teacher from the campus who is certified in a similar certification to the one you are pursuing. Your mentor will be available to provide daily guidance and support on campus.
Field Supervisor
Your field supervisor, a former administrator, will visit you regularly throughout the year. They will guide you through the coaching cycle, including pre-observation conferences, observations, and post-observation feedback, ensuring you receive continuous support and feedback.
ESC-20 TOPP has an advisory committee of representatives from local education agencies and other partners dedicated to continuous program improvement. Strong connections with local districts' HR professionals give you an edge in the hiring process.
Several local school districts have implemented "grow your own" programs to fund teacher certification through ESC-20 TOPP for their employees who meet program admission requirements.
Get Started
Own the application process. Start a checklist to put yourself on track to becoming the best teacher you can be.
