Teacher Orientation and Preparation Program (TOPP) » TOPP » Program Overview

Program Overview

About Us

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 our educational partners.

** Official transcripts from each school attended, whether a community college or university, must be submitted to complete the application process.**
 
 
 

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis with admission start dates occurring monthly. 

 

Information Sessions:

Saturday, October 14, 2023, 9:00 a.m.
Tuesday, October 24, 2023, 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 11, 2023, 9:00 a.m.
Tuesday, November 14, 2023, 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, December 5, 2023, 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, December 12, 2023, 6:00 p.m.
 
**Please complete the invitation request below.**
After requesting your invitation to the Information Session, a Zoom link and information handouts will be provided by email. Please check your spam folder if you have not received the email response.
Are you eligible to receive a $5,000 grant to help pay certification fees?
 

Monthly Payment Program Fees

Total Program Fees

 

$5,595

Certifications NOT Requiring the Science of Teaching Reading Certification

 

$6,145

Certifications Requiring the Science of Teaching Reading Certification

Fees Paid On Date of Orientation

$100

$100

Remaining Program Fees

*$5,495*

*Utilized To Determine Below Monthly Payment Fees

*$6,045*

*Utilized To Determine Below Monthly Payment Fees

 

 

*12 Month Payment Plan

*18 Month Payment Plan

*12 Month w/STR Payment Plan

*18 Month w/STR Payment Plan

 
$457.92 $305.28 $503.75
$335.83
 

Teacher Orientation and Preparation Program Steps

TOPP Program

TExES Content Certification Preparation

Classroom Foundations

OR

Classroom Foundations with STR*, fee $550 Certifications:

  • Core Subjects EC‐6

  • Core Subjects 4‐8

  • ELAR 4‐8

  • ELAR/Social Studies 4‐8

*Science of Teaching Reading (STR) applies to the certifications listed above. Both the STR and TExES content exams must be passed to meet certification and employment requirements.

Meeting Student Needs

Paid Teaching Internship

*Science of Teaching Reading (STR) applies to those seeking certification in elementary/middle school core subjects, ELAR 4-8 certification, and 4-8 ELAR/Social Studies.

 
 
 

Payment Assistance

The College Access Loan (CAL) is available through www.hhloans.com
Information on eligibility: www.hhloans.com
 
 
 

Certification Areas

Early Childhood through Grade 6

  • Core Subjects EC-6

Grades 4-8

  • Core Subjects 4-8
  • English Language Arts & Reading
  • Dual Subject – English Language Arts & Social Studies
  • Dual Subjects – Math & Science
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Social Studies

Grades 6-12

  • ROTC
 

Grades 7-12

  • English Language Arts & Reading
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Life Science
  • Social Studies

Grades EC-12

  • Special Education - (Core Content exam is recommended, but not required for Special Education EC-12 Certification)
  • Art
  • Music
  • Physical Education
  • Technology Applications
  • Theater
  • Spanish LOTE

Exams for Bilingual Certification (TOPP Training)

  • Bilingual certification requires EC-6 or 4-8 Core Subjects exam
  • In addition to passing the Bilingual Target Language Proficiency Test (BTLPT)

Supplemental Exams

  • English as a Second Language Supplemental
 Supported certification areas are subject to change.