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.

Application Deadline Date for Next Cohort 
January 14, 2025

Certification Areas Supported by ESC-20 TOPP

Early Childhood through Grade 6 

Grades 4-8 

  • Core Subjects 4-8 & STR
  • English Language Arts & Reading & STR
  • Dual Subject – English Language Arts & Social Studies and STR
  • 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
 - endorsement certification to core content TExES.