Relevant Policies and Programs
The Texas Mentorship Training was designed with relevant mentoring policy in mind and aligns with key initiatives across the state.
Understanding the Goals of the Texas Mentorship Training
The Teacher Vacancy Task Force (TVTF) was established in March 2022 to examine teacher retention and recruitment challenges across Texas. Through examining research and continuous stakeholder engagement, they published a report of recommendations to address these challenges. As part of their report, the TVTF recommended the development of a statewide training for mentoring educators to ensure quality mentorship.
As a result of the Task Force’s recommendations, the Texas Mentorship Training was established by the agency with the primary goals of increasing teacher effectiveness and retention.
PREP Alignment
The Texas Mentorship Training aligns to several key policies, including Texas Education Code (TEC) §21, Subchapter R Preparing and Retaining Educators through Partnership (PREP):
- TEC §21.907 PREP Mentorship Program
- TEC §21.904 PREP Residency Preservice Program
- TEC §48.157 PREP Residency Allotment
- TEC §21.901 PREP Definitions
- TEC §21.902 PREP Preservice Programs
Aligned Key Policies
Educator Preparation Program Requirements
Texas Administrative Code (TAC), §228 outlines requirements for Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs), including training and support for cooperating teachers, mentors, and field supervisors. TMT helps EPPs meet these standards by providing comprehensive training for individuals supporting teacher candidates.
Mentors
The Texas Education Code (TEC) §21.458 establishes "Mentors," which outlines provisions for districts implementing high-quality mentorship programs. The Texas Mentorship Training fulfills the training requirements for mentor teachers, and any district and campus employees described in TEC §21.458
Classroom Teacher Pedagogy Standards
Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §235.21 describes the knowledge and skills required for teachers to provide instruction that leads to positive outcomes for all students, builds a safe and productive learning environment, and ensures rigorous academic standards.
Connections to Statewide Programs
Leadership and Instructional Foundations for Texas (LIFT) Program
LIFT (Leadership and Instructional Foundations for Texas) is a three-year program designed to support Texas school systems in building instructional and systems-level capacity needed to deliver high-quality learning experiences for all students. LIFT brings together the highest leverage components of Strong Foundations, Texas Instructional Leadership, and Texas Lesson Study, providing comprehensive support for districts to adopt HQIM and implement Bluebonne Learning over multiple years.
Effective Preparation Framework (EPF)
The TMT aligns with the EPF by supporting EPPs in delivering high-quality field-based experiences for teacher candidates. It directly supports Lever 5: Instruction and Support, Essential Action 4: Mentor and Cooperating Teacher Training, by ensuring mentors and cooperating teachers receive structured training, ongoing professional learning, and guidance to provide effective instructional support.
LASO Cycle 4 PREP Allotment Programs
The Preparing and Retaining Educators through Partnership (PREP) Program Allotment provides funding for various partnerships and school systems may apply for funding for the PREP Residency Program, Grow Your Own Program, and the Mentor Program through this LASO 4 application. Through LASO 4 school systems may also apply for Texas Strategic Staffing Grant funding to support implementation and reach of the PREP Program Allotment.
Connections to Statewide Programs
Leadership and Instructional Foundations for Texas (LIFT) Program
Leadership and Instructional Foundations for Texas (LIFT) is a three-year program designed to support Texas school systems in building instructional and systems-level capacity needed to deliver high-quality learning experiences for all students. LIFT brings together the highest leverage components of Strong Foundations, Texas Instructional Leadership, and Texas Lesson Study, providing comprehensive support for districts to adopt HQIM and implement Bluebonnet Learning over multiple years.
LASO Cycle 4 for PREP Allotment Programs
Districts may opt in to the PREP Allotment via the LASO Cycle 4 application. The LASO Cycle 4 application opens on October 1st, 2025 and closes December 1st, 2025.
Effective Preparation Framework (EPF)
The Texas Mentorship Training aligns with the EPF by supporting EPPs in delivering high-quality field-based experiences for teacher candidates. It directly supports Lever 5: Instruction and Support, Essential Action 4: Mentor and Cooperating Teacher Training, by ensuring mentors, cooperating & host teachers receive structured training, ongoing professional learning, and guidance to provide effective instructional support.