Today we learned that Austin Independent School District (AISD) and most of our local school districts have canceled classes through April 3.
You still should return to your placement when your schools open for classes if the school is accepting non-staff on campus. However, your cooperating teachers may be required to report to their schools for planning and telecommuting instruction. They may ask you to participate in those activities. If so, we recommend that you do this virtually to abide by social distancing practices currently recommended by the university.
Zoom teleconferencing will provide you with the needed UT security protection. Consider this an opportunity to learn about virtual instruction with your cooperating teachers as you may be participating in this form of alternative instruction with your students.
We are in close communication with Texas Education Agency (TEA) to ensure your path to certification continues in this time of uncertainty. TEA has been very responsive and is offering several options for next steps. We will update you as TEA shares new information with us.
We received this communication from TEA today about certification testing:
An update has been posted on the Texas Educator Certification Examination Program website. Please advise candidates to make sure their emails are updated in ECOS.
If you already have a scheduled exam: Your exam appointment will proceed as scheduled unless you receive an email cancellation.
If your exam is canceled: You will receive an email cancellation if your test center closes. Please allow 1–3 days for the exam authorization to show as available for rescheduling in your testing account. Once available, you may reschedule your exam as best fits your needs. No fees will be incurred for rescheduling your appointment.
If you need to schedule or reschedule an exam: Please note that only open test centers will appear during the scheduling process. Tip: Try searching for alternate testing dates or a test center slightly farther away.
Visit the Pearson VUE website for information about test center closures.
Please reach out to your coordinators if you have further questions.
Continue to take good care of yourselves.
Sharon Evans
Director of Education Services
