TOPP 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 2, 2026

Certification Areas Supported by ESC-20 TOPP

Early Childhood through Grade 6

Core Subjects EC-6 & Science of Teaching Reading (STR)

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

Bilingual Certification (TOPP Training)

Bilingual Education Supplemental
Science of Teaching Reading (STR)

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