T-TESS Refresh
T-TESS Refresh Content
Originally launched in 2015, the Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System (T-TESS) is currently used by 89% of Texas school systems. As we mark its tenth year, TEA is refreshing the system to better meet the evolving needs of educators and students across the state.
Recent updates to educator standards—driven by House Bill 1605—clarify expectations and highlight best practices, including high-quality instructional materials (HQIM), the Science of Learning, research-based strategies, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and digital literacy. These standards will inform refinements to T-TESS.
The refresh builds on the strengths of the current system, aligning appraisal components with updated standards, national research, survey data, and statewide stakeholder feedback. The goal is to clearly define excellent teaching, support educator growth, and promote strong student outcomes.
As TEA conducts planning and engagement related to the T-TESS refresh, regular updates will be provided on this page. For questions related to the T-TESS refresh, please email support@teachfortexas.org
Timeline
| Target Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| Fall 2024 | T-TESS at Ten Landscape Analysis |
| Spring 2025 | Updated Teacher Pedagogy Standards |
| Summer 2025 | Draft Proposed Updates to T-TESS Rubric and System |
| August 2025 | Launch T-TESS Stakeholder Advisory Committee |
| Fall - Winter 2025 | Field Test Updated Rubric and System |
| Fall 2026 | Pilot Updated T-TESS |
Stakeholder Advisory Committee (SAC)
TEA has established a statewide Stakeholder Advisory Committee to review proposed updates to T-TESS. This group will provide feedback, inform implementation planning, and help ensure the revised system reflects the realities of classrooms across Texas. The committee includes classroom teachers, school system leaders, educator preparation faculty, and representatives from professional teacher organizations—ensuring a broad range of voices and expertise across Texas education.
| Name | District/Organization | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Alison Davis | Waco Independent School District | Teacher |
| Anabel Ruiz | Richardson Independent School District | School Leader |
| Angie Betts | Region 9 ESC | Education Specialist |
| Anita Frank | Beaumont ISD | District Leader |
| Anne Granado | Pleasant Grove Independent School District | School Leader |
| Arinola Adedeji | Harmony Public School | Teacher |
| Ashley Chandler | Yorktown ISd | District Leader |
| Chele Ashley | Bovina Independent School District | District Leader |
| Corey Franklin | Meridian World School LLC | Teacher |
| Curt McKneely | Miles Elementary | School Leader |
| Dr. C. Kelly Cordray | Elysian Fields Independent School District | School Leader |
| Dr. Delic Loyde | Hearne ISD/Hearne Education Foundation | Executive Director |
| Eliza Delgado | Rio Grande City Grulla Independent School District | Teacher |
| Elizabeth Bingham | Argyle Independent School District | Teacher |
| Heather Cuellar | Comanche Independent School District | Teacher |
| Irene Merida Calvo | Alief ISD | Teacher |
| Javier Armendariz Cortez | Midland Independent School District | Teacher |
| Jeff Smith | ESC Region 11 | Appraisal Lead |
| Katy Jo Dylla | East Central ISD | Teacher |
| Kimberly Reinhardt | Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi | Teacher Educator |
| Krista Klein | Lubbock-Cooper ISD | School Leader |
| Mercede de Lurdes Justiniano | Garland ISD | Teacher |
| Quinn McCall | Texas Classroom Teachers Association | Former Teacher/Teacher Advocate |
| Tami Jenkins | Commit Partnership | Educational Organization |
| Todd Hunter | Del Valle Independent School District (DVISD) | Teacher |
| Victoria Franklin | School of Science and Technology | Teacher |
| Victoria Saenz | San Antonio Independent School District | Teacher |
| Wilhemina McCraw | Aldine Independent School District | Teacher |
| Yadira Torres | John F Kennedy | Teacher |
| Yanira Oliveras | The University of Texas at Tyler | Professor |
Field Testing
This fall, TEA will field test the revised T-TESS rubric to ensure it yields consistent, instructionally aligned ratings. School systems interested in participating by providing access to K–12 classrooms are encouraged to connect with us.
•Purpose: Examine how teachers and observers engage with the rubric in real classroom settings.
•Commitment: One scheduled visit with school system leaders that provides access to between five and 10 diverse K-12 classrooms and an opportunity to connect with classroom teachers.
•Next Step for District Leaders: Please complete the T-TESS Field Test Interest Form if your school system is interested in supporting this important work and participating in field testing.
Resources
•Updated Chapter 149.AA, Commissioner’s Rules Concerning Educator Standards