Talking Points regarding Dallas Morning News article that came out on 01.31.2024
Critical Exam Areas:
“Teachers of Tomorrow’s new leadership is focused on the future of our program and is confident that the improvements in our testing protocols have addressed the underlying issues."
"Since ToT is larger than other providers, we attract a wider variety of people, including working professionals who may not have taken a test since college. We have taken proactive steps to ensure our candidates are fully prepared to take their tests, so we can continue producing some of Texas’ most extraordinary teachers."
"These measures have already started improving our test pass rates, and based on this academic year's scores to date, we are highly confident that we'll exceed the threshold in all of our certification areas.”
What Not to Say
Anything that deviates from our talking points
Do not agree with the intern or confirm their doubts with language like, “I agree” or “We don’t know what will happen next.”
When pressed for more information other than provided in talking points, you can share the intern’s inquiry/concerns with management.
Talking Points regarding Dallas Morning News article that came out on 12.07.22
Texas Teachers of Tomorrow has received a recent report from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) regarding the outcome of the recent review resulting from the 2021 program Audit.
The following are talking points you may reference regarding the outcome of the review.
We can’t expand beyond the talking points we are providing below
General Theme/Talking Point: Acknowledge the article, confirm that we are still operating and transition to discussing interns next steps to successfully complete the program.
Texas Teachers of Tomorrow will continue to do business as usual as our accreditation status through TEA remains as Accredited – Probation. We are committed to alleviating the teaching shortage in Texas and that involves supporting candidates like you to complete our program. Let’s discuss your next steps in the program and a timeline to get you teaching in the classroom.
What Not to Say
Anything that deviates from our talking points
Do not agree with the intern or confirm their doubts with language like, “I agree” or “We don’t know what will happen next.”
When pressed for more information other than provided in talking points, you can share the intern’s inquiry/concerns with management.
Common Scenarios and Responses
Q: Are you aware of the article the Dallas Morning News has written about you all?
A: Yes, we are aware of the article and the outcome of the review that TEA conducted regarding our 2021 program Audit. Right now, the matter is still evolving, and we are providing additional information to TEA.
Q: I read in the news that you all are going to be shut down; How will that affect my certification program or ability to get hired?
A: Texas Teachers of Tomorrow will continue to do business as usual, our accreditation status through TEA remains as Accredited – Probation. We are committed to do our part to alleviate the teaching shortage in Texas and that involves supporting candidates like you complete our program. Let’s discuss your next steps in the program and a timeline to get you teaching in the classroom.
Q: How do you plan to handle the outcome of the review?
A: Texas Teachers of Tomorrow plans to contest the findings as a result of the review through established procedures designed to address such disputes. Right now, the matter is still evolving and we are providing additional information to TEA. You will continue to see changes in our processes and communications as we maintain a focus on continuous improvement and a commitment to you.
Q: Has your company/program lost accreditation?
A: Texas Teachers of Tomorrow maintains an accreditation status of Accredited-Probation through TEA. Texas Teachers of Tomorrow will continue to do business as usual, enroll and support our interns to get hired and ultimately complete the program.
Q: What is going to happen in the meantime/interim?
A: Texas Teachers of Tomorrow will continue to do business as usual, enroll and support our interns to get hired and ultimately complete the program.
We are in an active dialogue with TEA, and will continue to support our interns and do our part to alleviate the teaching shortage by training, preparing, and certifying our candidates.
Q: How long will you be on probation for?
A: We do not have a definitive timeline. Right now, the matter is still evolving and we are providing additional information to TEA. You will continue to see changes in our processes and communications as we maintain a focus on continued improvement and are committed to you!
Q: Will other TOT state programs be impacted? “Will this impact me in Michigan?”
A: Each audit is independent to the individual state and our outcome in Texas will not affect your ability to get certified in Michigan. (Other other said state)
Q: I am concerned about the state’s revocation of your license and want to transfer out immediately to a different program.
A: I understand your concern. However, I can assure you that we are still operating as usual and in fact, the state board did meet on 12/09/2022 to discuss our program. We and TEA will continue to support candidates like yourself in getting into the classroom and starting your teaching career.
I would also like to encourage you to continue working toward completing the program with us at Texas Teachers. It is not advisable to transfer out of the program while you are on your intern certificate. Doing so would require that we deactivate your intern certificate, and you would have to start on a new certificate once enrolled into a new ACP. We stand ready to support you. Let’s discuss your next steps today.
De-escalation when an intern uses the outcome of our review on the 2021 program audit.
Let the intern explode, let them voice their concern, frustration, and uncertainty with the outcome of the review.
Listen actively by providing short responses to their concerns and frustrations.
I understand your frustration
Thank you for sharing with me your concerns
Address their concerns with a talking point
Example: Intern says, “No wonder TEA wants to shut you down, you all are always providing me with different information.”
Advisor Responds, “I understand your frustration and we are conducting business as usual , enrolling and supporting our interns to get hired and ultimately complete the program. We are in active communication with TEA and providing additional information to TEA regarding the outcome of our review.”
“I assure you that we want to support you through your certification process, let me review your next steps and a timeline to help you get teaching in the classroom.”
If an intern persists you can relay that we can’t expand beyond you have already provided them (Talking points)
You can share their inquiry with your manager and find the best way to address their concerns.