Appraisers

All the resources you will need as an Appraiser are contained on this page.

Appraiser Guidelines

The appraiser has a vital role in assessing teaching proficiency and ensuring that teachers and administrators derive reliable and meaningful information from the teacher evaluation process. By providing evidence-based feedback, appraisers help teachers and administrators make decisions that support efforts to improve instructional quality and student performance.

The Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System (T-TESS) requires that all appraisers successfully complete appraisal training and pass a certification exam prior to conducting formal observations. The face-to-face appraiser training is offered by Education Service Centers (ESCs.) Contact your regional Education Service Center to view registration and contact information.

Upon conclusion of the three-day face-to-face training, appraisers must successfully complete the online certification test to assume the role of certified appraisers. The online certification process includes two steps: viewing/scoring a lesson and post-conference responses.

Download the Appraiser Handbook Appraiser-Handbook

Download the T-TESS Rubric

T-TESS Rubric

Download the T-TESS Virtual Instruction Rubric

Virtual Intruction Rubric

T-TESS Appraiser Training @ ESCs

The Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System (T-TESS) requires that all appraisers successfully complete a training program to become a certified T-TESS appraiser. This training is offered by Regional Education Service Centers (ESCs.)

Region 1 - Edinburg


Website: Region 1
Contact: Aminta Silva
Email: amisilva@esc1.net
Call: (956) 984-6262

Training Dates:

Please contact the ESC directly for registration details and information.

Special Note about Virtual Trainings: ESCs can provide virtual training only for participants working and/or residing within their region OR from districts that regularly use the ESC as their designated ESC due to proximity. If a participant needs to attend a training at a different ESC due to scheduling conflicts, they must choose a face to face training.
  • 12/2/2023 to 1/13/2024 Training dates Saturdays December 2, December 9, January 13
  • 1/30/2024 to 2/1/2024 Virtual
  • 3/19/2024 to 3/21/2024
  • 6/4/2024 to 6/6/2024
  • 6/18/2024 to 6/20/2024 Virtual
  • 7/16/2024 to 7/18/2024

    • Region 2 - Corpus Christi


    Website: Region 2
    Contact: Dalia Torres
    Email: dalia.torres@esc2.us
    Call: 361-561-8504

    Training Dates:

    Please contact the ESC directly for registration details and information.

    Special Note about Virtual Trainings: ESCs can provide virtual training only for participants working and/or residing within their region OR from districts that regularly use the ESC as their designated ESC due to proximity. If a participant needs to attend a training at a different ESC due to scheduling conflicts, they must choose a face to face training.
  • 1/24/2024 to 1/26/2024
  • 6/10/2024 to 6/12/2024
  • 8/19/2024 to 8/21/2024

    • Region 3 - Victoria


    Website: Region 3
    Contact: Ann Goodman
    Email: agoodman@esc3.net
    Call: 361-573-0731, ext. 117

    Training Dates:

    Please contact the ESC directly for registration details and information.

    Special Note about Virtual Trainings: ESCs can provide virtual training only for participants working and/or residing within their region OR from districts that regularly use the ESC as their designated ESC due to proximity. If a participant needs to attend a training at a different ESC due to scheduling conflicts, they must choose a face to face training.

    Region 4 - Houston


    Website: Region 4
    Contact: Mike Walker
    Email: michael.walker@esc4.net
    Call: 713-744-6356

    Training Dates:

    Please contact the ESC directly for registration details and information.

    Special Note about Virtual Trainings: ESCs can provide virtual training only for participants working and/or residing within their region OR from districts that regularly use the ESC as their designated ESC due to proximity. If a participant needs to attend a training at a different ESC due to scheduling conflicts, they must choose a face to face training.
  • 1/16/2024 to 1/18/2024 Virtual

    • Region 5 - Beaumont


    Website: Region 5
    Contact: David Hicks
    Email: dhicks@esc5.net
    Call: 409-951-1753

    Training Dates:

    Please contact the ESC directly for registration details and information.

    Special Note about Virtual Trainings: ESCs can provide virtual training only for participants working and/or residing within their region OR from districts that regularly use the ESC as their designated ESC due to proximity. If a participant needs to attend a training at a different ESC due to scheduling conflicts, they must choose a face to face training.
  • 6/18/2024 to 6/20/2024
  • 7/16/2024 to 7/18/2024

    • Region 6 - Huntsville


    Website: Region 6
    Contact: Jennifer Graves
    Email: jgraves@esc6.net
    Call: (936) 435-8216

    Training Dates:

    Please contact the ESC directly for registration details and information.

    Special Note about Virtual Trainings: ESCs can provide virtual training only for participants working and/or residing within their region OR from districts that regularly use the ESC as their designated ESC due to proximity. If a participant needs to attend a training at a different ESC due to scheduling conflicts, they must choose a face to face training.
  • 1/15/2024 to 1/17/2024

    • Region 7 - Kilgore


    Website: Region 7
    Contact: Melanie Hamilton
    Email: mhamilton@esc7.net
    Call: 903-988-6706

    Training Dates:

    Please contact the ESC directly for registration details and information.

    Special Note about Virtual Trainings: ESCs can provide virtual training only for participants working and/or residing within their region OR from districts that regularly use the ESC as their designated ESC due to proximity. If a participant needs to attend a training at a different ESC due to scheduling conflicts, they must choose a face to face training.
  • 3/5/2024 to 3/7/2024
  • 6/24/2024 to 6/26/2024
  • 7/22/2024 to 7/24/2024

    • Region 8 - Mount Pleasant


    Website: Region 8
    Contact: Stacy Elledge
    Email: selledge@reg8.net
    Call: 903-575-2616

    Training Dates:

    Please contact the ESC directly for registration details and information.

    Special Note about Virtual Trainings: ESCs can provide virtual training only for participants working and/or residing within their region OR from districts that regularly use the ESC as their designated ESC due to proximity. If a participant needs to attend a training at a different ESC due to scheduling conflicts, they must choose a face to face training.
  • 6/18/2024 to 6/20/2024

    • Region 9 - Wichita Falls


    Website: Region 9
    Contact: Kara Fluty
    Email: kara.fluty@esc9.net
    Call: 940.322.6928

    Training Dates:

    Please contact the ESC directly for registration details and information.

    Special Note about Virtual Trainings: ESCs can provide virtual training only for participants working and/or residing within their region OR from districts that regularly use the ESC as their designated ESC due to proximity. If a participant needs to attend a training at a different ESC due to scheduling conflicts, they must choose a face to face training.
  • 1/8/2024 to 1/10/2024
  • 7/9/2024 to 7/11/2024

    • Region 10 - Richardson


    Website: Region 10
    Contact: Kent Messer
    Email: kent.messer@region10.org
    Call: 214-293-9938

    Training Dates:

    Please contact the ESC directly for registration details and information.

    Special Note about Virtual Trainings: ESCs can provide virtual training only for participants working and/or residing within their region OR from districts that regularly use the ESC as their designated ESC due to proximity. If a participant needs to attend a training at a different ESC due to scheduling conflicts, they must choose a face to face training.
  • 12/5/2023 to 12/7/2023
  • 1/9/2024 to 1/11/2024
  • 2/6/2024 to 2/8/2024
  • 4/2/2024 to 4/4/2024
  • 4/30/2024 to 5/2/2024
  • 6/4/2024 to 6/6/2024
  • 7/9/2024 to 7/11/2024
  • 8/6/2024 to 8/8/2024

    • Region 11 - Fort Worth


    Website: Region 11
    Contact: Jeff Smith
    Email: jsmith@esc11.net
    Call: (817) 740-7561

    Training Dates:

    Please contact the ESC directly for registration details and information.

    Special Note about Virtual Trainings: ESCs can provide virtual training only for participants working and/or residing within their region OR from districts that regularly use the ESC as their designated ESC due to proximity. If a participant needs to attend a training at a different ESC due to scheduling conflicts, they must choose a face to face training.
  • 1/8/2024 to 1/10/2024
  • 3/18/2024 to 3/20/2024
  • 6/17/2024 to 6/19/2024
  • 7/30/2024 to 8/1/2024
  • 8/14/2024 to 8/16/2024
  • 9/16/2024 to 9/18/2024
  • 9/30/2024 to 10/2/2024

    • Region 13 - Austin


    Website: Region 13
    Contact: LaWanda Carley
    Email: LaWanda.Carley@esc13.txed.net
    Call: 512-919-5208

    Training Dates:

    Please contact the ESC directly for registration details and information.

    Special Note about Virtual Trainings: ESCs can provide virtual training only for participants working and/or residing within their region OR from districts that regularly use the ESC as their designated ESC due to proximity. If a participant needs to attend a training at a different ESC due to scheduling conflicts, they must choose a face to face training.
  • 1/16/2024 to 1/18/2024 Virtual
  • 2/14/2024 to 2/16/2024
  • 6/18/2024 to 6/20/2024
  • 7/16/2024 to 7/18/2024
  • 7/23/2024 to 7/25/2024
  • 8/23/2024 to 8/25/2024

    • Region 12 - Waco


    Website: Region 12
    Contact: Russ Meggs
    Email: rmeggs@esc12.net
    Call: 297-297-1108

    Training Dates:

    Please contact the ESC directly for registration details and information.

    Special Note about Virtual Trainings: ESCs can provide virtual training only for participants working and/or residing within their region OR from districts that regularly use the ESC as their designated ESC due to proximity. If a participant needs to attend a training at a different ESC due to scheduling conflicts, they must choose a face to face training.
  • 2/13/2024 to 2/15/2024
  • 6/11/2024 to 6/13/2024
  • 8/13/2024 to 8/15/2024
  • 9/3/2024 to 9/5/2024
  • 10/22/2024 to 10/24/2024

    • Region 14 - Abilene


    Website: Region 14
    Contact: Greg Priddy
    Email: gpriddy@esc14.net
    Call: 325-675-8684

    Training Dates:

    Please contact the ESC directly for registration details and information.

    Special Note about Virtual Trainings: ESCs can provide virtual training only for participants working and/or residing within their region OR from districts that regularly use the ESC as their designated ESC due to proximity. If a participant needs to attend a training at a different ESC due to scheduling conflicts, they must choose a face to face training.

    Region 15 - San Angelo


    Website: Region 15
    Contact: Robin Graves
    Email: robin.graves@esc15.net
    Call: 325-481-4026

    Training Dates:

    Please contact the ESC directly for registration details and information.

    Special Note about Virtual Trainings: ESCs can provide virtual training only for participants working and/or residing within their region OR from districts that regularly use the ESC as their designated ESC due to proximity. If a participant needs to attend a training at a different ESC due to scheduling conflicts, they must choose a face to face training.
  • 7/29/2024 to 7/31/2024

    • Region 16 - Amarillo


    Website: Region 16
    Contact: Heather Newman
    Email: heather.newman@esc16.net
    Call: 806-677-5021

    Training Dates:

    Please contact the ESC directly for registration details and information.

    Special Note about Virtual Trainings: ESCs can provide virtual training only for participants working and/or residing within their region OR from districts that regularly use the ESC as their designated ESC due to proximity. If a participant needs to attend a training at a different ESC due to scheduling conflicts, they must choose a face to face training.

    Region 17 - Lubbock


    Website: Region 17
    Contact: Misty Castro
    Email: mcastro@esc17.net
    Call: 806-281-5805

    Training Dates:

    Please contact the ESC directly for registration details and information.

    Special Note about Virtual Trainings: ESCs can provide virtual training only for participants working and/or residing within their region OR from districts that regularly use the ESC as their designated ESC due to proximity. If a participant needs to attend a training at a different ESC due to scheduling conflicts, they must choose a face to face training.

    Region 18 - Midland


    Website: Region 18
    Contact: LeRoy Mitchell
    Email: lmitchell@esc18.net
    Call: 432-567-3242

    Training Dates:

    Please contact the ESC directly for registration details and information.

    Special Note about Virtual Trainings: ESCs can provide virtual training only for participants working and/or residing within their region OR from districts that regularly use the ESC as their designated ESC due to proximity. If a participant needs to attend a training at a different ESC due to scheduling conflicts, they must choose a face to face training.
  • 1/16/2024 to 1/18/2024
  • 6/18/2024 to 6/20/2024
  • 7/16/2024 to 7/18/2024
  • 9/17/2024 to 9/19/2024

    • Region 19 - El Paso


    Website: Region 19
    Contact: Barbara Amaya
    Email: bamaya@esc19.net
    Call: 915-780-5354

    Training Dates:

    Please contact the ESC directly for registration details and information.

    Special Note about Virtual Trainings: ESCs can provide virtual training only for participants working and/or residing within their region OR from districts that regularly use the ESC as their designated ESC due to proximity. If a participant needs to attend a training at a different ESC due to scheduling conflicts, they must choose a face to face training.
  • 3/5/2024 to 3/7/2024
  • 6/25/2024 to 6/27/2024

    • Region 20 - San Antonio


    Website: Region 20
    Contact: Patricia Zamora
    Email: Patricia.Zamora@esc20.net
    Call: (210) 370-5200

    Training Dates:

    Please contact the ESC directly for registration details and information.

    Special Note about Virtual Trainings: ESCs can provide virtual training only for participants working and/or residing within their region OR from districts that regularly use the ESC as their designated ESC due to proximity. If a participant needs to attend a training at a different ESC due to scheduling conflicts, they must choose a face to face training.
  • 1/23/2024 to 1/25/2024
  • 2/20/2024 to 2/22/2024
  • 4/23/2024 to 4/25/2024
  • 6/25/2024 to 6/27/2024
  • 7/23/2024 to 7/25/2024
  • 8/20/2024 to 8/22/2024
    • Click on your Regional Education Service Center (map) to view registration details and contact information.
    T-TESS Contacts Map

    Evaluation Process

    The Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System (T-TESS) observation cycle includes a pre-conference, observation and post-conference, as the recommended cycle for supporting teachers. During the observation, appraisers capture detailed, strategically-scripted evidence and use this evidence in conjunction with the T-TESS dimensions and descriptors of the rubric to determine performance levels. Each aspect of the observation cycle is included in this section.

    Campus leaders conduct orientation session(s) for teachers who are new to T-TESS to familiarize them with the T-TESS process, its components, key staff roles and responsibilities, information and resources available during implementation, where to seek assistance, and how to develop and implement goals and professional development plans. The orientation serves as an initial overview that is supported with ongoing learning opportunities, thereafter.

    For a brief overview of the entire evaluation process, check out this year at a glance timeline.

    Appraisal Process Timeline

    Aligned with the notion of continuous improvement, the goal-setting and professional development processes are interwoven throughout the year to positively impact performance. Teachers authentically engage in reflection about current professional practices using teacher and student data, identify professional growth goals, establish and implement a professional development plan to attain those goals, and track progress toward the goals over the course of the year.

    Training Module:
     

    The overall purpose of the pre-conference is for the appraiser and teacher to mutually discuss the upcoming lesson observation with a focus on the interrelationships between planning, instruction, the learning environment and student outcomes.

    Training Module:

      

    As tied to the Texas Teacher Standards for Professional Practice, the T-TESS multi-dimensional observation tool is used in conjunction with collected evidence to evaluate and inform each teacher’s performance and professional needs as an ongoing system of continuous improvement to ultimately impact student performance.

    Ideally, multiple formal and informal observations are used throughout the year to provide teachers with actionable, timely feedback, allowing teachers to make efficient and contextual professional development choices that lead to refinement in their practices.

    Training Module:
      

    The overall purpose of the post-conference is to provide teachers opportunities to self-reflect on the execution of their lessons with guidance and support from the administrators or teacher leaders who conducted the evaluation, including the impact on student performance. Results are used to inform and guide the teacher’s future practices and growth.

    Training Module:
      

    The End-of-Year (EOY) Conference provides an opportunity for the appraiser and the teacher to summarize the observations for Domains 1-3, formalize the evidence and score for Domain 4, and to discuss next year’s goal(s) and professional development plan.

    Training Modules:
         

    Rubric Training

    Deepen your understanding of the T-TESS rubric with this series of module videos that explore the finer points of each dimension of the rubric.

    Planning (Domain 1)
    • Standards and Alignment (Dimension 1.1) The teacher designs clear, well-organized, sequential lessons that reflect best practice, align with the standards and are appropriate for diverse learners.
    • Data and Assessment (Dimension 1.2) The teacher uses formal and informal methods to measure student progress, then manages and analyzes student data to inform instruction.
    • Knowledge of Students (Dimension 1.3) Through knowledge of students and proven practices, the teacher ensures high levels of learning, social-emotional development and achievement for all students.
    • Activities (Dimension 1.4) The teacher plans engaging, flexible lessons that encourage higher –order thinking, persistence and achievement.

    Training Modules:
               
    Instruction (Domain 2)
    • Achieving Expectations (Dimension 2.1) The teacher supports all learners in their pursuit of high levels of academic and social-emotional success.
    • Content Knowledge and Expertise (Dimension 2.2) The teacher uses content and pedagogical expertise to design and execute lessons aligned with state standards, related content and student needs.
    • Communication (Dimension 2.3) The teacher clearly and accurately communicates to support persistence, deeper learning and effective effort.
    • Differentiation (Dimension 2.4) The teacher differentiates instruction, aligning methods and techniques to diverse student needs.
    • Monitor and Adjust (Dimension 2.5) The teacher formally and informally collects, analyzes and uses student progress data and makes necessary lesson adjustments.

    Training Modules:
                  
    Learning Environment (Domain 3)
    • Classroom Environment, Routines and Procedures (Dimension 3.1) The teacher organizes a safe, accessible and efficient classroom.
    • Managing Student Behavior (Dimension 3.2) The teacher establishes, communicates and maintains clear expectations for student behavior.
    • Classroom Culture (Dimension 3.3) The teacher leads a mutually respectful and collaborative class of actively engaged learners.

    Training Modules:
            
    Professional Practices and Responsibilities (Domain 4)
    • Professional Demeanor and Ethics (Dimension 4.1) The teacher meets district expectations for attendance, professional appearance, decorum, procedural, ethical, legal and statutory responsibilities.
    • Goal Setting (Dimension 4.2) The teacher reflects on his/her practice.
    • Professional Development (Dimension 4.3) The teacher enhances the professional community.
    • School Community Involvement (Dimension 4.4) The teacher demonstrates leadership with students, colleagues, and community members in the school, district and community through effective communication and outreach.


    Training Modules:
               

    Calibration Resources

    Advance your instruction and gain additional insight into the T-TESS appraisal process with a calibration training module, ESC provided trainings, and a collection of classroom lesson examples- at various grade levels- along with T-TESS rater scores to promote better calibration.

    Calibration Training Module

    Training Module:

     

    T-TESS Appraiser Calibration Training by ESCs

    The T-TESS Appraiser Calibration Training is designed to provide participants with a deeper dive into the calibration process, allowing users to engage in multiple calibration opportunities using the T-TESS rubric and two different protocols.

    T-TESS State Flyer

    Download the Flyer



    NOTE: This training is only offered by Regional Education Service Centers (ESCs.) Please contact your local ESC directly for dates and times.

    Implementation Guidebook


    Calibration Video Lessons

    These lessons are designed to be used for appraiser calibrations and professional development to highlight and improve performance on each of the T-TESS domains/dimensions at both the teacher and appraiser levels.

    Check out these Elementary, Middle School, and High School video lessons below to calibrate your rating ability. Be sure to download the evidence rating sheets.

    Elementary Lessons

    Kindergarten Math (Identifying 2D Shapes)

    Evidence Rating Sheet

      

    2nd Grade ELA (Spelling)

    Evidence Rating Sheet

      

    3rd Grade Math Intervention

    Evidence Rating Sheet

      

    4th Grade ELA (Character Traits)

    Evidence Rating Sheet

      

    4th Grade Math (Number Patterns)

    Evidence Rating Sheet

      

    4th Grade Reading (Pirate Story)

    Evidence Rating Sheet

      

    5th Grade Science

    Evidence Rating Sheet

      

    1st Grade Dual Language

    Evidence Rating Sheet

      

    2nd Grade ELA (Making Predictions)

    Evidence Rating Sheet

      

    3rd Grade Reading Intervention

    Evidence Rating Sheet

      

    4th Grade ELA (Spelling Patterns)

    Evidence Rating Sheet

      

    4th Grade Math (Fractions and Decimals)

    Evidence Rating Sheet

      

    5th Grade Math (Murder Mystery Math)

    Evidence Rating Sheet

      

    Middle School Lessons

    6th Grade Math

    Evidence Rating Sheet

      

    Middle School Science (Homeostasis)

    Evidence Rating Sheet

      

    Middle School (Mariachi Lesson)

    Evidence Rating Sheet

      

    7th Grade (Avid Lesson)

    Evidence Rating Sheet

      

    7th Grade Math (Pi and Circles)

    Evidence Rating Sheet

      

    8th Grade Math (Scatter Plots)

    Evidence Rating Sheet

      

    High School Lessons

    High School AP Chemistry

    Evidence Rating Sheet

      

    High School Literature (Age of Romanticism)

    Evidence Rating Sheet

      

    High School EMT

    Evidence Rating Sheet

      

    High School Science

    Evidence Rating Sheet

      

    Orientation Materials

    These recommended resources are designed for Campus and District Administrators to provide site-based overviews of the Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System (T-TESS). The materials should be used- not only for the initial orientation- but also for continued focus of teachers and appraisers on the entire yearlong T-TESS appraisal process.

    Appraisal Certification

    The Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System (T-TESS) requires that all appraisers successfully complete the certification process prior to conducting formal observations. Upon conclusion of the three-day face-to-face training, appraisers must successfully complete the online certification test to assume the role of certified appraisers.

    Evaluation Management

    The Evaluation Management system allows districts and campuses to record and save observation and rubric ratings for teachers, generate observation and summary ratings reports, and analyze campus and district data to support next steps in using T-TESS as an educator development tool. Input data, ratings, and areas for reinforcement and refinement for any formal observation or informal observation/walkthrough tied to the T-TESS rubric.

    Impact Coaching Training

    The Impact Coaching Training is a new, optional 2-day companion training for T-TESS and T-PESS Appraiser preparation. The training focuses on helping Appraisers learn specialized coaching skills, tools, and competencies to utilize in the T-TESS and T-PESS observation cycles.

    For information about training dates and locations, please contact your local ESC.

    Additional Resources

    Explore these resources for Appraisers to assist with the implementation of T-TESS.