Teacher of Students Who are Deafblind (TDB) Mentor Mini-Pilot Set for Spring
Authors: Hillary Keys, Early Childhood Deafblind Consultant, Texas Deafblind Project, Outreach Program, Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (TSBVI)
The recent history of certification for Teachers of Students who are Deafblind (TDB) in Texas began in July 2020, when the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) approved the Deafblind EC-12 Standards. A group of dedicated professionals spent the next three years building and pilot-testing the certification exam before finally opening the Educator Preparation Program (EPP) application window in December 2024.
Next, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) updated Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §228.115 to require all approved EPPs to “collaborate with the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired to assign a mentor for the candidate” seeking certification as a TDB.
To date, no university EPPs have been approved, but Kaycee Bennett, Statewide TDB Mentor Coordinator, has kept things moving forward. She recruited volunteers who have already completed their coursework in deafblind education and are currently serving students who are deafblind. Feeling that they would benefit from a mentor and ongoing support, these individuals applied last fall for a cohort beginning in the spring of 2026.
In January 2026, 14 individuals from across Texas were scheduled to travel to Austin for the first of two intensive, in-person collaboration and training sessions. However, winter storm Fern prevented those in North Texas from traveling. Instead, participants who could reach Austin attended in person, while those unable to travel participated virtually. Despite the last-minute shift to a hybrid approach, the cohort’s energy and excitement made for a focused and engaged day of learning. Members of the Texas Deafblind Project facilitated topical sessions and shared valuable, practical information with participants.
Over the course of the spring semester, participants will observe one another’s teaching and provide feedback. The second training session is scheduled to take place in March 2026 in Denton, TX. Weather permitting, it will be in person the day before the Texas Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (TAER) conference. Kaycee will continue to provide support throughout the program. For questions, contact Kaycee Bennett at [email protected].