Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System (T-TESS)
T-TESS is the Commissioner-recommended default teacher evaluation system in Texas, used by the vast majority of Texas school districts. Designed to support teacher growth through ongoing feedback and professional development, T-TESS covers planning, instruction, learning environment, and professional practices across a five-point rating scale.
The Commissioner-recommended default evaluation system in Texas, used by the vast majority of public school districts. Districts may adopt a locally developed system under TEC §21.352.
How Observation Copilot Helps
AI-powered T-TESS feedback in seconds
Paste your observation notes. Copilot maps your evidence to the right T-TESS domains and drafts structured, rubric-aligned feedback - ready to review and share.
- Organizes your observation notes by T-TESS domains and dimensions
- Generates feedback aligned to the T-TESS five-point rubric
- Maps evidence from your notes to specific T-TESS indicators
- Suggests research-backed next steps for each domain
- Trusted by principals and assistant principals across Texas districts, including San Antonio ISD and Stockdale ISD
Framework Domains
T-TESS at a Glance
Planning
Standards and alignment, data and assessment, knowledge of students, and activities - evaluating how teachers design instruction to meet student needs.
Instruction
Achieving expectations, content knowledge and expertise, communication, differentiation, and monitor and adjust - the core of classroom teaching practice.
Learning Environment
Classroom environment, routines and procedures, managing student behavior, and classroom culture - how teachers create conditions for learning.
Professional Practices and Responsibilities
Professional demeanor and ethics, goal setting, professional development, and school community involvement.
Rating Scale
T-TESS Rating Levels
Used In
States Using T-TESS
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