Region 18 Education Service Center (ESC) is one of the twenty service centers in the state of Texas. Region 18 covers 37,553 square miles and includes 19 counties, 33 school districts, over 6,300 educators and approximately 81,000 students. The ESC is a non-regulatory agency and serves as a liaison between the Texas Education Agency and the local schools, playing a crucial role in the dissemination of information and training for both federal and state programs. In collaboration with our schools and communities the ESC works to promote quality instruction in order to maximize student performance and to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of school operations. Mission Statement: Our mission is to serve as a first-choice partner in meeting the educational needs of all students. Region 18 ESC provides professional development, showcases best practices, operates an alternative teacher certification program, and offers a diverse variety of other programs and services. EDLINK18 unites our schools through a technological network of services. Funding: Centers receive funding from state, local and federal sources. Regional education service centers do not possess tax levying or bonding authority and rely on grants and contracts for funding. Revenues are from these three sources.