Gov. Greg Abbott has launched the Texas Classroom Commission, a teacher-led panel tasked with crafting recommendations to improve public education across the state.
The commission will gather current and retired public school classroom teachers to produce proposals aimed at strengthening instruction, aiding educators, and preparing students for success, according to a press release issued by the governor’s office on Tuesday.
Recommendations will be submitted to the governor, the Texas Education Agency, and the Texas Legislature before the start of the 90th Legislative Session. The group is expected to begin its work in the coming weeks.
“Texas teachers know what their students need to succeed,” Abbott said. “The Texas Classroom Commission will bring together exemplary public school educators to identify innovative solutions that help students succeed, improve the learning environment in classrooms, and strengthen our schools. By empowering those on the front lines of education, we will build on Texas’ success and ensure our state becomes the national leader in the education of our kids.”
The initiative builds on public education and teacher compensation measures previously approved by Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, Speaker Dustin Burrows, and the Texas Legislature.
“Texas remains committed to delivering for our public school students and teachers,” Patrick said. “Other than a parent, no person is more influential in a child’s development than a teacher. Under my leadership, we have raised teacher salaries, provided additional resources in the classroom, and supported teachers in maintaining discipline in the classroom. That is why we must empower teachers to make recommendations to improve public education through the Texas Classroom Commission, so our students can achieve even better educational outcomes.”
Burrows pointed to legislative action from the prior session, including permanent teacher pay raises and expanded funding for the Teacher Incentive Allotment.
“Texas teachers play a foundational role in shaping the next generation, making their work essential to our state’s future,” Burrows said. “Last session, the Texas Legislature made an unprecedented investment in public education, providing permanent teacher pay raises, increasing funding for the Teacher Incentive Allotment, and giving educators more authority in their classrooms. I look forward to Governor Abbott’s Texas Classroom Commission building on that progress with recommendations that help Texas students receive the best education in the nation.”
Courtney Boswell MacDonald of Kerrville will lead the commission. MacDonald is a former classroom teacher and currently chairs the State Board for Educator Certification. She previously worked on the Senate Education Committee and served as executive director for Texans for Education Reform, Texas Institute for Education Reform, and Texas Aspires.
MacDonald previously taught math at Richardson ISD and Dallas ISD. She earned a Bachelor of Science in fashion and communications, along with a secondary education certification, from Texas Christian University, and a Master of Public Policy in education policy from Vanderbilt University.
Provided by Dallas Express
