Gov. Abbott launches initiative to ‘improve the learning environment’ in Texas
Gov. Greg Abbott announced July 7 the Texas Classroom Commission, meant to help improve instruction, teacher support and the learning environment.
The initiative will bring “exemplary” current and retired teachers together to “develop practical, classroom-informed recommendations,” according to a statement from Abbott’s office.
Abbott says this is coming on the heels of the “historic” investment and teacher funding he has secured with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, House Speaker Dustin Burrows, and the Texas Legislature.
“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,” Patrick said.
Burrows said that he looks forward to seeing the commission build on their “unprecedented investment in public education.”
The press release says the goal of the commission is to “put Texas educators at the center of shaping the future of public education, strengthening student achievement, and ensuring Texas becomes the No. 1 state for educating kids.”
The commission will develop recommendations and bring them to the governor, the Texas Education Agency, and the Texas Legislature before the 90th legislative session.
“Texas teachers know what their students need to succeed,” Abbott said. “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 commission will be run by Courtney Boswell MacDonald of Kerrville. MacDonald serves as the chair of the State Board for Educator Certification. She used to work on the Senate Education Committee and served as executive director for Texans for Education Reform, Texas Institute for Education Reform, and Texas Aspires. She is also a former math teacher in the Richardson and Dallas school districts.
