Greg Abbott Launches Texas Classroom Commission to Empower Teachers

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott launched the Texas Classroom Commission Tuesday, a new teacher-led panel created to shape the future of public education.

What will the Commission do?

The Commission will consist of Texas teachers who will develop recommendations to the Governor, the Texas Education Agency and the Texas Legislature ahead of the 90th Legislative Session. 

What did Texas leaders say?

• Gov. Abbott: "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.”
• Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick: "Other than a parent, no person is more influential in a child's development than a teacher."

The Commission was created by the Governor to put educators at the center of public education, allowing them to influence policies that will strengthen student achievement. 

The Commission will consist of current and retired teachers across the state, led by Courtney Boswell MacDonald of Kerville. MacDonald taught math in both Richardson ISD and Dallas ISD and now serves as the current chair of the State Board for Educator Certification. 

"Under my leadership, we have raised teacher salaries, provided additional resources in the classroom, and supported teachers in maintaining discipline in the classroom," said Lt. Gov. Patrick.

The Commission will begin its work in the following weeks, delivering its recommendations in time for the 90th Legislative Session.