Advocacy Blog

Follow the Teach the Vote advocacy blog for the latest Texas public education news and in-depth analysis from the ATPE Governmental Relations team.

Visit the Blog Archive to read posts published from 2019 through 2024.

Texas Senate unanimously passes SB 26 to increase pay for some teachers
Texas Senate unanimously passes SB 26 to increase pay for some teachers

Nearly 2,000 educators sent messages to senators to express concerns about the bill.

By Mark Wiggins | Posted on: 2/27/2025

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House Public Education Committee holds first meeting of session
House Public Education Committee holds first meeting of session

Committee members press TEA Commissioner Mike Morath on teacher pay, uncertified teachers, and school finance.

By Tricia Cave | Posted on: 2/26/2025

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More than 1,200 rally for Texas public schools
More than 1,200 rally for Texas public schools

“In a public school, we take them all, and we teach them all,” ATPE State Vice President Jerrica Holt told the crowd.

By ATPE State Vice President Jerrica Holt | Posted on: 2/25/2025

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Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Feb. 21, 2025
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Feb. 21, 2025

Senate rushes its teacher pay bill to the floor as the House files its major education bills. Plus, earn the new ATPE-MAP local advocacy microcredential.

By ATPE Staff | Posted on: 2/21/2025

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Public education funding discussed by House Appropriations Committee
Public education funding discussed by House Appropriations Committee

The TEA portion of the hearing revealed funding shortfalls, teacher shortages, special education gaps, and questions regarding vouchers.

By Heather Sheffield | Posted on: 2/21/2025

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Senate education committee advances teacher pay raise bill
Senate education committee advances teacher pay raise bill

SB 26 would offer substantial pay increases to some, but not all, teachers based on years of experience and expansion of TIA.

By Mark Wiggins | Posted on: 2/20/2025

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Creighton files sweeping “teacher pay” bill and schedules hearing with less than 48 hours’ notice to the public
Creighton files sweeping “teacher pay” bill and schedules hearing with less than 48 hours’ notice to the public

SB 26 would significantly alter the state’s approach to teacher pay provisions, as well as attempt to reduce the political influence of educators at the Capitol.

By Mark Wiggins | Posted on: 2/19/2025

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SBEC gives final approval to three sets of rule changes, discusses new bilingual special educator certificate
SBEC gives final approval to three sets of rule changes, discusses new bilingual special educator certificate

ATPE worked closely with TEA and SBEC to improve these rules and return “lesson design” to the standards for educator preparation.

By Tricia Cave | Posted on: 2/14/2025

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Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Feb. 14, 2025
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: Feb. 14, 2025

Start contacting the House Public Education Committee now to advocate for pro-public education priorities.

By ATPE Staff | Posted on: 2/14/2025

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House committee assignments announced
House committee assignments announced

Appointments to House Public Education Committee are disappointingly voucher-friendly.

By Tricia Cave | Posted on: 2/13/2025

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