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.

Make your voice heard on instructional materials before July 31
Make your voice heard on instructional materials before July 31

Feedback from educators, parents, and community members can help shape what eventually becomes state-approved content used in Texas classrooms.

By Heather Sheffield | Posted on: 5/18/2026

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Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: May 15, 2026
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: May 15, 2026

The House Public Education Committee discusses the state of public education. Plus: Early voting in the May runoff election begins Monday, May 18.

By ATPE Staff | Posted on: 5/15/2026

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House Public Education Committee holds first interim hearing of 2026 
House Public Education Committee holds first interim hearing of 2026 

Lawmakers took up the House interim charge on the state of public education, as well as monitoring the newly enacted HB 1481, restricting cell phone use in schools.

By Tricia Cave | Posted on: 5/12/2026

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From The Texas Tribune: Teachers with national certification earn more, but Texas is questioning its worth
From The Texas Tribune: Teachers with national certification earn more, but Texas is questioning its worth

The National Board Certification is widely considered the most demanding for teachers. Texas leaders are examining whether it fits the state’s merit-based system.

By Jaden Edison, The Texas Tribune | Posted on: 5/11/2026

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Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: May 8, 2026
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: May 8, 2026

The House Public Education Committee is gearing up for an interim hearing next week. Learn how to make your voice heard.

By ATPE Staff | Posted on: 5/8/2026

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Call to action: Submit public comments on implementation of the cell phone ban 
Call to action: Submit public comments on implementation of the cell phone ban 

The House Public Education Committee will hold an interim hearing May 11 on the “state of education” and the implementation of HB 1481. 

By Heather Sheffield | Posted on: 5/7/2026

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Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: May 1, 2026
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: May 1, 2026

Learn how the Department of Education’s proposed budget could impact Texas public education. Plus: ATPE’s Show Texas Teachers Love celebrates teachers throughout May. 

By ATPE Staff | Posted on: 5/1/2026

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Secretary McMahon defends the Trump administration vision for dismantling the Department of Education 
Secretary McMahon defends the Trump administration vision for dismantling the Department of Education 

What does the FY 2027 Department of Education budget mean for Texas public schools? 

By Tricia Cave | Posted on: 5/1/2026

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TRS Board of Trustees finalizes TRS-ActiveCare rates for 2026-27 
TRS Board of Trustees finalizes TRS-ActiveCare rates for 2026-27 

TRS continues to outperform broader market trends, enabling reductions in some copays and coinsurance 

By Monty Exter | Posted on: 5/1/2026

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SBEC gives final approval to rules governing educator preparation, discipline
SBEC gives final approval to rules governing educator preparation, discipline

The board also received updates on several new tests being developed by the Texas Education Agency (TEA).

By Tricia Cave | Posted on: 4/27/2026

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