Tiffany Nelson

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Survey Responses

RESPONSES TO THE 2026 ATPE CANDIDATE SURVEY:

1. Role and Responsibility

If elected, what do you believe your primary role and responsibility as a State Board of Education (SBOE) member should be, particularly in comparison to or in coordination with the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and the Legislature?

The SBOE should improve educational outcomes and prepare students for opportunity and success through strong curriculum standards, effective instructional materials, and responsible stewardship of the Permanent School Fund. As a former school board vice president of one of Texas's largest districts, a nonprofit leader for 25 years, and a mother of six who attended Texas public schools, I would bring governance experience, a family perspective, and established relationships with legislators to work with TEA and the Legislature to make Texas a national leader in education.

2. Top Priorities for Public Education

In your opinion, what is the most pressing issue facing public education in Texas?

The most pressing issue is students moving through school without mastering essential reading and mathematics skills, limiting their future opportunities. Retaining effective teachers is critical to that goal. Clear, focused standards and strong instructional materials can support educators and help students build the foundations they need for future success.

3. Educator and Stakeholder Input

If elected, what degree of input will you seek from educators, ATPE, and other educator organizations in policy decisions made by the SBOE? How would you seek that input?

I would welcome ongoing input from classroom educators, ATPE, and other educator organizations through direct meetings, school visits, and written feedback. I would also promote opportunities for educators to participate in the Instructional Materials Review and Approval (IMRA) process, bringing their classroom expertise into the review of instructional materials.

4. Weight of Educator Input in Curriculum Standards

How much weight should the SBOE give to educator input when developing curriculum standards (known as the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, or “TEKS”) and approving instructional materials?

Educator expertise carries substantial weight in developing TEKS and evaluating instructional quality. IMRA recognizes distinct roles for quality reviewers, who assess instructional quality and standards alignment, and suitability reviewers, who assess content against the suitability rubric. I value both contributions and would consider them alongside research and public feedback while remaining accountable for my vote.

5. Parental Input

How should the SBOE approach curriculum and instructional materials decisions amid increased legislative emphasis on “parental rights”? What does meaningful parent engagement look like at the state level?

Parents, educators, and content experts each bring valuable perspectives to curriculum decisions. Parental involvement supports student success, so the SBOE should provide transparent access to instructional materials, clear opportunities to participate in the IMRA process, and thoughtful consideration of parent feedback alongside professional expertise.

6. Implementation of House Bill (HB) 1605

Under HB 1605, the SBOE now reviews and approves TEA-developed instructional materials, including state-funded “Open Education Resource” options. How should the board balance local control and state oversight to ensure materials are high-quality and aligned to standards, as well as reflect Texas values without politicization? 

The SBOE should ensure districts are provided with high-quality instructional materials fully aligned with the TEKS, using its quality and suitability rubrics, including expectations for American patriotism, Texas history, the free enterprise system, and democratic principles, grounded in Texas law. State-developed open education resources also bring additional funding, putting funding back into classrooms. Local school boards retain final selection authority.

7. Assessment and Accountability Reform

Texas is transitioning to new assessment and accountability systems under House Bill 8. The bill transfers board authority related to the testing and accountability system from the SBOE to TEA. What should the role of the SBOE be regarding the statewide testing and accountability system?

As an elected body, the SBOE should remain a strong public voice on testing and accountability. Assessments should provide timely, diagnostic feedback that helps teachers address learning gaps while maintaining meaningful accountability for student achievement. The testing system itself should also be evaluated for accuracy, usefulness, and its impact on instructional time.

8. Charter School Oversight

Should the SBOE retain its authority to veto or approve new charter applications? Should the board’s veto authority be expanded to include charter expansion requests? How can the board ensure transparency and community input in this process?

Every public school should provide a strong education and be accountable for student success. Public charter schools offer additional options and face strict accountability, including “three strikes” provisions that can revoke charters for academic or financial failure. The SBOE should retain its veto authority over new applications, with transparent review and community input. Expansion decisions should be grounded in demonstrated performance.

9. Special Education and Inclusive Curriculum

How should the SBOE ensure that curriculum standards and instructional materials meet the needs of students receiving special education services, English learners, and other diverse student populations?

The SBOE should use its quality rubrics to ensure materials include accessible instruction, appropriate supports, and tools for teachers to monitor progress and address learning gaps. Feedback from special education and English learner specialists should inform these decisions. When I was a trustee, I advocated at the Capitol for special education funding because high expectations must be paired with effective resources.

10. Transparency and Public Engagement

What steps should the SBOE take to make its processes, such as TEKS review committees, charter hearings, and instructional materials approvals, more transparent and accessible to educators and the public?

The SBOE should build on its existing online resources by making meeting materials, hearings, review timelines, and public comment opportunities easier to navigate. Clear communication about TEKS work groups and paid IMRA reviewer opportunities would help more educators and families participate before decisions are made.

11. Oversight of the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC)

Do you believe the SBOE should continue to have the authority to review and potentially veto any rulemaking actions taken by the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC)? Why or why not?

Yes. Because SBOE members are elected by the people, their review provides direct public accountability for certification rules affecting teachers and students. I would retain that oversight to ensure certification standards support strong educator preparation, professional competence, and student safety.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS IN RESPONSE TO THE 2026 CANDIDATE SURVEY:

Raised by a single mother in poverty, I attended 21 public schools and became the first in my family to attend college, financing my education through hard work and scholarships. I later earned a master’s degree. Those experiences shaped my belief that a strong education can change a child’s future. As a mother of six and former school board vice president, I am committed to supporting teachers, strengthening academic achievement, and expanding opportunities for Texas students.