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FEATURED NEWS

New law provides lesson plan relief for teachers

HB 1605, a comprehensive instructional materials bill that passed last session, includes several TCTA-initiated provisions that provide protections for teachers. One gives teachers relief in certain cases from current law, which provides that teachers can be required to prepare weekly written lesson plans.

Another TCTA-initiated provision in HB 1605 restricts districts from requiring teachers to perform duties related to initial plan design and instructional design during their planning and preparation time unless the teacher voluntarily enters into a supplemental agreement with the district to do so. Click here to read more.

Take our survey: TCTA wants your input on school safety

Texas school districts have begun implementing new school safety measures, including a bill requiring armed officers on every campus, approved in response to the May 2022 mass shooting at a Uvalde elementary school. TCTA wants your input on how these new laws are impacting schools and what other measures could further improve school safety.

Click here to take our survey by Sunday, April 7.

Results will be shared in the spring issue of The Classroom Teacher and will help inform TCTA's positions heading into the 2025 legislative session.

DECISIONS, DECISIONS

Teacher seeks hearing after complaint to SBEC over contract abandonment

A school district filed a complaint against a teacher with the State Board for Educator Certification, alleging that her teaching certificate was subject to sanctions because she had abandoned her contract. The teacher requested a hearing regarding that complaint before the State Office of Administrative Hearings.

The self-contained fourth grade teacher resigned in the middle of the school year after being appointed as the pastor of her church, claiming the requirements of her new appointment were too demanding in conjunction with her teaching duties. The district determined the teacher lacked good cause for resignation. Click here to read what the administrative law judge decided.

OTHER NEWS

Abbott says House is closer to having votes to pass vouchers

During a conservative policy conference this week, Gov. Greg Abbott urged school voucher supporters to make the final push in the May primary runoff elections to bring a pro-school voucher majority to the Texas House.

Abbott said March 5 primary results in the Texas House saw several anti-voucher Republican incumbents lose to pro-voucher challengers, putting pro-voucher members within two votes of a majority. The House has been the last legislative roadblock to the policy, which TCTA and other education groups oppose.

The May 28 Republican runoffs will play a key role in determining the fate of school vouchers in the 2025 session, with several anti-voucher incumbents facing challengers. Click here to read more from The Texas Tribune.

TEA updates list of Pre-K learning assessment tools

Districts and open-enrollment charter schools are required to administer a commissioner-approved prekindergarten student progress monitoring instrument. The Texas Education Agency has updated its list of assessment tools for the 2024-25 school year, eliminating some instruments and adding others.

Schools interested in a new prekindergarten tool are strongly encouraged to begin instrument selection and preparations now. Click here to read more.

Use TCTA's new code for savings at Wyndham hotels

TCTA members can save 10% on the best available rate every day at thousands of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, including La Quinta by Wyndham. Book your reservations online, in the Wyndham app or by calling 800-407-9832 and use TCTA's new Corporate Code 1000076044.

TCTA members who also join the Wyndham Rewards program can enjoy exclusive perks and earn points toward free nights, merchandise and more!

Click here to check out all of TCTA's cost-saving programs.

• Easter is Sunday, March 31. TCTA will be closed Friday, March 29.
• The solar eclipse is Monday, April 8. Find safe viewing tips here.
• The State Board of Education meets April 9-12 in Austin.
• Federal income tax returns are due April 15. Find savings on tax preparation services through TicketsatWork. Login or become a member using Company Code SWTCTA.
• The State Board for Educator Certification meets April 26 in Austin.