TCTA testified before lawmakers last week about the need for the Texas Legislature to invest in public school teachers by increasing pay and state contributions to health insurance to help them grapple with the effects of soaring inflation.

“Addressing the adverse impact of inflation on teachers and the teacher shortage in Texas necessitates improving the professional compensation package, monitoring take-home pay, and making sure that health insurance premiums and retirement contributions are affordable and still leave teachers with a net wage that reflects their effect on students, the community and economy,” TCTA told the Senate Finance Committee.

TCTA also urged a cost-of-living increase for TRS retirees. Click here to read more, including TCTA's full testimony to the Senate Finance Committee.

TCTA congratulates member Jean Streepey of Highland Park ISD, who was elected chair of the State Board for Educator Certification during its April 29 meeting. Streepey was appointed to SBEC in May 2020. Her current term ends Feb. 1, 2025. Streepey also was appointed to TEA's Teacher Vacancy Task Force.

Despite fierce opposition from education stakeholders, including TCTA, the State Board for Educator Certification took action at its April 29 meeting to finally adopt the performance assessment exam edTPA to replace the current Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities exam starting in 2023-24. The vote was not unanimous and several key board members were absent. The measure now advances to the State Board of Education for approval at its June meeting.

Stakeholders have already been working with SBOE members to apprise them of the negative consequences of implementing a costly and burdensome performance assessment certification exam at a time when educator shortages are at crisis levels. TCTA has long maintained that, while we are in support of higher standards for entry into the profession, the profession itself must be made more attractive first by improving compensation and working conditions. Click here to read more.

At its April 29 meeting, the State Board for Educator Certification authorized TEA staff to establish an Educator Standards Advisory Committee for the Bilingual Special Education certificate area in response to HB 2256, which requires the implementation of a new Bilingual Special Education educator certificate.

This new certification area would ensure that there are teachers with special training in providing instruction to students of limited English proficiency with disabilities. The committee will:

TEA staff is seeking committee member applications through June 1. TEA staff will review applications and recommend 8-12 committee members to SBEC for approval at its July meeting. Click here to access the application.

Voters supported two propositions to amend the Texas Constitution and lower some property taxes in the May 7 special election. Click here to read more.

Next up is the May 24 primary runoffs. Early voting is May 16-20. Republican ballots statewide include attorney general, land commissioner and railroad commissioner. Democratic ballots statewide include lieutenant governor, attorney general, land commissioner and comptroller.

If you voted in the March 1 primary, you must vote in the same party's runoff. If you did not vote March 1, you can choose either party's ballot in the runoff. Click here to see what other races are in runoffs where you live.

The parent of an elementary school student sued a school district, alleging that the district failed to provide appropriate special education services to her child when the district moved the child out of the general education population into an essential academics program. The parent objected to the district's decision and sought a due process hearing under the IDEA.

A hearing officer concluded that the district's proposal was the child's least restrictive environment and appropriate in light of her circumstances. The parent appealed to District Court, which affirmed the hearing officer's decision. She then appealed to the Court of Appeals. Click here to read more.

Enrollment in TCTA for the 2022-23 school year is underway. Renew your membership and invite your colleagues to join TCTA before the current school year ends. Professional liability insurance coverage and attorney access for new members begins Aug. 1, but they will get immediate access to TCTA's discount programs, free online CPE, award-winning publications and the members-only videos and information on our website. Click here to join or renew today!

The 2022 season is underway at Beach Park at Isla Blanca on South Padre Island. Click here to get TCTA's special link, access code and instructions to save 15% on admission.

As you plan summer vacations, be sure to check out TicketsatWork for deals and discounts. TCTA members can find savings on flights, hotels, rental cars and attractions, including additional savings when you bundle.

Log in to your account at TicketsatWork.com or click the orange button to "Become a Member" and sign up using TCTA's Company Code: SWTCTA.