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Ask TCTA about how to work with parents at 6 p.m. Sept. 6

Tuesdays with TCTA continues its back-to-school themed webinars at 6 p.m. CDT Sept. 6. Staff attorneys will review best practices and answer questions from members about how to work with parents. Click here to register and submit questions.

If you missed the back-to-school checklist session on Aug. 23, you can watch the replay now at tcta.org/twt. Dohn Larson and Julie Leahy reviewed the rules for lesson plans, extra duties, and planning and preparation time.

6 finalists chosen for Texas Teacher of the Year

Six outstanding educators have been chosen as finalists in the 2023 Texas Teacher of the Year program, which is administered by the Texas Association of School Administrators. 

Texas Elementary Teacher of the Year finalists:

• Lisa Mackey, Fox Elementary School, Klein ISD
• Shelley Jeoffroy, Otis Brown Elementary, Irving ISD
• Kari Johnston, Perez Elementary School, Austin ISD

Texas Secondary Teacher of the Year finalists:

• Chris McLeod, Brazoswood High School, Brazosport ISD
• Andrea Larson, McNeil High School, Round Rock ISD
• Tricia Shay, Borger High School, Borger ISD

The finalists were selected from the 40 Regional Teachers of the Year — one elementary and one secondary teacher from each of the 20 Texas Education Service Center regions. The regional winners include 10 TCTA members:

• Region 1 Elementary: Maria Mascorro-Domingues, Mission CISD
• Region 1 Secondary: Amy Marquez, Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD
• Region 2 Secondary: Jesse Marinelarena, Odem-Edroy ISD
• Region 7 Elementary: Pydi Oliver, Lindale ISD
• Region 7 Secondary: Catherine Jackson, Carthage ISD
• Region 14 Secondary: Ryan Cosby, Colorado ISD
• Region 15 Elementary: Patricia Villarreal, San Felipe Del Rio CISD
• Region 16 Elementary: Tiffany Ryals, Amarillo ISD
• Region 17 Secondary: Brittany Wright, Lubbock-Cooper ISD
• Region 18 Elementary: Marle Reynolds, Kermit ISD

The 2023 Elementary Teacher of the Year and the Secondary Teacher of the Year will be announced at a luncheon on Oct. 21, and one will be chosen to represent Texas in the national competition. Click here to read more.

Student sues when her class rank drops after consolidation

A student sued a school district after her class rank dropped from second to third when her high school was consolidated with another school. Her rank changed with the addition of more students and a discrepancy over how GPAs were calculated. The student sued in federal court, claiming that the district had violated her due process rights as set out in the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Her suit was dismissed by the district court and she appealed to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Click here to read more.

President Biden to cancel up to $20,000 in student loan debt

On Wednesday, President Joe Biden announced a plan to forgive up to $20,000 of federal student loan debt for Pell Grant recipients, and up to $10,000 for other qualifying borrowers, who make less than $125,000 per year ($250,000 if married and filing income taxes jointly).

Biden also extended the federal student loan payment pause through Dec. 31.

The plan will provide relief to an estimated 43 million borrowers, completely erasing the student debt of about 20 million. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona urged borrowers to go to https://studentaid.gov/debt-relief-announcement/ for more information and a link to sign up for emails that will provide updates about how and when to apply for the debt forgiveness.

See if you qualify for public service loan forgiveness

In addition to the relief above, educators may also be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, which forgives the remaining balance on federal student loans after 120 payments for those working full-time for federal, state, Tribal, or local government; military; or a qualifying nonprofit.

Temporary changes ending Oct. 31 provide flexibility that makes it easier to receive forgiveness through the PSLF program. Visit PSLF.gov to learn more and apply. A free webinar at noon CDT Aug. 31 will explain more about the PSLF program and TEACH Grants. Click here to register.

State touts iWatch program through new PSA

With the start of the new school year, state leaders are focusing on the need for constant vigilance in order to keep children and educators safe on campus. Gov. Greg Abbott and the Department of Public Safety released a public service announcement last week that features Chuck Norris — of “Walker, Texas Ranger” fame — to highlight the iWatch program, which includes a website and phone app to report suspicious activity.

“Whether it’s criminal acts, terror threats, or someone wanting to harm children, if you see something, say something, and help keep communities in the great state of Texas safe,” Norris says in the video, which you can watch here.

iWatch was created in the wake of the 2018 school shooting in Santa Fe. Suspicious activity can be reported at iwatchtx.org, through the iWatchTexas mobile app or by calling 844-643-2251.

Encourage your new colleagues to join TCTA

Encourage your colleagues to join TCTA. Give them your member number to include on their application, and you'll get $25 for every two eligible First-Time Active members you recruit through our Take 2, Make $25 program.

If you would like brochures and other materials to share with colleagues on your campus, email membership@tcta.org or call 888-879-8282.

Have you renewed your membership for the 2022-23 school year?

Members from 2021-22 have until Sept. 30 to renew without a lapse in coverage. You can log in at members.tcta.org to check your status and renew with a credit/debit card or call the Membership Department at 888-879-8282. Click here to renew with payroll deduction.

TCTA will begin mailing membership cards for 2022-23 to members next week. We appreciate your patience while we waited for a shipment from our supplier.

Are you registered to vote?

Make sure you are registered by Oct. 11 so you can vote in the November general election. 

Due to redistricting, every seat in the Texas House, Texas Senate, State Board of Education and the U.S. House of Representatives will be on the ballot Nov. 8, as will several statewide offices in Texas, including governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general. Many school districts also have board seats and bond propositions up for election.

Click here to check your status, update your address or register to vote.

• The State Board of Education meets Aug. 30-Sept. 2 in Austin.
• Labor Day is Sept. 5. TCTA Headquarters will be closed.
• Register for Tuesdays with TCTA at 6 p.m. CDT Sept. 6.