On Tuesday, Gov. Greg Abbott (R) announced the creation of the Texas Classroom Commission, a new advisory group that will study challenges facing Texas educators and develop recommendations aimed at strengthening the teaching profession.  

The commission will study ways to improve the teaching profession by examining teacher recruitment and retention, educator preparation, certification, professional development, compensation, classroom support, and other policies affecting Texas educators. The commission is charged with developing policy recommendations for state leaders based on its findings. 

In announcing the initiative, Abbott said, “Texas teachers are the foundation of our education system, and their experience and expertise are essential as we continue to build the best education system in America.” He said the commission will ensure that classroom educators will help shape future education policy. 

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R) praised the effort, saying: “Our teachers know better than anyone what works in the classroom. I look forward to reviewing the commission’s recommendations as we continue to support our educators and improve student outcomes.” 

House Speaker Dustin Burrows (R–Lubbock) also welcomed the announcement, stating: “Teachers are on the front lines every day helping prepare the next generation of Texans. Their voices are invaluable as we consider ways to strengthen public education and support those in our classrooms.” 

The commission will be chaired by Courtney MacDonald. MacDonald is also the current chair of the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) and is a former classroom teacher. According to the governor's announcement, the commission will be made up of current and retired teachers from across the state, though the announcement does not explain how those educators will be selected to serve. It is notable that while Abbott’s announcement claims this group will be “teacher-led,” the announced chair is not a current classroom teacher.  

It is also notable that Abbott is creating another commission to study these issues while the work of the Teacher Vacancy Task Force, which published a report in 2023 on many of the same issues, remains largely unimplemented. It will be interesting to see how this commission’s charges will differ from those of the Teacher Vacancy Task Force and whether this commission’s recommendations will be implemented in the upcoming 2027 legislative session.

ATPE will continue to monitor the development of the Texas Classroom Commission, including any announcements about how current and retired educators will be selected to participate and what opportunities members may have to provide input as the commission begins its work. For now, members who are interested in applying to serve on the commission may download an application here on the Office of the Governor's appointments webpage and list the Texas Classroom Commission as their area of interest.