Gov. Greg Abbott (R) announced Wednesday the membership of the newly created Texas Classroom Commission (TCC), which he described as a teacher-led advisory group charged with developing recommendations for the governor, the Texas Education Agency (TEA), and the Texas Legislature ahead of the 90th legislative session that begins in January 2027. The commission’s stated goal is to focus on strengthening classroom instruction, supporting teachers, improving school climate, and increasing student achievement.  

It is important to note this is not the first time the governor has appointed a commission to study the issues facing teachers during one of his reelection campaigns. In 2022, he appointed the Teacher Vacancy Task Force (TVTF), initially without including any teachers. Under the direction of the governor and TEA, the task force eventually released its report in February 2023, much too far into the 88th session to have any significant impact. Even after the 89th session, many of the recommendations of the TVTF have not yet been implemented. Abbott’s July 29 press release claims the TCC will “build on” the work of the TVTF and the Texas Commission on Special Education.  

In his announcement, Abbott emphasized the important role educators will play in shaping the commission’s work:  

“Texas teachers have the talent, understanding, and expertise to ensure that every Texas student succeeds. That’s why educators must be at the center of the conversation. The Texas Classroom Commission will help build on our historic investments in public education and deliver recommendations that strengthen classroom instruction, support teachers, and prepare the next generation of Texans.” 

Courtney Boswell MacDonald has been appointed to chair the commission. She is a former legislative staffer to now-retired Sen. Florence Shapiro, the former chair of the Senate Education Committee. During her tenure, Shapiro oversaw the rise of standardized testing, including legislation to implement 15 end-of-course exams (EOCs), and, in 2011, the largest single budget cut to public education in Texas history. Prior to her time with Shapiro, MacDonald briefly taught in the DFW area. After her time working in the Legislature, she briefly served as the executive director for Texans for Education Reform. She is currently the chair of the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC). MacDonald will be joined by 21 educators from public schools across the state, including several of her SBEC colleagues.  

The commission’s members are: 

• Abbigale Grataski, Calallen ISD 
• Bobbie Lynn Weir, Richardson ISD (current SBEC member) 
• Cassidy Estes, Amarillo ISD (current SBEC member) 
• Crystal Stipes, Comanche ISD 
• Danette Wofford, Nacogdoches ISD 
• Dawnna Talley, Ector County ISD 
• Eric Hale, Dallas ISD 
• Hannah Landry, Bridge City ISD 
• Jean Streepey, Highland Park ISD (former SBEC chair) 
• JoMeka Gray, Temple ISD (current SBEC member) 
• Karla Guevara, Riesel ISD 
• Laura Fanning, Lubbock ISD 
• Matthew Driver, Bushland ISD 
• Nidia De La Cerda, Tuloso-Midway ISD 
• Noe Perez, Los Fresnos CISD 
• Sergio Arjon, Houston ISD 
• Susanne Whitley, Tomball ISD 
• Tevin King, IDEA Public Schools – El Paso 
• Tiffany Kilcoyne, Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD 
• Valton Acree, Yorktown ISD 
• Veronica Bayne, Killeen ISD 

Estes, Perez, and Weir are ATPE members. 

According to the governor’s office, the commission will meet in the coming months to develop recommendations for consideration before the legislative session begins in January. ATPE will closely follow the commission’s work and provide updates as they are available.