Raise Your Hand Texas believes a strong teacher workforce is essential to ensure all students can thrive. We know the effectiveness and diversity of our teachers are crucial to the long-term success of our students and the state’s economy as our state is facing unprecedented teacher shortages.
Raise Your Hand Texas supports elevating the teaching profession, attracting and preparing a strong teacher workforce, and retaining quality educators in the field. We are dedicated to advocating for and alongside teachers, recognizing their vital role in the success of Texas. With their unique and valuable perspective on education policy, it is imperative that their voices are heard in statewide advocacy efforts. To ensure direct connection, Teacher Specialist, JoLisa Hoover, was appointed to advocate for teachers and to elevate teacher voices at the Capitol.
Watch our Texas Teachers Advocating for Education Reform at the Texas Capitol.
It has been clear for some time that Texas is facing an ever-mounting teacher workforce crisis. As we prepared our 2023 legislative policy recommendations on Texas Teacher Workforce Issues, we made plans to hear directly from teachers. What is teaching like in a post-pandemic reality where teachers are teaching content while also teaching students how to be in-person learners once again?
Our Regional Advocacy Directors visited with 697 teachers from 79 Texas school districts over four months.
Educators told us it will take teachers – lots of skilled, well-trained teachers – to close the learning gaps sustained during the last year. But will those teachers be there when the districts start to hire? The pandemic didn’t create the challenges facing the teacher pipeline in Texas, but it has certainly made addressing that problem more urgent.
We’re committed to providing opportunities for educators to engage in advocacy and to amplify their voices in the policy arena. Together, we can create a brighter future for Texas students and teachers alike.
“Do not be afraid to use your voice. Your experiences in and knowledge of the classroom is the most important tool that legislators can use when crafting policy.”
– C. Riojas, ESL Teacher“Do not hesitate to use your voice. I teach that to students but do not always take the time to practice what I teach. Your voice and story matter.”
– J. Casanova, Law Studies Teacher“You need to get involved—change will not happen if no one knows that change needs to happen.”
– E. Goins, 8th Grade Teacher“If we do not speak up, those that DO will have their concerns addressed first. It is important, even as busy as we are, to be able to take time and advocate.”
– D. Nesossi, US History Teacher“Find your voice and your passion, take the leap and get involved.”
– E. Moran, Spanish I TeacherSubscribe to our e-newsletter and/or periodic text alerts for Texas education news, stories, policy insights, and ways to make a difference.
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