teachers

Educators at Silver City Elementary School want to improve student attendance after the COVID-19 pandemic drove up chronic absenteeism. They said making sure students are "seen and loved on" is a big way to motivate them to show up.

Advocates say the bills will give parents more power over their children's schools. Critics say they don't give parents anything they didn't already have and will only strain their relationship with teachers.

One of the most highly debated bills in Texas' 2025 legislative session has passed both chambers and heads to Gov. Greg Abbott for his signature. House Bill 2 provides $8.5 billion for the state's public school system.

Senators will hold a hearing Thursday on their counterproposal to the House's school funding bill. House Democrats and public education advocates have criticized the upper chamber for not moving faster to advance the legislation.

Texas school districts' best chance of seeing a significant increase in per student funding next year now appears unlikely. The school finance package now uses that money directly for teacher pay.

Senate Bill 1999 would bar punishment against public employees and students who misgender their peers. The bill now heads to the Texas House for consideration.

A bipartisan Senate panel on Wednesday voted to toss out two rules backed by State Superintendent Ryan Walters that dealt with monitoring student immigration status and that would require teachers to take the U.S. Naturalization Test.

House lawmakers on Wednesday fought over whether educators should be able to physically discipline disabled students before ultimately voting to send a bill prohibiting the practice to the governor.

Underprepared teachers have been tied to student learning losses. But amid a teacher shortage crisis, school leaders fear the restrictions will lead to fewer instructors in their classrooms.

Gov. Greg Abbott named raising teacher pay as one of seven emergency items for this legislative session. The push for higher salaries comes as most teachers in the state weigh whether staying in the profession is worth it.