Teachers: The Most Important Part of Texas Public Education

Every school day across our state, young Texans head to a local public school with just one request: Teach me.

The request appears basic. The work to carry it out is not.

The key to successfully delivering on our commitment to educate and prepare future generations of Texans falls squarely on the shoulders of the person standing at the front of every classroom. The teacher has always been the most important part of our Texas public education system. 

Our state is blessed to have an incredible number of men and women who have chosen teaching as their profession. They commit themselves each day to educating every child that comes through their classroom door. It’s a profession that can be fun, uplifting, challenging, frustrating, rewarding – and that’s just before the lunch period. 

I recently had the opportunity to offer my congratulations to some outstanding educators recognized by the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) at the Teacher of the Year luncheon. These teachers are an example of the very best our public school system has to offer. They also reflect the outstanding work taking place on campuses in school districts statewide. 

As I have traveled our state, I am continually inspired by examples of strong teaching, a commitment to educating students and the work to make every campus one of support and growth. Teachers merit our praise, respect and gratitude every day.

Congratulations to Tara Bordeaux, the 2018 Texas Secondary School Teacher of the Year from Austin ISD, and to Marissa Torres, the 2018 Texas Elementary School Teacher of the Year from White Settlement ISD.

To learn more about these outstanding teachers and the Texas Teacher of the Year program, visit https://www.tasanet.org/domain/59. 

Commissioner Mike Morath
Sept. 22, 2017