Having trouble reading this email? Click here to view it as a webpage.

FEATURED NEWS

State Board of Education discusses reading lists, social studies curriculum

During its meeting this week, the State Board of Education discussed the adoption of a list of required literary works to be taught in each grade level and revisions to the state social studies curriculum.

The lists of vocabulary words and literary works drew concerns from many speakers during a public hearing due to the inclusion of Bible references. The board voted to delay adoption of the lists until April.

As work continues on revised social studies TEKS, SBOE members approved the parameters that work groups will use as the review continues.

Click here to read more.

Are you registered to vote?

Voter registration ends Monday, Feb. 2, for the March 3 primaries. Early voting is Feb. 17-27, with races for the Texas House, Texas Senate, Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Comproller and more on ballots statewide.

With so many Texas districts dominated by a single political party, the primary election is often when voters can have the biggest impact on who advances to the general election in November. Make sure you're eligible to vote March 3.

Click here to check your registration status or print an application.

Be an informed voter in the March 3 primaries

Starting Thursday, Feb. 5, check out TCTA's TexasTeachersVote.org to learn more about candidates for the Texas Legislature and State Board of Education. You also can find information on ways to support education-friendly candidates and see which candidates have support from ACT For TCTA.

DECISIONS, DECISIONS

Teacher files appeal over nonrenewal after absences

A teacher filed an appeal to the commissioner of education regarding the nonrenewal of her contract.

The district responded to the appeal, arguing that it had properly nonrenewed the teacher's contract based on excessive absences.The teacher asserted that she had valid reasons for her absences that were protected by law. 

Click here to find out how the commissioner ruled.

OTHER NEWS

TEA releases annual report

The Texas Education Agency has released its 2025 Annual Report, offering an overview of the achievements and challenges affecting the state's 5.5 million public school students and their teachers. 

“Every day, educators, families and communities across Texas are working together to help students succeed,” Education Commissioner Mike Morath said. “This year’s Annual Report reflects that shared commitment and highlights the progress we are making to improve student achievement, support teachers and expand educational opportunities.” 

Click here to view the report.

TEA seeking educators to help make HQIM more accessible

TNTP, a national education nonprofit, in partnership with TEA, is looking for schools to participate in a field research study to ensure that all students, including special populations like students with disabilities and emergent bilingual students, have access to high-quality instructional materials that provide rigorous, grade-level Tier 1 instruction every day.

Interested teachers should ask their campus or district administrators about signing up for the study. Click here to learn more.

Get tickets to the Bored Teachers Comedy Tour

They’ve graded the papers, survived the staff meetings and lost their last ounce of patience… and now they’re taking it out on stage!

Bored Teachers is back with brand-new jokes, bigger laughs and the most relatable teacher comedy you’ll ever hear in the "Is it Friday Yet?!" tour. Tickets are on sale now for three stops in West Texas this weekend.

Get tickets by clicking on the city name below:

• 7:30 p.m. Jan. 30 in Midland
• 7:30 p.m. Jan. 31 in Lubbock
• 3:00 p.m. Feb. 1 in Amarillo

• Feb. 1 is the last day to join TCTA for the 2025-26 school year.
• Feb. 2 is the deadline to register to vote in the March 3 primaries.
• TCTA's 2026 Convention is Feb. 6-7 in Austin.
• Feb. 14 is Valentine's Day.