FEATURED NEWS
TCTA secures extra time for new CPE requirements

TCTA thanked the State Board for Educator Certification in public testimony at its Feb. 21 meeting for approving proposed rule language initiated by TCTA giving educators more time to complete new CPE requirements. House Bill 18, passed in 2019, added four required topics to the list of mandatory CPE topics for teachers and three topics to the mandatory list for counselors. The bill requires SBEC to implement the new requirements by May 2020. But SBEC agreed to exempt educators from changes in CPE requirements that are adopted less than one year prior to their certificate renewal date. Click here to read more.
Lawmakers grill TRS over downtown building lease

The TRS Board of Trustees responded to concerns expressed by members and legislators about a highly publicized downtown Austin lease agreement, voting Feb. 20 to begin alternative negotiations to remain in the building that currently houses the TRS investment division.

Despite the change in plans, TRS Executive Director Brian Guthrie was grilled by the Senate Finance Committee in a Feb. 25 hearing that included discussion of the lease agreement. Sen. John Whitmire (D-Houston) said he believed that “somebody’s head ought to roll” for what he considers “one of the more dumb decisions I’ve seen….” Click here to read more.
Nominate your TCTA superstars by April 3

TCTA is accepting nominations through April 3 for the statewide awards program, which honors TCTA members and others who impact their schools and the profession. Categories for TCTA members include: Leader of the Year, Faculty Representative of the Year, Paraprofessional of the Year and Retiree of the Year. Other categories include Administrator of the Year, the Silver Apple Media Award and Friend of Education, which honors a public official this year.
TCTA publications win awards

TCTA's eUpdate newsletter won Best of Category and a Gold Star this week at the Texas School Public Relations Association convention. TSPRA's Star Awards honor outstanding education communications projects created by members.

TCTA also won a Gold Star for the 2019 Regional Workshop invitation, Silver Stars for the 2019 TCTA Convention brochure and 2018 Christmas card and a Bronze Star for The Classroom Teacher magazine and Survival Guide .
DECISIONS, DECISIONS
SBEC reprimands teacher after student is left alone

A complaint was filed against a teacher with the State Board of Educator Certification, alleging that the teacher's certification was subject to sanctions after the teacher failed to properly account for a student following a field trip to a local park. The teacher requested a hearing, but SBEC ultimately decided to impose a non-inscribed reprimand on her certification. Click here to read more.
OTHER NEWS
Have you voted yet?

Early voting ends today (Feb. 28) ahead of the March 3 primary election. Texas voters will be part of Super Tuesday when several states make selections in the 2020 presidential race. Texas voters also have a U.S. Senate seat and U.S. House seats, as well as Texas House, Texas Senate and State Board of Education seats on the ballot. There also may be county races on the ballot in your area. If you haven't voted yet, check out TexasTeachersVote.org for information on legislative and school board candidates. The Texas League of Women Voters election guide also has helpful candidate information. Click here to find your polling place and see what's on the ballot where you live.
Survey seeks feedback about electronic testing

Texas A&M's Education Research Center will be reaching out to school districts in March and April for feedback as it works to provide recommendations to TEA regarding its transition plan to administer all STAAR tests electronically by the 2022-23 school year. Click here to learn more.
Learn about 2020 Census during virtual field trip on March 5

Teachers and students are invited to take a virtual field trip to the U.S. Census Bureau on Thursday, March 5, with a behind-the-scenes pass to hear from Census Bureau Director Steven Dillingham and some of the agency’s top experts. Participants will learn how census data is collected and used, and the department hopes it will boost interest in the 2020 Census. Click here to learn more or sign up to participate.
Save $5 on spring break fun with TicketsatWork

In 2019, Americans spent an average of $1,800 on spring break vacation according to TravelPulse. Through our partnership with TicketsatWork, we strive to make taking time off more affordable with 20%-60% savings on theme parks, movies, hotels, shows, concerts, sporting events, and so much more. As a spring break bonus, TicketsatWork is offering a special promotion. Save $5 on a $50 purchase through April 1 using promo code TAKE5OFF.
CALENDAR
  • Feb. 29 is Leap Day. It's also the deadline to enroll a child in the Texas Tuition Promise Fund. Click here for program details.
  • March 2 is Texas Independence Day.
  • The State Board of Education meets March 28-31 in Austin.
  • March 31 is Cesar Chavez Day.
CONTENT PUBLISHED FEBRUARY 28, 2020 | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
TEXAS CLASSROOM TEACHERS ASSOCIATION
PO BOX 1489 AUSTIN, TX 78767 | 888-879-8282 | TCTA.ORG