AUSTIN, Texas (KXXV) — Governor Greg Abbott has appointed 21 educators from across Texas to serve on the newly created Texas Classroom Commission, a teacher-led initiative designed to strengthen public education and elevate student achievement statewide.
"Texas teachers have the talent, understanding, and expertise to ensure that every Texas student succeeds," Governor Abbott said.
The commission builds upon the success of previous educator-focused initiatives, including the Teacher Vacancy Taskforce and the Texas Commission on Special Education Funding.
Teacher-Led Leadership
The commission is chaired by Courtney Boswell MacDonald of Kerrville, a former classroom teacher who currently serves as chair of the State Board for Educator Certification. The 21 commission members represent current and former public school educators from diverse districts across Texas, bringing classroom experience and expertise to shape policy recommendations.
Local Educators Making Statewide Impact
Three educators from Central Texas school districts have been selected to serve on the commission, bringing their unique perspectives and proven track records to this important work:
- Kindergarten teacher at Kennedy-Powell STEM Elementary School
- Over 13 years of education experience, including previous teaching roles in Killeen ISD
- Temple ISD's District Teacher of the Year (2020, 2024)
- 2024 Region 12 Elementary Teacher of the Year
- National Board Certified in Early Childhood
- Recipient of NEA Foundation's Horace Mann Award for Teaching Excellence
- Previously appointed to the State Board for Educator Certification
- Holds a Bachelor of Arts from Louisiana Tech University
- Spanish teacher at Riesel High School
- Recipient of Humanities Texas Outstanding Teaching of the Humanities Award
- Teach Plus Texas Policy Fellow (2024-25 cohort)
- Graduated cum laude from University of Texas at El Paso with degree in Mathematical Sciences and minor in Physics
- Has engaged in international educational networking and classroom visits worldwide
- Advocate for growth mindset and lifelong learning approaches
Veronica Bayne, Killeen ISD
- At-risk high school teacher in the district
- Killeen ISD stakeholder in the Teacher Incentive Allotment program
- Serves at Killeen High School
- Brings expertise in supporting at-risk student populations
Commission's Mission
The Texas Classroom Commission represents Governor Abbott's commitment to making educator voices central to education policy development. Commission members will focus on creating actionable recommendations to help Texas achieve its goal of becoming the nation's leader in educating children.
The commission's work will inform policy decisions as Texas continues to invest in public education and address the evolving needs of students, teachers, and communities across the state.
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