Abbott Creates Texas Classroom Commission

Governor Greg Abbott announced today his launching of the Texas Classroom Commission to bolster classroom instruction, support teachers, improve the learning environment, and prepare students for success. 

In a press release, he said that  the initiative would be led by current and retired public school classroom teachers who will be tasked with developing recommendations for the governor, Texas Education Agency, and the Texas Legislature leading up to the 90th Legislative Session. 

“Texas teachers know what their students need to succeed," said Abbott. “The Texas Classroom Commission will bring together exemplary public school educators to identify innovative solutions that help students succeed, improve the learning environment in classrooms, and strengthen our schools.”

Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and House Speaker Dustin Burrows both commented on the new commission, touting the investment made in public schools last session and the importance of teachers.

Patrick said, "we must empower teachers to make recommendations to improve public education through the Texas Classroom Commission, so our students can achieve even better educational outcomes.”

“Texas teachers play a foundational role in shaping the next generation, making their work essential to our state’s future,” added Speaker Burrows. “I look forward to Governor Abbott’s Texas Classroom Commission building on [last session's] progress with recommendations that help Texas students receive the best education in the nation.”

Abbott tapped Courtney Boswell MacDonald of Kerrville to lead the initiative. MacDonald is a former classroom teacher and the current chair of the State Board for Educator Certification. She also previously worked for Texans for Education Reform, Texas Institute for Education Reform, and Texas Aspires.

The commission is slated to begin its work in the coming weeks to deliver recommendations before the start of the 90th Legislative Session in January 2027.