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The 2024 State of Teaching survey by Education Week reveals significant disparities between teachers and administrators regarding non-teaching duties. While 32% of principals believe teachers are not overburdened, only 14% of teachers agree. The survey, which included 1,498 teachers and 659 administrators, highlights a disconnect in perceptions of additional responsibilities, such as supervision and administrative tasks. Scott Goldstein, executive director of EmpowerEd, notes that this gap reflects a lack of awareness about daily classroom demands. He emphasizes, “If we are prioritizing adults so that they are fully well and able to pour into the students, we are absolutely prioritizing kids.” The findings suggest that without addressing these discrepancies, teacher morale and retention may continue to suffer. The next report on teacher morale is expected in early 2025.

 

Education Week News

Galveston uses HMH partnership for student growth

According to Galveston Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Jeff Post, the district is “committed to growing our lowest performing campus to be right up at the top with our highest performing campuses and we need the partnerships that we’ve developed with HMH to be able to do that.” Galveston ISD uses multiple HMH products and services including HMH Into Reading^®, Writable, and NWEA^® MAP^® GrowthTM.

The District Literacy and Writing Specialist, Desiree Monges noted, “We’re seeing those scores double, triple – but it’s not just that. We’re seeing an increase in overall writing and performance and in reading comprehension.”

The link below includes interviews with teachers, administration, and students in the district as well as more information about HMH Writable.

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The Keller ISD school board is set to meet on January 16th to discuss a controversial proposal to split the district. This meeting will allow public input, but no decisions will be made at that time. The Tarrant County Commissioners Court will also review the matter in a closed session on January 14, focusing on legal advice regarding the Texas Education Code. The proposal has sparked significant public outcry, particularly from the Keller ISD Families for Public Education group, with many expressing concerns over transparency. Board President Charles Randklev indicated that the board would seek legal counsel on the split during the meeting.

 

Star-Telegram

Mercedes ISD has named Benjamin Clinton, the current deputy superintendent for Raymondville ISD, as lone finalist for the superintendent position. Clinton expressed his gratitude, stating, “I am deeply honored to be named lone finalist for the Superintendent of Schools position with Mercedes ISD.” He holds a doctorate in educational leadership and has held various roles in education, including principal and educator.

 

The Monitor

Denison ISD has showcased its Long Range Planning Committee, which is focused on addressing future growth in the community. The committee is dedicated to ensuring that the educational needs of the area are met as the population expands. The district aims to create a comprehensive plan that will support the development of its schools and facilities, ensuring that they can accommodate the increasing number of students.

 

Herald Democrat

The Eanes ISD school board will vote today on whether to shut down Valley View Elementary School and send students to Barton Creek Elementary during the next school year. It’s one of a handful of cost-saving measures the Texas district is proposing to reduce an estimated $6.5m deficit. Eanes administrators say the district needs to act fast to keep its budget shortfall from getting any larger, particularly with enrollment at Valley View down from around 600 to approximately 275. Amanda Brownson, the deputy executive director at the Texas Association of School Business Officials, said as budgets get tighter, school districts realize they often can’t afford to keep an underenrolled campus open. There are certain fixed costs that come with operating a campus, she said, even when it's serving fewer children. For example, you need to have a principal and provide buses. “Over time if I close that campus and redeploy those staff and maybe I hire fewer staff the following year, I really can cut some significant costs,” she commented. “In the school business, your staffing costs are always the most significant piece of the budget. We’re just a people-oriented business and so our budgets reflect that."

 

KUT News

Kristi Leff, named the 2025 Texas Elementary Teacher of the Year, has made a significant impact at Amarillo ISD's Highland Elementary since 2015. Recognized as one of the Amarillo Globe News' 2024 Headliners, she will be honored alongside Tim Reid at the 2024 Amarillo Globe-News Man & Woman of the Year Celebration. Leff's teaching philosophy is rooted in her own experiences as a quiet student, stating, “I was invisible and no one paid attention to me.” She emphasizes the importance of recognizing each student’s individuality.

 

Amarillo Globe News

Houston ISD is implementing a new weapons security system in all high schools to enhance student safety. Superintendent Mike Miles stated, "This is not a cure-all... but this is one more layer." The system, resembling metal detectors, will first be installed at Lamar High School, where weapons have already been found. Funding for the project is expected to come from grants, and the district plans to limit the number of entrances to reduce costs.

 

KTRK-TV

Clothed by Faith, a Katy nonprofit, received a $50,000 grant from the Houston Texans as part of the 2024 Inspire Change Grant program. This initiative, in collaboration with ConocoPhillips, Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages, and Ashley, aims to support social justice and racial equity in Houston. Executive Director Melinda Stephenson accepted the check during a Texans game on December 15, 2024. The funds will support the nonprofit's “Closets for Schools” program.

 

Katy Times

Ector County ISD will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for its new middle school, part of the $424m Bond 2023, on January 16 at 10 a.m. The site is located on South Tripp Avenue in West Odessa. Superintendent Scott Muri will also host a brief ceremony at 9 a.m. on June 11 to announce the new middle school and career and technical education center as official ECISD properties.

 

Odessa American

Nearly 40 states are participating in a $2bn grocery program that provides low-income families with an additional $120 per child during summer breaks. However, Texas, with 3.8m eligible children, has opted out, missing the Jan. 1 deadline to inform the U.S. Department of Agriculture of its participation. Celia Cole, CEO of Feeding Texas, stated, “The bottom line is they still have time,” suggesting Texas could still apply. If Texas joins the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer program, it could receive around $400m in federal funds, but state taxpayers would need to cover half of the estimated $110m in administrative costs.

 

Temple Daily Telegram

Senior executives from major companies emphasize the importance of social-emotional skills alongside technical abilities for future job candidates. Jennie Magiera, global head of education impact at Google, stated, "The world needs more people who can navigate complex challenges with both intelligence and empathy." Companies like Microsoft and Southwest Airlines also highlight the need for skills such as self-awareness, responsible decision-making, and teamwork. Research indicates that these skills are linked to long-term economic success, prompting schools to integrate social-emotional learning into their curricula. By fostering these essential skills, educational institutions can better prepare students for the demands of the modern workforce.

 

Education Week News

Ad Astra, a private school for children aged 3-6, has opened in Bastrop County, Texas, near Elon Musk's corporate compound. Although Musk's name is not officially associated with the school, his foundation provided initial funding, and his influence is evident throughout the venture. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on, project-based learning, inspired by Montessori principles, and aims to foster independent thinking. Musk has previously criticized traditional education, stating, “I just didn't see that the regular schools were doing the things that I thought should be done.” The school plans to expand into secondary education and potentially a university, reflecting Musk's vision for a new educational model.

 

The Texas Tribune

Following a successful season, Fulshear High School is in search of a new head football coach after Nick Codutti's recent hiring at Klein High School. Codutti, who led Fulshear to a 39-10 record during his five-year tenure, replaces Shane Hallmark at Klein. "Becoming a part of the rich traditions and close-knit community at Klein High School is truly an honor," Codutti stated.

 

Fort Bend Herald

A University of Washington student, JD Kaim, faced an academic hold after creating HuskySwap, a tool designed to help students swap class spots during enrollment. Despite taking the tool offline at the university's request, Kaim described the situation as a “soft expulsion” for developing a resource that could assist students in securing desired classes. He stated, “The website was a simple app designed to help students find partners to trade spots in critical classes after they filled up.” The university claimed the tool violated its registration policy regarding automated enrollment tools. After complying with the university's demands, Kaim announced on LinkedIn that the hold was lifted, allowing him to continue his studies and graduate next quarter. He expressed gratitude for the support he received during this challenging time.

 

Edscoop