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When TCTA leaders met in Austin in late June, they played host to the four leading candidates for governor—a feat that no other education association had accomplished up to that point. Certainly, TCTA’s reputation for working with state leaders and having a place at the table when teacher issues are discussed may have played a role in garnering the attention of the candidates. TCTA encourages the active, educated participation of our members in the political process, and was pleased to be able to offer this opportunity for our members to learn more about the candidates before the Nov. 7, 2006 elections. The candidates shared their views on major education issues, such as teacher salaries and the TAKS test, and local, state and national media representatives were on hand to interview the candidates and TCTA leaders.
“When it comes to teacher compensation, I am of the belief that you can never pay a good teacher enough because of a lifelong impact that he or she has upon children.” Gov. Rick Perry |
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“The high-stakes nature of the TAKS test is corrupting our curriculum and driving teachers from the profession.” Chris Bell |
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“When I come into office, the TAKS test is going to be on the way out.” Kinky Friedman |
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“As governor, I will veto any plan or any legislation that puts a single dollar into any voucher program, period!” Carole Keeton Strayhorn |
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Who will get the vote?An August poll showed Gov. Rick Perry’s lead in the governor’s race slipping to 35 percent, while Chris Bell’s numbers improved. According to the Rasmussen Reports poll, Bell, Kinky Friedman and Carole Keeton Strayhorn were tied for second place with 18 percent each. Leadership Conference attendees enjoyed having access to all four candidates at the June meeting: “I want to thank TCTA for having the candidates speak to us. You learn a lot when you see them in person vs. 10 second blurbs on the TV news.” “Although I have already made up my mind, I appreciated hearing from all the candidates.” “Thank you to TCTA for bringing the candidates to our meeting. Thank you to the candidates who chose to appear and speak. Kudos to those who spoke from their heart and not from a script.” “Thanks for having the candidates. It was great! I am closer to a decision now. I don’t want to waste a vote.” “I found the information very valuable. I have new information to consider.” “Welcome the opportunity to see/hear all major candidates. Pleased they took the time to speak to our membership.” “We need to all get out and vote!” |
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The Classroom Teacher, Fall 2006
Archive of other TCTA Publications
THE CLASSROOM TEACHER (ISSN-0279-2494) is the official publication of the Texas Classroom Teachers Association (TCTA), providing news and opinions in the interest of education excellence. All contents are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without the publisher’s permission. The views and opinions contained in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. Copyright © 2006. Publication schedule is quarterly. Annual membership dues for TCTA are $110, $5 of which is allocated to a one-year subscription to THE CLASSROOM TEACHER. Subscriptions for nonmembers are available for $10 per year.
