This week, Governor Rick Perry announced his official appointment of Robert Scott as Commissioner of Education. TCTA Executive Director Jeri Stone expressed optimism about the appointment, noting Scott’s agency experience and history of working successfully with TCTA on education issues. Read more…

TEA posted draft versions of the 2008-09 and 2009-10 student testing calendars on the agency’s website in September and TCTA members were notified by e-update to review and provide comments to TEA by September 26. TEA took into consideration the comments received during the review period and adopted this final schedule.

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Congress is in the process of reauthorizing the Higher Education Act, the comprehensive law that governs higher education, which includes the forgiveness and deferment of federal loans. The Senate has passed the bill, but the House has yet to introduce its version. TCTA contacted Texas Congressman Ruben Hinojosa, Chair of the Higher Education Subcommittee of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, to advocate for an expansion of the funding window for loan deferment and forgiveness for Stafford or Direct Loans taken out between July 1, 1993 and Sept. 30, 1998.

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Austin teacher receives state Rookie of the Year award

Todd Kagan is definitely no cookie-cutter, wet-behind-the-ears rookie. Former military-turned-geophysicist-turned-7th-8th grade teacher was recently named the 2006-07 state of Texas Rookie Science Teacher of the Year, which marked his first year as an educator and his first at Austin ISD’s Alternative Learning Center. Read more...

Grants, awards and educational opportunities

We have compiled a list of some grant opportunities and awards programs we’ve come across during the year. We hope you will find some ideas among these to assist or recognize your students, schools and peers. Read more...

Expecting? New mom? Know someone who is?

Become a Similac Welcome Addition Club member and enjoy exclusive offers and savings. Check the link and code on our Member Benefits page.

Free booklets teach appropriate use of credit cards

The Center for Student Credit Card Education, Inc. (CSCCE) is offering its free credit card literacy program to TCTA members. “The ABCs of Credit Card Finance–Essential Facts for Students” program provides information on choosing and responsibly using a credit card. TCTA members have until Oct. 31 to order free copies of the booklet (one per student). Find out how to order…

November 1 deadline for TCTA candidates, amendments

As provided in the TCTA governance documents, written nominations for candidates for TCTA office must be received at headquarters by Thursday, Nov. 1, 2007, for names to be printed on the ballot at the 2008 Representative Assembly, which will convene Feb. 29-March 1, 2008, at the Westin Galleria in Houston. Nominations may be made for the offices of President-Elect, Budget Committee Chair, Curriculum & Instruction Committee Chair, Teacher Personal Services Committee Chair, and for several district director positions. Nov. 1 is also the deadline for proposed amendments to the TCTA Constitution and Bylaws to be received to be eligible for a lower percentage vote for adoption. Read more...

November 1 deadline for TCTA awards: Forms now available

Nominations for the TCTA 2007-08 Awards Program are now being accepted. Official rules and nomination forms are available online, and were mailed to TCTA local affiliate presidents in September. All nominations must be postmarked on or before Nov. 1, 2007. Read more...

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