San Marcos teachers’ group pays visit to the state capitol

SMCISD educators Jea Childress, Judith Kraemer, Jan Moody and Grace Mueller.

San Marcos CISD educators Jan Moody, Grace Mueller, Jea Childress and Judith Kraemer were among more than 200 members of the Texas Classroom Teachers Association (TCTA) from across the state who converged on the Texas Capitol in late January for the TCTA Capitol visit.
During the event, which kicked off the association’s three-day state convention, the educators — teachers, librarians, counselors and other classroom professionals — discussed education issues such as testing and last session’s budget cuts with members of the Texas Legislature and their staffs.
Prior to the Capitol visit, the educators attended a briefing where they heard from Texas State Sen. Kirk Watson, who encouraged them to be strong advocates for public education.
Texas Commissioner of Education Michael Williams also addressed TCTA’s 300-plus convention attendees, who had the opportunity to ask him questions about the state’s testing and accountability systems and other important issues they face daily in Texas public schools.
Representing the San Marcos TCTA local affiliate, the educators also participated in the association’s Representative Assembly, which conducts business such as deciding TCTA’s positions on legislative issues and electing statewide leaders.
In addition, the delegates attended continuing education sessions on subjects ranging from incorporating iPads into instruction to the best practices in classroom management.
During the convention the association also recognized those who have made a difference in public education during the past year, including Texas Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer and Pastor Mark Lang of the Lubbock Dream Center, TCTA’s 2012-13 Friends of Education.
Founded in 1927, The Texas Classroom Teachers Association is a nonprofit, independent professional association based in Austin that serves 50,000 members statewide.
It is the only statewide teachers’ association that limits active-level membership to those directly involved in classroom teaching or teaching support, including librarians, counselors and teacher aides.