RaiseYourHandTexas

Raise Your Hand Texas supports public policy solutions that invest in our students, encourage innovation, autonomy, and improve college and workforce readiness.

[RaiseYourHandTexas @RYHTexas]

Today and every day, we honor the veterans who have served our country. Thank you for your service.

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[RaiseYourHandTexas @RYHTexas]

Today, Dr. Libby Cohen, Executive Director of Raise Your Hand Texas, held a press conference to highlight the growing statewide support for a proposed Public Education and Workforce Endowment and to announce the supermajority of voters who support the idea. Dr. Cohen was joined by Lynn McBee, workforce czar for the City of Dallas, Drew Gaylor, minister at Care Church in Richardson, and Isaac Gunn, owner of Panther City Plumbing in Fort Worth.
A new Public Education and Workforce Endowment could provide the durable funding needed to build state-of-the-art Career and Technical Education (CTE) campuses—just like the Dr. Edwin Flores Career Institute North here in Dallas ISD—for public school students all across Texas.
There is strong support for future-proofing our workforce: 86% of Texas voters agree we must equip the next generation with the high-tech skills and industry certifications that AI can’t replace.
Read the full press release and additional Voter Survey insights here: https://t.co/mWztNf5Xke

#TxEd #TxLege #TexasWorkforce

[RaiseYourHandTexas @RYHTexas]

Texas enters the legislative session with a strong financial position and new political leadership, shaping critical discussions on the two-year budget. How will these shifts impact school funding, teacher support, and student success? Read more: https://t.co/JKDaokX3YG
#TxLege #TxEd #PubEd

[RaiseYourHandTexas @RYHTexas]

Texas has the 8th-largest economy in the world, but critical sectors face severe workforce shortages, including construction, healthcare, manufacturing, energy, and technology.
With 85% of Texas students in public schools, the solution is already in our classrooms. Read why 77% of likely voters support a new Public Education and Workforce Endowment for CTE: https://t.co/37PY19p2C7

#TxEd #TxLege

[RaiseYourHandTexas @RYHTexas]

Congratulations to all newly elected and returning leaders across Texas.

#TxEd #PubEd #TxLege

[RaiseYourHandTexas @RYHTexas]

“When funding doesn't keep up, districts are forced to revamp or eliminate programs." Angie Bado of Public Schools First McKinney understands how fixed expenses are impacting DFW classrooms. Read the full story on what to expect this legislative session: https://t.co/a2q3foEgEO
#TxEd #TxLege #DFWSchools #90thLege

[RaiseYourHandTexas @RYHTexas]

This Native American/Indigenous Peoples Heritage Month, we're celebrating a milestone for Texas classrooms. As of last year, school districts statewide can offer American Indian/Native Studies as an elective, giving students a chance to learn the history and living cultures of American Indians from Native perspectives. Hawana Townsley, a descendant of 19th-century Comanche leader Quanah Parker, helped craft the curriculum.

#TxEd #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth #IndigenousPeoplesHeritageMonth #PubEd

[RaiseYourHandTexas @RYHTexas]

Ahead of the 90th Session, greater Houston school districts are feeling the impact of shifting enrollment and fixed expenses.
Local leaders like Brazosport ISD Superintendent Danny Massey know these challenges firsthand. Read the full story on what to expect during the 90th Legislative Session: https://t.co/OGz8lDVhkn.

#TxEd #TxLege #HoustonSchools #90thLege

[RaiseYourHandTexas @RYHTexas]

When you see a school bond on your local ballot, you are voting on critical "bricks and mortar" investments for your community’s public schools. In Texas, these voter-approved funds are strictly dedicated to long-term facility needs like new construction and safety upgrades, keeping them separate from day-to-day classroom operations and teacher salaries.

Learn how these local funding decisions work and why your vote matters: https://t.co/J6qT1YjRmg

#PubEd #GOTV #SchoolBonds #TexasPublicEducation

[RaiseYourHandTexas @RYHTexas]

When you see a school bond on your local ballot, you are directly shaping the future of your community’s public school facilities.

Read our School Bonds 101 to learn more about the need and why your vote matters: https://t.co/J6qT1YjRmg

#TxEd #SchoolBonds #TexasSchools #PublicEducation #GOTV

[RaiseYourHandTexas @RYHTexas]

Big news for our Houston team! 🖐️
Join us in congratulating Clarissa Riojas, M.Ed., as she transitions into her new role as Regional Advocacy Director for West Houston!

Clarissa joined Raise Your Hand Texas in 2025 as our Regional Advocacy Director for South Texas. A former middle school English teacher for 10 years and co-founder of BLOOM Rio Grande Valley, she brings extensive experience in community organizing, civic engagement, and grassroots advocacy. We are thrilled to bring her leadership and passion to West Houston as we continue to advocate for our state's public schools, students, and communities.

#TxEd #WestHouston #PublicEducation #TxLege

[RaiseYourHandTexas @RYHTexas]

The Texas Tribune recently updated its sample ballot lookup tool, which lets Texans in the state’s 50 most populous counties preview their ballots. It’s part of their 2026 voter resources, which also include guides to key races and tools to help Texans make informed decisions.
https://t.co/KSKTwPkFax

[RaiseYourHandTexas @RYHTexas]

txEDCON kicks off today! Stop by Booth 939 and tell us where you're coming from; we want to connect with people from all across the state!

#TxEd #txEDCON2026

[RaiseYourHandTexas @RYHTexas]

Today, we're recognizing Texas teachers who give their best every day—patience on the hard days, encouragement on the good ones, and belief in every student in the room.

What's one thing a teacher did for you that you still remember?

#TxEd #WorldTeachersDay #TexasTeachersDay #PubEd

[RaiseYourHandTexas @RYHTexas]

They're the first ones in and often the last ones out, keeping Texas schools clean, safe, and running. This National School Custodian Appreciation Day, we say thank you.

#TxEd #NationalSchoolCustodianAppreciationDay

[RaiseYourHandTexas @RYHTexas]

Principals wear a lot of hats and Texas schools run on their leadership. This October, we’re recognizing the principals who support their teachers and communities. Show some love and tag your favorite principal below!

#TxEd #NationalPrincipalsMonth

[RaiseYourHandTexas @RYHTexas]

Happening today at #TribFest26: "Running Texas Schools." Superintendents Tabitha Branum (Richardson ISD), Stephanie Elizalde (Dallas ISD), Jeannie Meza-Chavez (San Elizario ISD), and Tiffany Spicer (Waco ISD) discuss what it takes to lead public schools right now — and what they need from the Legislature next year.

[RaiseYourHandTexas @RYHTexas]

#Tribfest26 educator badge-holders, this one's for you.
Trade classroom stories, unwind with fellow educators, and grab a bite — no agenda, just good company. Open to all educator badge-holders. Thursday, Sept. 24, from 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m., San Jacinto, 1st Floor of the Omni.
Get your tickets here: https://t.co/RD7cIa8IGc

[RaiseYourHandTexas @RYHTexas]

Please welcome Kimberlee Ralph, M.Ed., as our new Director of Legislative Affairs at Raise Your Hand Texas!

Kimberlee brings more than a decade of experience as an educator, former legislative staffer, chief of staff, and policy specialist.

We are thrilled to add her expertise to our team as we continue to advocate for our state's students and public schools. Welcome, Kimberlee!

#TxEd #TxLege

[RaiseYourHandTexas @RYHTexas]

To kick off this Hispanic Heritage Month, we honor two Texas educators who opened doors for generations of students.

Dr. George I. Sánchez, namesake of UT Austin's George I. Sánchez Building, spent decades researching and advocating against the segregation of Mexican American students in Texas public schools.

Dr. Manuel P. Berríozábal founded UTSA's Pre-freshman Engineering Program in 1979, helping over 50,000 Texas students pursue degrees in math, science, and engineering.

Their work still shapes Texas education today.

#TxEd #HispanicHeritageMonth #TexasHistory #TexasPublicSchools