Houston’s teachers are stepping up—not just in the classroom, but in the policy arena. At a recent one-day advocacy training event hosted by Teach Plus, educators from across the region gathered to learn how to make their voices heard at local and state levels. The event equipped teachers with practical tools and strategies to engage with policymakers and advocate for policies that prioritize student success.
Teach Plus Texas, with support from Houston Endowment, is building a network of teachers in Houston who are ready to influence policy decisions affecting their classrooms. The organization empowers educators to identify critical issues and offer solutions rooted in firsthand experience and data. This event was part of a broader initiative to strengthen teacher leadership in the policy sphere and ensure that those who know the classroom best have a seat at the decision-making table.
For Valeria Pulido, an English teacher in Houston ISD and Teach Plus Texas Policy Fellow, the experience was a powerful reminder of the impact educators can have beyond their classrooms.
“Events that unite educators around policy engagement and advocacy training are always my priority,” Pulido said. “Teach Plus and Raise Your Hand Texas are two organizations that everyone should keep an eye out for. Through their teachings and guidance, I feel more empowered as an educator to engage in meaningful conversations with local and state representatives to push solutions forward for the benefit of my students.”
Courtney Martin, a second-grade teacher at Outley Elementary in Alief ISD and fellow Teach Plus Texas Policy Fellow, echoed Pulido’s sentiments. Martin emphasized how the training reinforced his commitment to advocacy and provided him with a renewed sense of purpose.
“As a public school educator and Teach Plus Policy Fellow, the event was incredibly valuable to me by providing additional practical strategies and a renewed sense of purpose in my advocacy work,” Martin said. “Advocacy can take various forms—whether attending a community event, engaging with policymakers, or amplifying student voices. This training reinforced the many ways we can drive meaningful change.”
A particularly impactful moment for Martin was participating in the “Problem in the Community” activity, where educators from different districts collaborated to address real issues affecting students.
“My group, representing Alief ISD, Channelview ISD, and Houston ISD, collaborated to address a real issue from a student-centered perspective,” Martin explained. “We found common ground by sharing our experiences, perspectives, and solutions. The exercise highlighted the importance of collective problem-solving while reinforcing the need for policy changes that directly benefit students and communities.”
As teachers gathered to discuss policy engagement, one issue loomed large: the growing shortage of qualified educators.
More than half of new teachers entering Texas classrooms in the 2024-25 school year are expected to be uncertified, largely due to financial and logistical barriers. Texas teachers earn an average of $9,000 less than their national counterparts, and affordable certification programs remain limited. In rural areas, the problem is even more acute, with some counties hiring uncertified teachers at rates exceeding 80 percent.
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) reports that educator preparation program (EPP) completion rates remain low, with only about one in four aspiring teachers finishing their training since 2019. In 2023 alone, just 22,000 out of 162,000 candidates who entered an EPP completed the program.
Andrea Cretu, Education Program Officer at Houston Endowment, said systemic change is needed to address the current teacher shortage.
“We can’t just focus on increasing the number of people entering the field—we have to improve the experience of becoming and being a teacher,” Cretu said. “Those who choose this profession should feel confident, supported, and valued every step of the way, especially in their early years. The key is not just setting higher standards but also working together, using solid data to build a strong support system. That’s how we move forward.”
As Teach Plus continues to build a movement of teacher-leaders in Houston, advocacy events like this one serve as a catalyst for change. By equipping educators with the skills and confidence to engage in policy discussions, the effort is ensuring that the voices shaping the future of education belong to those who know it best—the teachers.