August 3, 2026 – Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Amarillo ISD teacher Cassidy Estes and 20 other current and former educators from school districts across Texas to serve on the newly created Texas Classroom Commission. Estes, a teacher at South Lawn Elementary, is in her fifth year at AISD.

"We are incredibly proud to have a teacher from Amarillo ISD participating in the Governor's new initiative. Incorporating classroom teachers' firsthand perspectives is essential to improving the learning environment for all students across the state,” AISD Superintendent Dr. Deidre Parish said. “We look forward to the insights Cassidy will bring back to our district as she works alongside other educators and state officials to shape the future of Texas public education."

The commission will provide guidance to the Governor, the Texas Education Agency, and the Texas Legislature. The commission builds on previous education initiatives, including the Teacher Vacancy Taskforce and the Texas Commission on Special Education Funding, which contributed to increased special education funding, higher teacher pay, expansion of the Teacher Incentive Allotment, and classroom discipline reforms.

The teacher-led advisory group will develop recommendations to strengthen classroom instruction, support teachers, and improve student achievement ahead of the state’s 90th Legislative Session. Abbott said the new panel will ensure educators play a central role in shaping the future of public education in Texas.