The Texas Public Policy Foundation recently hosted a panel on charter schools entitled “Innovation, Educational Excellence, and the Role of Charters.” Panelists included Senator Florence Shapiro, Chair of the Senate Education Committee; Linda Bridges, President of the Texas Chapter of the American Federation of Teachers; Tom Torkelson; CEO and Founder of IDEA public schools; and Paul Vallas; Superintendent of the Louisiana Recovery School District. This document lists the main points of each panelist.
K-12 Education
Restoring Confidence and Prestige to the Teaching Profession
Restoring Confidence and Prestige to the Teaching Profession The epidemic of uncertified teachers in Texas schools is the result of the collapse of the teacher preparation program, especially university programs. These programs have traded a focus on the classroom for social activism. Key points: More than 10% of teachers in Texas schools are now uncertified....
July 22, 2026