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Advocating for Public Schools Toolkit

Resources that can help you shine the spotlight on the amazing things happening in Texas public schools every day as you engage with policymakers on behalf of schools and students

NEW! AASA Video Features Interview with Brian Woods, TASA Deputy Executive Director of Advocacy
An AASA “Extras” video spotlighting the organization’s December issue of its School Administrator magazine, which examines the essential role of superintendents as advocates in legislative and public policy, highlights an article by TASA Executive Director Kevin Brown and Brian Woods, TASA Deputy Executive Director of Advocacy titled “Retooling Your Legislative Advocacy” and includes an interview with Woods in which he talks about advocacy and shares some tips. Watch the video and read the issue.

12 Ways School Leaders Can Connect with Lawmakers
Download this TASA-produced PDF that provides 12 tips on how school leaders can engage with locally elected officials and lawmakers and share with them the good things that are happening in Texas public schools.

The Importance of Taking Back the Narrative
2020 Texas Teacher of the Year Karen Sams encourages public education advocates to take back the narrative about our public schools in this call to action.

#TxEdTuesday and Social Media
#TxEdTuesday is a social media campaign started by TASA members Kevin Worthy, Doug Williams, and John Wink. On Tuesdays during Texas legislative sessions, Texas public school supporters take to social media to tell, tag, and share the awesome things taking place in our neighborhood public schools. The idea is to promote #txed while engaging with policymakers about the great things happening in our public schools. Follow @TxEdTuesday on Twitter and using the hashtag #TxEdTuesday.

Texas Association of School Boards (TASB)
Texans for Strong Public Schools informs and organizes advocates across the state to engage in the legislative process and to ensure the needs of 5.4 million Texas schoolchildren are heard by lawmakers.

Friends of Texas Public Schools
Friends of Texas Public Schools provides resources celebrating the many success stories of public education in Texas. The Data Points page on the FOTPS website provides information on other achievements of Texas public schools.

Future-Ready School Exemplars
TASA’s Mission: School Transformation website at futurereadytx.org features school districts that are leading the way in creating student-centered schools focused on preparing future-ready graduates. Learn more about exemplar districts in these areas:

School Programs with “Bragging Rights”
Each year, Texas School Business magazine produces a special Bragging Rights issue each year that features 12 school districts with outstanding or innovative programs.

Celebrate Texas Public Schools
Texas Public Schools Week has traditionally been the first week in March to coordinate with the celebration of Texas Independence Day. The Texas School Public Relations Association’s Celebrate Texas Public Schools campaign encourages individuals to make public statements about the great things happening in Texas public schools. Each year, TSPRA chooses a campaign theme and provides downloadable resources for those who want to join in the celebration. Visit the TSPRA website to learn more.