Senator Brandon Creighton of Conroe has introduced Senate Bill 26, the first proposal in the Texas Teacher Bill of Rights legislative package. This bill aims to provide significant support and protections for educators in Texas.

"Texas educators dedicate their lives to shaping the next generation by showing up every day, ready to make a difference," said Creighton. "They deserve more than just our gratitude; they deserve real support and protections."

The proposed legislation includes a historic pay raise for teachers through a permanent allotment that ensures salary increases. Teachers will receive raises in their third and fifth years, with additional funds for those in small and rural districts. The bill also expands the Teacher Incentive Allotment, offering high-performing educators opportunities to earn over $100,000 annually.

"Totaling almost $5 billion, this is a generational investment in our educators," Creighton stated. "No state has ever made a teacher pay commitment of this magnitude."

In addition to pay raises, Senate Bill 26 proposes free pre-K for educators' children and introduces a new liability protection program for teachers.

"Teachers should never have to choose between maintaining order in their classrooms and protecting themselves from legal concerns," Creighton continued.

Governor Abbott has declared teacher compensation an emergency item, prompting swift action on SB 26 by the Texas Senate. Creighton also plans further legislation addressing classroom safety, discipline issues, contract protections, and establishing a teacher residency program.

"The future of Texas begins in the classroom," concluded Creighton. "We owe it to our educators—and the students they serve—to rise above politics and deliver real, lasting change."