EdTrust in Texas
Who We Are
EdTrust in Texas has a bold vision: a future where all students have the freedom to pursue their dreams and learn from effective educators in safe, nurturing classrooms. We envision well-resourced schools accountable to the communities they serve, where parents and educators work together to help students reach their full potential through clear college and career pathways that lead to economic opportunity. We pursue this vision by working with trusted partners across Texas to speak up for and with students, especially those whose needs and potential are often overlooked. We evaluate every policy, every practice, and every dollar spent through a single lens: what is right for students.
What We Do
Students, educators, and families who have been underserved by our educational systems continue to be excluded from the policymaking process. As a result, these systems – from early childhood through college and career – limit opportunities for students to achieve their full potential and economic mobility.
Our goal is to drive a more inclusive conversation about how Texas can benefit from an education system that provides opportunity for all students, regardless of race, place, and income status.
- Advocate: We advocate with and for those directly underserved by educational systems. We are trusted leaders both at the state Capitol and in communities.
- Build Capacity: We build stronger, more inclusive coalitions by equipping underrepresented Texans with the policy knowledge and advocacy skills to more effectively influence the policy decisions that directly impact them.
- Research and Analysis: We conduct and share robust research to inform and advance educational excellence and equity at the local and state level. We translate research into action for a wide range of audiences, including policymakers, advocates, and community leaders.
Press Releases
Policy Priorities for the 89th Texas Legislative Session
Read about the five key priorities EdTrust in Texas will advance.
We Owe It to Our Kids to Support the Houston ISD Bond Measures
Voters can improve Houston school facilities and student health and safety by voting for Propositions A and B.
Blog
Texas Community College Student Advisory Council Members Take the Stage at Higher EDge 2024
Current and former community college students from the SAC delegation shared their higher ed perspectives and experiences with state leaders at a recent conference in Austin.
Authentic Student Voices: Texas Community College Student Advisory Council Members Attend 2024 CCATT Conference
Texas Community College Student Advisory Council members recently attended the CCATT Conference, where they raised concerns about the need for more student supports & smoother credit transfer policies, & proposed solutions to these & other pressing issues impacting community college students.
Houston Takes Steps to Make Sure Students Are Ready for College or Careers
Houston ISDs college- and career-readiness goal will ensure that students not only graduate but do so with meaningful credentials in hand or advanced courses under their belt that show they are ready for college coursework or a career.
Staff
Jonathan Feinstein
State Director for Texas
Jonathan serves as the State Director of Texas, where he works with and supports partners statewide to advance educational equity for students of color and from low-income backgrounds.
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Judith Cruz
Texas Assistant Director, Houston Region
Judith manages and executes policy goals and advocacy activities within the Houston region in collaboration with the Texas State Director.
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Alexa Garza
Higher Education Justice Initiatives Analyst/Texas Policy Analyst
Alexa Garza assists with day-to-day tasks for the implementation of the Justice Fellows Policy Program. Additionally, she assists in advancing the agenda in Texas to improve access and workforce opportunities for the current and formerly incarcerated.
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Andrea Thurston
Senior Higher Education Policy Analyst for Texas
Andrea manages and evaluates research projects to identify structures and policies that support Texas students’ postsecondary persistence and completion and develop policy agendas that advance educational equity.
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