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
Coalition Letter in Support of Teacher Excellence System (TES)
EdTrust and the 12 undersigned organizations respectfully request that the Houston ISD board approve the Teacher Excellence System (TES)
Policy Priorities for the 89th Texas Legislative Session
Read about the five key priorities EdTrust in Texas will advance.
Blog
How One Texas College Uses Effective Data-Driven Strategies to Support Student-Parents
Student-parents have complicated lives. The College of Health Care Professions is meeting them where they are
I’m a Houston Teacher, and I Support Houston ISD’s Step Toward Excellence
Embracing this change will help create a culture of growth, innovation, and success for all involved
EdTrust in Texas Takes Legal Action Urging Release of School Accountability Data
For two years, Texas families, educators, and communities have been left without access to critical A-F school accountability ratings
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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