Some of Tyler’s top education leaders came together Thursday to talk about the biggest issues in local classrooms, from teacher shortages to college funding to artificial intelligence.
The Tyler Chamber of Commerce hosted its yearly “State of Education” Luncheon at the Green Acres Crosswalk Center.
Tyler ISD Superintendent Marty Crawford sat on the panel with Texas College President SherRhonda Gibbs, UT Tyler President Julie Philley and Tyler Junior College President Juan Mejia.
Crawford Looks Ahead After the Election
Crawford opened by talking about what last week’s election could mean for public education in Texas. He said that now that the dust has settled, he expects “a breath of fresh air.”
He told the crowd he believes education was one of the issues that shaped the election. He pointed to Republican lawmakers who opposed Governor Abbott’s school voucher legislation and then lost their seats in primary challenges.
Crawford questioned what that could mean going forward. He asked the audience that if local control could be threatened over one issue, which institutions might be targeted next.
Tyler ISD is the largest school district in East Texas. Crawford said he is hopeful the incoming administration will bring new interest in public education. He said he expects more attention on what public schools are doing well, instead of a focus on their challenges.
Working to Fix the Teacher Shortage
The panel also discussed the shortage of teachers in the region.
Philley said UT Tyler is working on ways to get more local teachers certified. She noted that the university recently hired a new dean of education. Its goal is to supply certified teachers for Regions 7 and 8 in East Texas.
TJC’s Plans After the Failed Bond
Someone in the audience asked Mejia what Tyler Junior College plans to do after voters rejected its bond in May.
The $167 million proposal focused mostly on improving the college’s facilities.
Mejia said TJC has no plans to try another bond election. Instead, the college is hoping for help from state lawmakers. He added that at some point the college may need to scale back some programs and shrink others to make those projects happen.
Getting Back to Basics in the Age of AI
The panelists were also asked how they’re handling AI in the classroom.
Gibbs is the first woman to serve as president of Texas College. She said AI makes it more important to strengthen the basics. She believes students need to learn critical thinking, critical reading and critical writing skills.