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No two journeys into the classroom are the same. Each Charles Butt Scholar brings a unique perspective, collection of skills, and purpose to teaching – but they all share one powerful thing: a deep passion for helping students reach their full potential. Hear what Charles Butt Scholars have to say and share your own story!
When Uvalde CISD began its search for new leadership, Ashley Chohlis felt a deep calling. “I felt compelled to apply for the job and come and do the work necessary to bring back a sense of safety and security in our schools and the community. I want to make sure that Uvalde kids have opportunities and a future.”
New research briefs from the Learning Policy Institute (LPI) shed light on Texas’s teacher workforce and preparation pathways, and the promising impacts of Texas’s recent investments in effective teacher preparation.
We at the Charles Butt Foundation want to express our sincere gratitude to the teachers throughout our state doing incredible work. Last year, our public opinion research, heartfelt storytelling, strategic programming, and community partnerships all made one thing crystal clear — teachers deserve our respect and support.
The Raising School Leaders program has been described as transformative by both new and seasoned leaders, propelling positive change in their school. We asked alums from across the years to share what being part of this program has meant to them personally, professionally, and to the school communities they lead.
Socorro ISD represents an exemplary pilot program that embedded blended learning into its literacy framework and growth targets as a district. While the core tenets of change management may be familiar, this case study offers an in-depth look at the experiences of practitioners as they scale best teaching and learning practices.
Dr. Junlei Li, the co-chair of the Human Development and Education Program at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, shares a poignant and reflective story that underscores the profound, often unnoticed impact teachers have on their students.
Blended learning has become common in K-12 education, but what does the term actually mean? And what do these teaching and learning strategies look like in best practice?
The Foundation will sponsor 30 educators from 28 traditional and charter school districts across Texas to attend a weeklong summer institute at Harvard.
Eric Hale shares about a teacher who went out of his way to be supportive. “He went above and beyond. And so that’s my goal. I’m not trying to be the best teacher, but I am trying to be the most impactful.”
Byron Sanders shares about a 10th grade history teacher that changed the course of his life. “He was a mirror that I needed at the time. He defogged it, wiped away all of the smears, the self doubt, the inadequacy. And I was like, maybe I am smart.”
Warren Hudson is the Instructional Technology Coordinator for Venus ISD. He says he wouldn’t be where he is today without the influence of two important teachers in his life.
We partner with 20 university-based educator preparation programs across Texas to deliver the Charles Butt Scholarship for Aspiring Teachers. Faculty teams from each institution are also part of our University Partnerships work through the Raising Texas Teachers program. As university partners, each institution is committed to four pillars of a strong teacher preparation program…
For returning teachers to be one of the solutions to the teacher shortage, education stakeholders must address the structural, cultural, and systemic challenges teachers identified. All teachers–returning, current, and future–deserve a well-supported and fulfilling career; this will benefit our teachers, students, schools, and the state of Texas.
Riza Cooper is the principal at Elgin Middle School in Elgin ISD. As a campus and district leader, Cooper has made a mark by coaching emerging talent on her team on their leadership journey. She did just that for her colleague Dr. Sarah Borowicz who is now the assistant superintendent of teaching and learning for Elgin ISD.
“Everything that I would have to say about Raise Your Hand Texas and the Charles Butt Foundation comes from a place of gratitude for the people that I’ve met and the experiences I’ve had as an educator,” says Dr. Tamara McWilliams.
Melinna Chessher, a Charles Butt Scholar, shares how mentorship has changed her life. “My mentor has helped me in a variety of ways to boost my confidence as a teacher, and as an individual.”
Thank you for diving into our stories, joining our learning communities, fueling our research, and elevating Texas public education. You’re the heartbeat of our mission, and we hope our content mirrors your interests and dedication.
The application for the 2024 cohort of the Raising School Leaders program, an initiative designed to develop stronger school leaders who will enhance the quality of education across Texas, is now open.
In addition to financial support, the Charles Butt Scholarship network creates opportunities for new and aspiring educators to support one another along their professional journeys. It’s this ongoing support and community that Guadalupe and Monica say sets the scholarship apart from other programs.
As an advocate for the profession, Washington utilizes her platform to share her experiences as a Black educator as well as to speak about her passion for teaching – a career outsiders tend to label as a career without upward mobility and opportunities for growth.
“What I’m most prideful about of this alumni network is often we’re each other’s first phone call,” says Lee Vi Moses. “Our job is very rewarding, but it can also be very challenging and there’s a lot of decisions that we have to make that take courage.”
At the Charles Butt Foundation, our vision is that every student, in every classroom across Texas, has an effective teacher every year. To help us achieve this vision, we are excited to announce five new partner universities of the Raising Texas Teachers program, which now serves 21 university-based teacher preparation programs across the state.
Dr. Victor Rios shares about the teacher who believed in him so much, she tricked him into believing in himself.
National First-Generation College Student Day represents an opportunity to raise awareness about the experience of first-generation college students and ways to ensure their college-going experiences are equitable to those of their continuing-generation peers.
The purpose of CBF Connect is to create a strong, connected community of educators across Texas who are united in their efforts to serve all students, to learn and improve together, and to collectively advance the perception of public schools.
Dr. Adam Sáenz shares about what his favorite teachers wrote him in letters that served as a light during a dark time in his young adult life, which serves as a reminder for all of us – you never know how much your kind words will impact someone, so share them often.
How did Urlel and Mark go from casual conversation over chips and salsa to collaborating as colleagues?
LaTonia Amerson and Tai Ingram met in 2015 through the Raising School Leaders Harvard Leadership program.
Underneath renderings of actual rockets and the word INNOVATE, Chris McLeod shapes the future of Texas from inside the rocketry lab of the Brazosport ISD Career & Technical Education Center.
In this story, we showcase the vulnerability of Venus ISD leaders in taking ownership of significant gaps in secondary reading instruction and the thoughtful strategies they put in place to help students find real and lasting success.
Vicki Phillips’ heartfelt story about her high school geometry teacher serves as a reminder of the lasting power of teachers who go above and beyond to connect with their students.
The impact you have on your students stretches far beyond the confines of the classroom, shaping their futures and the future of Texas.
The weekend was filled with conversations among bright minds exchanging ideas, experiences, and visions for the future of public education.
In a short timeframe, his example of authentic and representational leadership has made lasting impacts on the school district and the city of San Antonio.
How blended learning strategies have advanced foundational literacy skills in early childhood education classrooms in Tomball ISD.
An early-career, bilingual teacher demonstrates the power of leading as your authentic self.
Mentoring new teachers to improve instruction and retain early-career educators represents an essential, proven component of teacher induction.
We believe every student, in every Texas classroom, must have an effective teacher every year. In 2017, we launched the Raising Texas Teachers initiative in an effort to make that goal a reality.
The Foundation will sponsor 50 educators from 35 district and charter schools across Texas to attend weeklong summer institutes at Harvard.
Crystal Romero-Mueller was elated when Deniss Moreno requested her as a mentor.
What do Texans believe about STAAR tests? Texans’ views on student learning, teaching challenges, and accountability ratings.
“Everything I have been able to do, from where I started, is the consequence of teachers taking an interest in me.” Our President, Dr. Shari Albright, sits down with Dr. Ruth Simmons, President Emerita of Prairie View A&M University and Brown University, to discuss her groundbreaking career.
Our state’s longstanding teacher shortage represents a systemic challenge that must be addressed. Texas must build on the great work already underway in many districts and at several university teacher preparation programs.
Our 15th annual Leadership Symposium brought together over 300 dedicated school leaders from across the state to spend three days connecting with one another.
Oftentimes, while working in a rural community, opportunities, like attending the Harvard Leadership Program, are very limited.
We asked our alumni to reflect on the meaningful relationships they’ve made through these networks. These were their responses …
As a Black teacher, connections with Black students hold a different weight — a weight that only we can measure.
Eric Hale, the 2021 Texas Teacher of the Year, describes the obstacles he faced as a child and is now a champion for representation for all children. “I want people to say that I left a legacy of love and that I changed lives.”
Dr. Stephanie Hawley shares on Equity by Design for Austin ISD helping to put vulnerable children at the center of all our decision-making.
Raising School Leaders cohort application is open until March 15. This year, they’re particularly focused on sending rural school leaders.
Our annual Texas Education Poll brings the opinions, beliefs, hopes, fears, and ideas from Texans to the field.
In case you missed the webinar, you can watch the recording below to learn more about parents and Texans’ opinions on Texas public schools, Texas public school teachers, and the future of public education in Texas. View the 2023 Texas Education Poll.
“It’s Spotlight Friday! Let me hear you.” The students of Brittany Magin’s 4th grade math class erupt into applause and shouts of encouragement to each other.
One simple act of encouragement from his teacher inspired Dr. Joe Sanfelippo to pursue a career in education and to eventually become the Superintendent of the Fall Creek School District in Fall Creek, Wisconsin and author of Hacking Leadership.
School leaders from across Texas reunited for three days of fellowship, dynamic breakout sessions, and dialogues on the current climate.
November 8th is National-First Generation College Student Day. The Charles Butt Scholarship celebrates the scholarship recipients who identify as first-generation college students today, and every day!
UTSA and Texas State have been engaged in programmatic improvement through Raising Texas Teachers since its inception.
To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re honoring voices in the Hispanic/Latino/a/x/e community reflected in public schools across Texas.
Panelist shared what struck them the most about the 2022 Texas Teacher Poll results and discussed the research of the report.
Learn how Sabina Landeros used her background and experiences to empower Hispanic students and families on her former campus.
Dr. Lara explains the importance of teachers seeing potential in all their students. He is still grateful for what his teachers did for him.
Twyla’s story highlights just how much a teacher can inspire a student, even after they leave their classroom.
Our 2022 Texas Teacher Poll provides data about how to support and strengthen the teaching profession, and it comes straight from the source.
Rewrite the Stars. A Charles Butt Scholar, Star Brow, redefines her legacy through teaching. Read her story.
Her teacher exposed her to accounting and business and took an interest in Erika’s future. It changed her life.
As a new school year begins, Charles Butt is sharing a special note of gratitude to Texas teachers.
In this story, we highlight the learning journey of Harlingen CISD. They began their blended learning exploration with the goal of supporting Tier 2 & 3 students, those students who need more structured support to reach grade-level proficiency. However, this pursuit evolved into a new district-wide approach to teaching and learning that advances their investment in thoughtful innovation for the benefit of all schoolchildren.
All Charles Butt Scholars are invited to an annual symposium for the opportunity to network and benefit from a shared learning experience.
This year will mark our 14th annual Leadership Symposium and 4th annual Scholar Symposium.
Students having teachers of similar ethnicity or race significantly decreased exclusionary discipline for Asian American students.
The Foundation announced it will sponsor 85 educators from 54 district and charter schools across Texas to attend Harvard.
According to data from our 2022 Charles Butt Foundation Poll, Texans value teachers more today than ever, and they trust them more than…
From women managing a classroom to women guiding the vision for a district, the impact of women on public education is undeniable.
Watch the video recording of the panel discussion, dig into the poll, then join the conversation on your favorite social presences.
We are committed to helping create a more equitable and prosperous future for all students, especially our students of color and those from low-income families.
For our 2022 Charles Butt Foundation Poll, we surveyed 1,154 Texans about public education, and the following eight takeaways stood out to us.
Texas Parents’ Ratings of Schools Soar in Third Year of Texas Education Poll. Our poll shows surge in ratings from public school parents.
In the midst of navigating storm Uri, a principal experienced a personal awakening that would change how she shows up as a leader.
Raise Your Hand Texas Foundation has combined with, and become, the Charles Butt Foundation, rightly placing Charles’ generous philanthropy in education under his named organization.
In a brand new job under unthinkable circumstances. New surprises every week. Trying to support students in ways they never expected. And yet they say they “would not want to be in any other profession.” Ten Charles Butt Scholar alumni, now first and second-year teachers, share their struggles, victories, and learnings a few months into the 2020-21 school year. These new Texas teachers find inspiration in their profession, and in the process, inspire us. Clarissa Rodriguez 1st Grade Teacher | Treasure Hills.
Three theatre teachers demonstrate an indomitable and innovative spirit in their approach to engaging and empowering students in COVID times.
Kim Darden, the principal at Pearland ISDs Alternative Choice for Education (PACE) Center and an alumna of the Raising School Leaders program stays grounded in her mission of supporting all students with individualized care and in advancing practices proven to make a positive difference on student outcomes.
This years symposium theme, This is Where We Shine, offered a message to current and future teachers of daring leadership, leaning into the uncertainty and the vulnerability, and bringing light to students, their communities, and themselves.
I have hope in America’s future. This year has been tumultuous for many students and families, yet they are resilient. Educators and communities have worked together to provide meals, WiFi, technology devices, and the best education possible for all students, no matter if they are learning at home or six feet apart in person. The amount that the school community and community partners have come together to support the students that attend our school has been awe-inspiring. Education continues to.
An aspiring teacher in her first year of college unexpectedly finds a mentor when she reconnects with her own elementary school principal.
Despite a pandemic, Texas public school leaders from across the state “gathered” together for three days of fellowship, presentations, breakout sessions, and the opportunity to engage in conversations with lawmakers and state officials.
Visit our interactive poll resources to see all the stats, graphs, and charts that bring these Texas voices to life. And join us in digging in to make this data actionable for our organizations, universities, schools, and communities.
Great teachers understand their job is to equip students to become critical thinkers, even if they don’t pursue a career in chemistry or calculus. In our latest Voices on Teaching video, Evin Eitelojore, a chemistry teacher at Klein High in Klein ISD, explains this goal.
Educators show us what agile, responsive public schools look like.
When six-year-old Mark Jones sat in his first-grade class at Buda Elementary School 51 years ago, he never imagined that his teacher, Sybil Ellison, would remain a mentor and friend decades later.
Through the Raising Blended Learners initiative, we have developed the RBL Implementation Continuum (RBL-IC) as a resource for teachers and administrators as they design student experiences for socially-distanced schools, at-home remote and hybrid learning scenarios, and plan for teacher support.
Discover the power of blended learning in the ever-changing landscape of education. Explore how technology can enhance instruction.
Integrate technology into instruction with blended learning strategies. Discover how blended learning can impact engagement and instruction.
Our 2020 Charles Butt Scholar Virtual Conference, focused on what makes Texas public schools unique – they are innovative, diverse, and for all.
“You should be a teacher.” Erika Carter vividly remembers whispering this to herself at 16 years old after helping a little girl learn how to read. After that, both lives were impacted forever.
Clarence Washington used to be in law enforcement. But then a friend asked him: “You’re catching people right now, but what if you went and tried to prevent it in the first place?” Now, he’s a teacher.
“Teachers are the single most impactful part of the education system.” — John Friedman, Brown University professor and researcher recognizes that teachers are the biggest determinant of student success.
John B. King Jr. served in President Obama’s cabinet as the 10th U.S. Secretary of Education and is now the President and CEO of The Education Trust. And where does he credit his success? His public school teachers.
Khaniya Russell is a Charles Butt Scholar and student at Trinity University. We asked Khaniya to share her perspective with us about what it’s like to be an aspiring teacher during this time, and what we can learn from her cohort’s experiences.
This audio interview explores how restorative practices can be critical tools for educators and families conducting remote learning.
An alternative school of choice in Pearland ISD leads with restorative practices and a focus on mental health.
One of the most complex aspects of the emergency remote teaching response to COVID-19 is how districts must balance educational rigor with the social-emotional wellbeing of every student in their communities.
As Texas teachers and students shift to remote learning, we want to recognize that we are all in the COVID-19 world together. Whether teachers have been implementing blended learning for three years, or if this is the first time students will be logging on remotely, this environment is new for all of us.
The 12th annual Raise Your Hand Texas Leadership Symposium brought together 350+ Texas public school leaders from across the state. This year’s theme, 2020: Texans for All, emphasized what makes Texas public education special — we are for all. All teachers. All families. All school leaders. All communities. We are Texans for all futures. Because the future of Texas is in our public schools.
Dr. Shari Alrbight, President of the Raise Your Hand Texas Foundation, gives her thoughts on the 2020: Texans Trust Teachers poll.
A new statewide poll on Texans’ attitudes toward public education found they appreciate teachers, but have concerns about testing and the lack of funding for schools.
A turnaround principal returns to one of the poorest neighborhoods in Houston to lift up the community that raised her.
Sometimes teachers can see our potential before anyone else. For Dr. Carly Gilson, an assistant professor of special education at Texas A&M University, it was her fourth-grade teacher calling her “a writer” and giving her a journal that lit the spark.
After 70 years, Dan Rather Returns to His Alma Mater, Heights High School in Houston, Texas.
Our Foundation announced 30 finalist school districts for the second cohort of the Raising Blended Learners demonstration initiative.
Early on this scholar knew that inclusion — in education, postsecondary opportunities, careers, and our community — would be her life’s passion.
Confidence in the classroom is contagious. Pamela Powell, a clinical assistant professor at the University of Texas at Austin in the Uteach Program, explains why having a strong leader in the classroom is important.
Afton worked with the RBL districts to promote financial best practices, identify financial risks and ensure sites were planning for resources to be available to sustain their unique Blended Learning models for years to come.
How the lack of black male teachers fuels one scholar’s passion
Mr. Bonner was featured on Ellen, has written and published a book on teaching, and is a sought-after speaker. Check out this Voices on Teaching interview to learn why he believes so much in the power and potential of teaching to create a ripple effect that lasts for generations.
Linda Ascencio, a fourth-grade teacher at Sanchez Elementary School, had a student who challenged her throughout the year. It seemed as if he was always getting in trouble and being sent to the office. However, she made an effort to know this student and his background. Through her efforts, she was able to gain his trust. Now, he is one of the students she misses the most.
Shea Culpepper, a clinical director and professor of teacher education at the University of Houston, believes teachers have the awesome task of preparing students for a future that does not exist yet.
“Good teachers live forever.” Mark Henry, the superintendent of Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, is not in the classroom anymore; however, he still appreciates and recognizes a teacher’s lasting impact.
Khiandra Woods had a teacher that made an effort to create a family-like culture in her classroom: she built personal relationships with her students; she knew her students’ families personally, and she even knew what her students like to do on the weekend. In this environment, Khiandra pushed herself to meet her teacher’s high expectations.
A Charles Butt Scholar redefines her legacy through teaching. “I hope my kids see the work I put in and understand it’s never too late.” How one student found her voice and her purpose
Our inaugural Charles Butt Scholars Symposium brought together students from 10 universities around Texas who have been selected to receive the Charles Butt Scholarship for Aspiring Teachers.
Raquel is a migrant farm worker who spent nearly every summer of her life working in the fields of Michigan alongside her family.
Explore the story of C’Sherica Shaw, a future teacher who believes in the power of love and purpose in the classroom.
Learn why a special education teacher in El Paso calls blended learning transformational for her students.
Christie Smith could have chosen any career. But even when she entertained other possibilities, she always returned to her true passion: teaching.
Rick Rodriguez, an assistant superintendent for human resources at Lubbock ISD, explains why, for teachers, fulfillment isn’t about money, a certificate, or an award.
How education, family, and football forged a future in teaching for a small town standout
This year’s theme, Raise Your Voice, encouraged educators to stand up and speak out on behalf of their schools, districts, and communities, to make meaningful change, from their campuses to the capitol, for all students and for all educators.
At Paredes Middle School every student is encouraged to see their own greatness and given a platform to be a leader.
How a migrant farmworker defied the odds through personal determination and family sacrifice
A proud father in El Paso, Texas reflects on the impact of his principal’s emphasis on family engagement strategies.
It is not unusual for schools and educators to try new approaches to improve student learning. But how often do we hear from the students themselves about what is working, and why?
Principal Roy Moore describes blended and personalized learning as a “movement,” and says it has reignited his passion as an educator.
Students, teachers, and school leaders at Shannon High School in Birdville ISD open up about finding a renewed sense of purpose and success after transitioning to a personalized approach.
Each year, a school district’s strategic plan is energized by a massive, dynamic demonstration of community collaboration
Malinda Villalobos is the principal of the Ysleta Young Women’s Leadership Academy in Ysleta ISD – the first all-girls public school in El Paso.
A thorough, detailed analysis of sources and uses of funds for the first year of the Raising Blended Learners grant program reveal.
An Early College High School in El Paso, Texas is changing what students and their families believe is possible.
The Raise Your Hand Texas Foundation is sponsoring 109 school leaders and team members from 51 school districts and three Education Service Centers across Texas to attend weeklong summer institutes at the Principals’ Center at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
For the past two years, we at Texas Tech University have been conducting research on the experiences of teachers in Blended Learning/Personalized Learning (BL/PL) classrooms, where teaching is more customized, data-driven, and student-paced.
How the educational family formed by Lyford CISD and its community has benefited students for generations
Dana Boyd, the principal of East Point Elementary School in Ysleta ISD, is a decorated educator. She was named Texas National Distinguished Principal in 2016 and Texas Teacher of the Year in 2007.
The 2018 Leadership Symposium honored the more than 1,000 leaders sponsored for leadership development and coaching programs, the 10th annual symposium coordinated by the Foundation, and our singular shared purpose of strengthening public education for all Texas students.
How we designed the Raising Blended Learners (RBL) year 1 ecosystem of support and which Technical Assistance (TA) Providers were involved.
One of the most integral elements to implementing personalized blended learning is the ability to use data to inform daily classroom instruction. Data allows teachers to unlock the full potential of student-centered learning; without accurate and actionable data, teachers are unable to deeply personalize instruction because they may lack immediate and comprehensive knowledge about each student.
Congratulations to the visionary Texas public school educators who just completed a summer institute at Harvard.
Raise Your Hand Texas is sponsoring 123 school leaders for summer leadership programs at The Principals’ Center at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
For 10 years, Principal Edgar Tibayan has been an educator in one of Texas’ poorest and most isolated school districts. But his chief message to his students is that poverty does not define a person’s destiny.
We Asked You to “Go Beyond.” You Accepted the Challenge! This year’s “Campus to Capitol” leadership conference was a first-of-its-kind event.
Watch our latest video, “Raising Blended Learners: Year One By the Numbers” to get a full sense of how much has already been accomplished. And, we are just getting started …
Blended learning is the combination of teacher instruction and online technology that enables student-centered learning.
Blended learning represents a powerful and scalable way for teachers to personalize learning for each and every Texas student.
This year’s conference focused on campus-to-community partnerships and innovation in education.
Explore the power of grit and grace in school transformation. Discover how school leaders can take their schools to impressive new heights.
Principal Leads School from Sense of History and Culture
The 2015 Raise Your Hand Texas “Campus to Capitol” Leadership Symposium was a colossal success.
We are excited to announce the recent launch of Raising Blended Learners – a $2.5 million blended learning grant initiative we believe could revolutionize the way Texas students learn.
Born Leader Shifts From Medical Doctor Dreams To Educating Young Dreamers