Thomas R. Garcia

Education

I support CTE programs that enable high school students to gain internships and apprenticeships with local industries. This hands-on experience is key to ensuring our students are truly prepared for the workforce. Learn more

I support expanding access to licensed mental health professionals in public schools. Learn more

I support programs that enable parents and community leaders to give back to local schools. Learn more

From my seat at the State Board of Education, I can improve statewide learning standards, approve instructional materials, and guide the Texas Education Agency on policies & procedures. Learn more

I'll ensure K-5 math instruction focuses on the basics: number sense, place value, fact fluency, patterns, and problem-solving. Learn more

I support legislation that would require make Health a mandatory credit for high school students. These health courses should contain at least one unit on mental health. Learn more

I’ll fight to reform the Reading Academies so they actually help educators improve reading outcomes. I’ll advocate for better training rooted in real coaching and useful resources. I’ll support phasing out online-only modules in favor of skilled trainers who can work directly with educators across the state. Learn more

I’ll ensure our learning standards and textbooks rely on research-based practices. I'll focus on improving the way we teach phonics, phonemic awareness, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension. Learn more

I’ll support early screening and extra help for students struggling with reading. I’ll ensure training is appropriate for each grade level. I’ll advocate for training that supports students who speak more than one language. Learn more

I'll support learning tools that make math come alive to students through touching objects and visualizing concepts. I'll work to move our learning standards away from rote memorization and toward applying math to real-world situations. Learn more

I support improving the quality of early childhood programming. Learn more

I will work with our Texas Education Agency personnel and state lawmakers to ensure school safety is a priority. Learn more

I will approve instructional materials and learning standards that educate students on bullying prevention. Learn more

I will work with our state lawmakers to stand up for our school workers. These community heroes deserve higher pay, better working conditions, fewer administrative tasks, and more respect from our elected officials. Learn more

. I will advocate to the Commissioner of Education to adopt rules and policies that implement these anti-bullying standards. Learn more

I will work with state lawmakers to strengthen anti-bullying standards, including cyberbullying, in the Texas Education Code. Learn more

I’ll work with schools and community groups to give families access to math and reading resources at school and at home. I'll partner with nonprofit organizations to host math and reading workshops for the entire family. I’ll collaborate with community groups to place more books in households. Learn more

I pledge to work with our state lawmakers and school board members to improve our public schools. Learn more

I support programs that truly empower parents, such as Dallas ISD’s “Parent University.” I also support volunteer projects that empower parents to read to students, talk about their jobs, and mentor children at school. Learn more

I support programs that raise awareness about college, navigate students through the application process, and support students through college.. Learn more

I do not support Governor Abbott’s school voucher program. This voucher program does not have enough guardrails to ensure students are receiving a high-quality education. I support school choice in the form of open-enrollment public schools. Learn more

I support funding increases to Texas public schools, especially for school safety and literacy initiatives. Learn more

Wages / Job Benefits

I support pay increases for school workers. Learn more