TEA’s Mike Morath Opens Up About HISD’s Challenges, Teacher Turnover, and What’s Next

Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath recently provided an in-depth perspective on the hurdles confronting the Houston Independent School District (HISD), describing the district’s current phase as a challenging and transformative journey. As one of the largest school districts in the nation, HISD faces multifaceted issues ranging from high teacher attrition to leadership instability. Morath emphasized the critical role of the state in partnering with district leaders to foster sustainable improvements in student achievement and operational effectiveness.

The commissioner identified several priority areas where the Texas Education Agency (TEA) is intensifying its support:

• Teacher retention initiatives: Developing comprehensive programs to reduce turnover and maintain instructional continuity.
• Leadership capacity building: Providing enhanced training and resources to principals to better navigate complex school environments.
• Strategic resource deployment: Leveraging data analytics to pinpoint underperforming schools and allocate support efficiently.