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Bill

SB 167

Relating to a substitute teaching requirement for each member of the senate and the house of representatives.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by José Menéndez

Texas bill requiring each state legislator to work as a substitute teacher to gain direct classroom experience informing education policy decisions.

Referred to Education K-16
#education--primary&secondary--otherschoolpersonnel(i0246) #legislature(i0520)
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Bill Summary · SB 167

Legislative bill overview

SB 167 would require each member of the Texas Senate and House of Representatives to serve as a substitute teacher for a specified period. The bill aims to give legislators direct experience in classrooms and firsthand insight into the challenges facing public education.

Why is this important

Texas lawmakers regularly make decisions affecting education policy, curriculum standards, and school funding that impact millions of students and teachers. This requirement would theoretically ensure legislators have recent, personal experience with classroom conditions, student behavior, administrative pressures, and resource constraints before voting on education-related legislation.

Potential points of contention

  • Practical feasibility: Legislators have demanding schedules during legislative sessions and year-round duties. Critics argue finding time to substitute teach while serving in office is unrealistic without significantly reducing legislative productivity.
  • Qualification concerns: Substitute teaching typically requires a bachelor's degree and background check, but not specialized education credentials. Critics may question whether short-term substitute assignments provide meaningful understanding of professional teaching challenges.
  • Unequal burden: The requirement affects all legislators equally regardless of their district's school demographics or prior education experience, potentially creating uneven impacts based on geography and individual circumstances.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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