On Wednesday, May 6, Mike Morath, Commissioner of Education for the Texas Education Agency (TEA), visited ESC Region 11 as part of his annual engagement with Education Service Centers across the state. The visit brought together TEA leaders, ESC Region 11 staff, and district partners for a day focused on collaboration, classroom learning, and continuous improvement.

A Closer Look at Teaching and Learning in Action

The day began with a campus visit to Granbury High School, where Commissioner Morath, TEA staff, and ESC Region 11 team members observed instruction across multiple classrooms.

In an Auto Technology 9-12 class led by Mr. Beauchamp and Mr. Klein, who bring a combined depth of military service, industry expertise, and career and technical education experience, students were actively engaged in hands-on learning that directly connect to real-world skills.

The group also visited two Algebra I classrooms with Mrs. Shue and Mrs. Bukovec who have a combined 21 years of classroom experience. Both classrooms highlighted how high-quality instructional materials, paired with strong instructional practices, can support student understanding and engagement in mathematics.

Following each classroom visit, TEA, ESC Region 11, and district and campus leaders participated in collaborative debrief conversations. These discussions were opportunities to reflect on instructional design, curriculum implementation, and student learning experiences. Together, participants identified “glows and grows” related to how effectively learning was transferring to students as well as insights that help inform ongoing refinement of materials, instructional strategies, and statewide supports.

From Classroom Practice to Systemwide Strategy

After the campus visit, the group reconvened at ESC Region 11 to continue the conversation, connecting what was observed in classrooms to broader system-level strategies.

Superintendents, district executive leadership teams, and ESC Region 11 staff participated in a presentation led by Nicholas Keith, associate commissioner of curriculum and instruction for TEA, focused on Five Key Moves: System Changes for Improvements in Mathematics. The session emphasized the importance of aligned systems, strong instructional materials, and intentional leadership in driving student outcomes.

Attendees also heard directly from Commissioner Morath, who shared updates on key statewide education priorities and engaged in dialogue with district leaders.

“The real work is what we do in classrooms everyday and it is important for us to do it right. I am grateful to have been here in Region 11 to see that great work happening.”

A Shared Commitment to Continuous Improvement

The visit continued with an extended session between TEA and ESC Region 11 staff, focused on the service center’s role in collecting and utilizing region-specific data to drive actionable insights and strategic decision-making.

Topics included:

• Student outcomes data
• Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA)
• Campus and district improvement efforts
• High-quality instructional materials (HQIM)
• Texas Instructional Leadership (TIL)
• Strategic initiatives aligned to reading and accountability goals

The conversation also highlighted areas of strength across the region, as well as opportunities for deeper engagement and support with districts moving forward. For ESC Region 11, the visit represented more than a single day of meetings, it reflected a shared commitment between TEA, the service center, and district leaders to continuously strengthen the systems that support students.

“Days like this reinforce the importance of partnership,” said Dr. Brad Schnautz, Executive Director of ESC Region 11. “When we bring together state leadership, district teams, and our staff, we gain a clearer understanding of what’s working, where we can grow, and how we can better support our schools moving forward.”

By connecting classroom experiences with system-level strategy, the visit provided valuable insights that will continue to inform ESC Region 11's support for districts and charters across North-Central Texas. As ESC Region 11 continues its work alongside TEA and local education agencies, the focus remains clear: supporting educators, strengthening systems, and improving outcomes for every student.

Through ongoing collaboration, shared learning, and a commitment to continuous improvement, Region 11 is proud to partner with districts and charters to meet the evolving needs of schools across the region. Reach out today to learn how Region 11 can support you in your work.