Episode Details

Brad Swail sits down with Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath and Mary Lynn Pruneda (Texas 2036 Director of Education & Workforce Policy) for a forward-looking conversation on the future of Texas public education. They discuss post-COVID recovery (literacy at all-time highs, math still climbing), the game-changing Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) shifting to performance-based pay and creating more six-figure teacher salaries, the role of timeless classics vs. accelerating technology (robots, AI, tablets), parental guidance on AI/ChatGPT risks, Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) growth and school choice diversity, A-F accountability rigor increases, why leadership matters more than funding alone, extended learning time incentives, and the key metrics Texas 2036 is tracking—on-grade reading/math proficiency and career readiness—for Texas to thrive by its 2036 bicentennial. Perfect for parents, educators, policymakers, and anyone tracking Texas schools. Visit texas2036.org for progress tracking. Subscribe on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify for the Future of Texas series.

• 00:00:08 - Welcome & Series Intro: Future of Texas Education
• 00:00:33 - Guest Introductions: Commissioner Mike Morath & Mary Lynn Pruneda
• 00:01:07 - Why They're Optimistic About Texas Education's Future
• 00:03:01 - Where Texas Stands Today: Post-COVID Literacy & Math Recovery
• 00:05:03 - Biggest Reform to Celebrate: Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA)
• 00:06:31 - How TIA Works: Merit Pay, Six-Figure Salaries & Projected Growth
• 00:08:45 - Education in 2036: Technology Acceleration & Enduring Fundamentals
• 00:09:50 - Robots, AI & the Chinese Boomi Example
• 00:11:14 - Why Classics & Timeless Wisdom Still Matter Most
• 00:13:51 - Smart Use of Tech Tools vs. Replacing Good Teaching
• 00:15:46 - Math & Science as Immutable Foundations
• 00:17:56 - AI/ChatGPT in Schools: Opportunities & Parental Risks
• 00:20:13 - Controlled Tech Access & Building Discernment
• 00:23:10 - Intentionality: Avoiding "Shiny" Tech Distractions
• 00:25:06 - Education Savings Accounts (ESAs): Early Demand & Future Growth
• 00:27:02 - School Choice, Competition & Diversity of Options
• 00:29:33 - Accountability: A-F Ratings, Rigor Increases & Interventions
• 00:33:22 - Funding vs. Leadership: Why Management Choices Matter More
• 00:36:12 - Extended Learning Time Incentives & Global Comparisons
• 00:38:19 - Texas 2036 Tracking: On-Grade Reading/Math & Career Readiness
• 00:39:12 - Recruiting, Supporting & Retaining Great Teachers by 2036
• 00:41:21 - Closing Thoughts & Call to Action: texas2036.org

Through the Future of Texas podcast series, Texas 2036 brings together diverse perspectives as we explore the opportunities and challenges facing our state over the next ten years. The views expressed in this program are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Texas 2036, its staff or its Board of Directors.

Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

Follow us on social media

X: @Texas_Dispatch

Instagram: thetexasdispatch

LinkedIn: The Texas Dispatch

TikTok: texas_talks_podcast

Find more at The Texas Dispatch

Your source for state news, policy, and investigative journalism.

https://thetexasdispatch.com