Qualifications
What training, experience and characteristics qualify you for this position?
As a third-generation educator, serving our schools is a life-long commitment. With more than 30 years in public education, I have served our children as a classroom teacher and an administrator.
Teacher Support
How can the SBOE invest in the profession of teaching to support high-quality instruction?
By writing academically challenging TEKS and vetting curriculum that supports and protects planning time. Beyond the SBOE, Dr. Young mentors new teachers through SFA and SHSU and continues to support National Board Cert. credentialing and the TIA. As TEA Certified teacher, Dr. Young understands the work of teacher as being part of the “boots on the ground” on a daily basis.
AI in the Curriculum
What knowledge and skills related to artificial intelligence (AI) should be included in the Texas curriculum?
AI instruction in Texas must balance workforxe preparation with safety and ethics. Standards, as written by the SBOE, build computational thinking, data literacy, and practical AI skills. Crucially, we must continue to emphasize data privacy, academic integrity, media literacy, evaluating original sources and verifying AI generated output while protecting critical thinking and rigor.
Civics
How can Texas improve civics education and understanding of government?
Texas can improve by strengthening foundational government literacy and primary source analysis. Civics education must ensure an understanding of how local, state, and federal government systems function. By directly examining original historical documents and gaining a clear understanding of civic rights and responsibilities, Texas will help students think critically and be informed voters.
Reading Lists
What considerations would guide your recommendations when revising books lists for required reading?
My recommendations are guided by literary merit, developmental appropriatness, and educational value as it relates to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills. Texts in school libraries and classrooms should foster a love of reading, improve comprehension, build background knowledge, and support rigorous academic growth while giving local schools the flexibility to serve their communities.
