EdTrust in Texas
Who We Are
EdTrust in Texas has a bold vision: a future where all students have the freedom to pursue their dreams and learn from effective educators in safe, nurturing classrooms. We envision well-resourced schools accountable to the communities they serve, where parents and educators work together to help students reach their full potential through clear college and career pathways that lead to economic opportunity. We pursue this vision by working with trusted partners across Texas to speak up for and with students, especially those whose needs and potential are often overlooked. We evaluate every policy, every practice, and every dollar spent through a single lens: what is right for students.
What We Do
Students, educators, and families who have been underserved by our educational systems continue to be excluded from the policymaking process. As a result, these systems – from early childhood through college and career – limit opportunities for students to achieve their full potential and economic mobility.
Our goal is to drive a more inclusive conversation about how Texas can benefit from an education system that provides opportunity for all students, regardless of race, place, and income status.
- Advocate: We advocate with and for those directly underserved by educational systems. We are trusted leaders both at the state Capitol and in communities.
- Build Capacity: We build stronger, more inclusive coalitions by equipping underrepresented Texans with the policy knowledge and advocacy skills to more effectively influence the policy decisions that directly impact them.
- Research and Analysis: We conduct and share robust research to inform and advance educational excellence and equity at the local and state level. We translate research into action for a wide range of audiences, including policymakers, advocates, and community leaders.
Press Releases
National Trends, Local Consequences: NAEP Results Highlight Continued Work for Texas
The newly released 12th grade NAEP scores reveal alarming national trends: student achievement is declining in both reading & math
EdTrust-Texas and Fellow Organizations Stand Against Pell Cuts
A coalition of 28 Texas organizations urged Senators Cornyn and Cruz to reject proposed Pell Grant restrictions in the House budget bill, warning they would harm hundreds of thousands of part-time students and jeopardize the state’s workforce and economic future
Blog
Students Raise Their Voices at a Convening of Texas Community College Leaders
Texas Community College Student Advisory Council members discussed governance, student success strategies, K-12 and workforce partnerships, and higher education policies with trustees and community college leaders at a recent conference in Austin
Federal FY26 Budget: What’s at Stake for Texas Students
A new tool shows users how federal funding proposals would affect students in different districts
Advocacy in Action: Advancing Higher Education in Texas Prisons Across Two Legislative Sessions
How EdTrust facilitated the passage of SB 2405, which establishes postsecondary education in Texas prisons, by forming a bipartisan coalition and engaging in sustained, strategic advocacy for oversight, access, and quality standards for incarcerated students
Resources
The Educational Aide Exemption Program: A Missing Link to Increase Texas’ Teacher Pipeline
Texas is facing a dire teacher shortage, yet most classroom-ready educational aides remain locked out of pathways to certification
State Fact Sheet: 2025 Budget Reconciliation
Spending and tax changes proposed in the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” will have devastating impacts on students and their families
Invest in Need-Based Financial Aid to Achieve a Talent Strong Texas
The Texas Legislature has the opportunity to strategically invest in financial aid programs to support low-income students to advance the state’s workforce goals
Staff
Jonathan Feinstein
Texas State Director
Jonathan serves as the State Director of Texas, where he works with and supports partners statewide to advance educational equity for students of color and from low-income backgrounds.
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Judith Cruz
Houston Region Assistant Director (Texas)
Judith manages and executes policy goals and advocacy activities within the Houston region in collaboration with the Texas State Director.
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Alexa Garza
Higher Education Policy Analyst
Alexa Garza assists with day-to-day tasks for the implementation of the Justice Fellows Policy Program. Additionally, she assists in advancing the agenda in Texas to improve access and workforce opportunities for the current and formerly incarcerated.
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Andrea Thurston
Policy Senior Analyst (Texas)
Andrea manages and evaluates research projects to identify structures and policies that support Texas students’ postsecondary persistence and completion and develop policy agendas that advance educational equity.
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