HOUSTON — Today, Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush visited three local Houston Schools – Spillane Middle School, Highland Heights Elementary School and Lanier Middle School as part of his 'Year of Education' Initiative. These three local Houston schools made for the last three stops out of fifty of his education visits for the year. 

During his visit, Commissioner Bush taught an interactive Texas history lesson using reproductions of one of Stephen F. Austin’s original maps from the Texas General Land Office archives. Commissioner Bush also brought a special surprise for the classes; students were given the chance to hold a cannonball fired at the Battle of the Alamo at the end of the lesson.

“The Year of Education has led us across the state of Texas to schools of all types,” said Commissioner Bush. “As a former educator and one of the largest financiers of public education in the state, I felt it was important to get an inside look at what our students are doing in the classroom, lend a helping hand, and speak with administrators and teachers. Together, we will enhance education and continue investing in what matters most – our future leaders.”

Earlier this year, Commissioner Bush dedicated 2019 to having a conversation with the future, engaging with students, teachers, and administrators across the state. As part of the Year of Education, Commissioner Bush is traveling across the state and participating in 50 education events to promote education in all types of learning environments (public, charter, homeschool, private, rural, urban, suburban). The GLO Archives and Records is home to more than 35.5 million documents and 45,000 maps, dating back to the year 1561, and tracing the history of Texas' public lands. Using copies of these restored maps, Commissioner Bush brings primary sources into Texas classrooms and teaches a lesson on Texas history to students. As a former school teacher, Commissioner Bush understands first-hand the impact education has on our students. Previously, he has noted that it is not only important to support our Texas school districts but to also connect with them.

For more details and photos from the event, check out the GLO’s Instagram, and Twitter accounts.