SAN MARCOS — Today, Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush visited Goodnight Middle School in San Marcos, Texas and Wallace Middle School in Kyle, Texas as part of his 'Year of Education' Initiative. 

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 class - students were given the chance to hold a cannonball fired at the Battle of the Alamo at the end of the lesson.

“Our classrooms are filled with our leaders of tomorrow," said Commissioner Bush. “It is important to the future economy of Texas that our students of today get exposure to opportunities. Too often, we strive to enhance education without understanding exactly where the need resides. I’m excited to have the opportunity to engage with schools across the state and learn first-hand of those needs while spending time teaching Texas history with our bright young minds.” 

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, Facebook, and Twitter accounts.