AUSTIN — Today, Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush spent the day teaching Texas history at local elementary schools in Round Rock and Pflugerville as part of his 'Year of Education' Initiative.

Commissioner Bush spent the morning with Riojas Elementary School followed by a visit to Round Rock Christian Academy in the afternoon. 

During his visits, 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 4th-grade classes. As a special surprise, students were given a chance to hold a cannonball fired at the Battle of the Alamo at the end of the lesson.

“Teachers and administrators selflessly serve our next generation of leaders day in and day out,” said Commissioner Bush. “It is critical that we continue to support Texas students through their entire educational journey. Sharing the importance of our state’s history with eager students excited to learn never gets old.”

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 students 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.