Sandi Castro for Texas

Excellence Through Experience

Sandi Castro’s vision for Texas Public Education is built on three pillars: Student Innovation, Teacher Empowerment, and Accountability to the Community.

1. Developmentally Appropriate initiatives for All

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) shouldn’t be a “buzzword”—it should be a bridge to the future. Sandi advocates for:

Inclusive Access: Bridging the digital divide to ensure every scholar in Pflugerville, regardless of ability or background, has access to the tools of tomorrow.

The “Inquiry-First” Model: Moving beyond rote memorization to hands-on, problem-based learning that aligns with the TEA Texas STEM Education Toolkit.

Grade-Level Scaffolding: Ensuring STEM concepts are introduced at the right cognitive stage. For our youngest scholars, this means building spatial awareness and logic through play; for older students, it means high-tech application and career-ready certifications.

2. Teacher Advocacy & TSTA Governance

As a TSTA Region 10 Supervisory Delegate, Sandi understands that “the teacher’s working conditions are the student’s learning conditions.” She is committed to:

Sustainable Retention: Using her 20+ years in the classroom to identify and remove the bureaucratic hurdles that lead to teacher burnout.

Bylaw-Driven Leadership: Upholding the TSTA Constitution and Bylaws, specifically Article VII, which emphasizes the duty of delegates to represent the voice of the educator in the decision-making process.

Professional Respect: Advocating for competitive compensation, meaningful planning time, and the “Member-First” advocacy that TSTA stands for.

Scholars visiting as happy teacher

3. Strategic Vision: Texas Public Education

Decisions made in the Boardroom today affect the Texas of tomorrow. Sandi is lobbying for the Commissioner of Education appointment because she knows the systemic challenges facing our schools require leaders who understand the Texas Education Code, Pedagogy, and the political landscape of our state.

A Roadmap to 2036: Sandi’s long-term goal for the Governor’s office starts with proving that public education can thrive when led by a practitioner who has actually done the work.