Texas Land Commissioner visits Amarillo elementary school

AMARILLO, Texas (KVII) — Thursday, Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush visited Sanborn Elementary School in Amarillo, 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.

“The foundation for Texas’s future leaders begins in the classroom,” said Commissioner Bush. “What our students learn in the classroom today will be critical for the Texas of tomorrow. There is no better way to learn than by using primary sources and exploring our history through hands-on methods. The students at Sanborn Elementary are well prepared for taking on the future of our great state.”

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.