The Texas Cultural Trust (TXCT) has announced the awardees of its latest round of First Year Teacher Grants, designed to help beginning teachers fund projects as they start their arts education careers and expand equitable access to arts education across the state.
The 2025-2026 First Year Teacher Grants recipients are Blake Taggart of Midway ISD in Waco, Loriann Ratliff of La Porte ISD, Marco Sanchez of Galena Park ISD in Houston, and Mary Strauss of Azle ISD. Each will receive a one-time grant of $1,500, which can be used for a variety of expenses that enhance the quality of arts education.
In a TXCT press release, Mr. Taggart said he will use the funds to purchase accessible xylophone stands and microphones for his Speegleville Elementary music students. “This support ensures my students can fully participate in music-making,” he said…