Supporting 25,000 Texas students and growing.
Teaching Lab and Relay Graduate School of Education are proud TEA-approved providers for the Texas LIFT Grant Cycle 4. Together, we help districts across the state strengthen literacy and math instruction through coherent, evidence-based professional learning that creates lasting classroom impact.
We know Texas. Our teams have partnered with superintendents, principals, and teachers from El Paso to Dallas to the Gulf Coast — supporting local priorities, navigating accountability systems, and translating policy into practice that drives results in Texas classrooms.
Why Partner with Teaching Lab + Relay for Texas LIFT
Two Partners. One Seamless Continuum of Support.
Through Teaching Lab and Relay Graduate School of Education, districts gain access to a coordinated partnership that spans the full continuum of educator growth from teacher preparation to professional learning to system-level implementation.
TEA-Approved for Planning & Implementation
As approved Texas Education Agency LIFT Grant providers, we support both the Planning and Implementation phases so districts move seamlessly from vision to measurable results.
Built for Coherence
We connect curriculum, professional learning, and leadership systems through comprehensive systems-level strategic planning, so teachers and administrators work toward the same goals—reducing initiative fatigue and driving consistent improvement.
Led by Practitioners
Our teams are comprised of former classroom teachers, coaches, principals and district leaders who bring real-world expertise and empathy to every partnership.
Responsive, Not Prescriptive
Every district’s story is different. Our approach is collaborative and flexible, co-designed with your teams, using findings from LIFT’s Needs Assessment to fit your local context and capacity.
Bilingual Excellence
Our Approach to LIFT in Texas
We don’t deliver one-size-fits-all professional learning. Our model is relationship-driven, evidence-based, and designed to meet Texas districts where they are.
1. Collaborative Planning and Design
- Joint needs assessment and data review with district teams
- Co-created instructional frameworks aligned to TEKS and HQIM
- SMART goal development and clear implementation roles
- Professional learning and coaching plans that build internal expertise
2. Responsive Implementation and Coaching
- Facilitated planning sessions and Professional Learning Communities (PLCs)
- Learning walks and targeted feedback cycles focused on teacher growth
- Virtual office hours and leadership coaching for sustained support
- Custom tools and templates that simplify processes and reduce workload
3. Continuous Reflection and Improvement
- Ongoing data collection and feedback loops
- Real-time adjustments to address emerging needs
- Documentation of impact through case stories and district snapshots
Educator Voices
“Relay has consistently delivered high-quality adult learning that simultaneously holds our educators’ full-selves, anchors on a rigorous and belonging student experience, and results in tangibly better-empowered teachers.”– Caitlin Butler, Deputy Chief of Talent, KIPP Texas
Connect with Our Texas Partnerships Leads
Wesley Kline, Director of Strategic Partnerships
A former Texas teacher and campus administrator, Wes leads relationship-development and partnership strategy for Teaching Lab’s Texas portfolio. He collaborates directly with district leaders to design LIFT plans that build coherence, strengthen instruction, and support teacher growth.
Chris Garcia, Managing Partner Relay Professional Education
A former Texas educator and leadership coach, Chris leads Relay’s Texas team in delivering high-impact coaching and professional learning. He partners with districts to build aligned systems that improve instruction and student outcomes across schools.
Rachel Sherman, Partner, Relay Professional Education
Rachel leads Relay’s Texas team in supporting districts to implement high-quality instructional materials with fidelity and impact. A former school leader and school leader manager, Rachel partners with school and district leaders to design aligned systems that strengthen teaching, accelerate student learning, and ensure access to rigorous instruction.
Let’s Connect!
Questions about the Texas LIFT Grant or partnership opportunities?
Let’s Lift Texas Learning Together
The Texas LIFT Grant application window is open October 3 – December 3, 2025 (5:00 p.m. CT). Start your partnership today with a team that’s trusted by Texas districts and proven nationwide.