In this bonus episode of The Social Studies Teacher Podcast, I’m giving you a timely update on some major news out of Texas. The State Board of Education has officially voted on big changes to the K–8 Social Studies TEKS, shifting to a chronological approach and creating a brand-new framework for how we teach history, geography, government, and culture. It is expected that these standards are put into effect beginning 2030.

I’ll walk you through:

• The highlights of the SBOE’s September 2025 meeting
• How each grade (K–8) will change under the new proposal
• The move from 8 strands down to 5 strands
• The timeline for implementation (likely 2030)
• What this means for your classroom right now
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If you’re a Texas teacher (or just curious about curriculum changes), this episode will help you feel prepared and confident. And don’t worry- my Smart & Simple Social Studies resources are fully aligned with the current TEKS, and I’ll continue to update everything when the time comes!

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Free Guided Lesson Sampler for Texas Social Studies Teachers

Looking for a ready-to-use social studies lesson for your grade level? Grab a free guided lesson sample created specifically for Texas teachers. Choose from 3rd grade Communities, 4th grade Texas History, 5th grade U.S. History, 6th grade World Cultures, or 7th grade Texas History. Each sampler includes a teacher guide, lesson slideshow, digital version, guided notes, practice activity, exit ticket, answer keys, and more information about the full 36-week guided curriculum program. Download your free sampler and choose your grade level at thesouthernteach.com/lessons

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