Texas’s first statewide teachers association grew out of two regional organizations. The North Texas Educational Association began in Dallas in 1877. Teachers in Central Texas met in Austin in 1879, formed the Austin Teachers Association, and planned to meet the next year with the North Texas group to create a statewide organization. At a three-day meeting beginning June 29, 1880, about 40 Texas educators met at this site, the former Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and organized the Texas State Teachers Association. The Rev. Dr. J.R. Malone was elected president, and Governor O.M. Roberts served as guest speaker. The new organization aimed to advance public education. One resolution passed at the first meeting supported the organization of the University of Texas, which, by mandate of the Legislature, opened for classes in 1883. Professional teachers across the state were invited to join, and by 1979 membership had grown to more than 100,000. The TSTA helped improve education quality by raising teacher standards and influencing major education legislation.