JoLisa Hoover

JoLisa Hoover joined Raise Your Hand Texas in 2019 as the regional advocacy director for Central Texas. She was later promoted to senior regional advocacy director for the region, and in 2022 Hoover transitioned to the newly created role of teacher specialist.

As a retired teacher, Hoover brings 26 years of teaching experience in Bryan ISD and Leander ISD, as well as policy experience as a U.S. Department of Education Teaching Ambassador Fellow and Texas Teach Plus Senior Fellow that serve her well in her role for Raise Your Hand advocating for teacher needs and helping others understand challenges facing our educators today. As an educator with policy experience, she is passionate about the importance of investing in public education and was recognized through the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards as a Lifetime Achievement Award finalist and a Leadership Award finalist.

Hoover holds a master’s degree from Texas A&M University in educational psychology and a bachelor’s degree from McMurry University in Abilene. McMurry awarded Hoover a Young Alumni Achievement Award in 2012. She previously served as president of the McMurry Alumni Association and currently serves on the McMurry Board of Visitors.