Aldine ISD Hosts Annual TAFE Banquet

Dr. Wanda Bamberg and Board Member Steve Mead congratulate a student.

District and campus leaders recently showed their support toward TAFE student members. Leaders and chapter advisors recently attended the annual Texas Association of Future Educators (TAFE) Banquet. The event celebrates high school graduates considering a career in education.

Donita Garza, TAFE state program director, addressed the audience that included many of the students’ parents. She talked about the many opportunities that TAFE offers students who want to explore teaching as a career. Garza praised the school district for designating an event for TAFE students.

“This is the only district that I know of that celebrates and encourages students who are pursuing a career in teaching,” said Garza. “And it is so wonderful to see so many students choosing this honorable and rewarding profession.”

During the event, TAFE advisors from each chapter presented. Angela Hollier of Aldine High School, Phillip Harris of Carver High School, Joanna Lockridge of Davis High School, Anshawna “A.J.” General of Eisenhower High School, Jennifer Lorance of MacArthur High School, and Carolyn Cross of Nimitz High School all gave a brief summary of the highlights and achievements of their campus chapters.

Angela Hollier (left) and Jamie Kujawa (right) at the podium.

Hollier also took the time to recognize longtime TAFE advisor at Eisenhower High, Jamie Kujawa.

“After many years of service, Jamie has decided to retire,” said Hollier. “Jamie has served as my mentor all these years in TAFE. I just want to say I appreciate the friendship that developed over the years. And thank you for your service to the students of Aldine ISD.”

The event is also meant to inspire the students. Tina Perry and Dr. Emily Bartley shared words of encouragement. The Elementary/Intermediate Teacher of the Year and the Secondary Teacher of the Year discussed how teacher make a difference. Both talked about how teachers foster creativity, develop character, and give students lenses with which to view the world. And they shared how teachers provide students with the skills they need to reach their potential and lead productive lives.

“This is the most challenging of professions, ” said Perry who works with deaf children. “But it is also the most rewarding of professions. You have to be willing to do everything possible to help students succeed.”

Bartley of Aldine High School had similar sentiments to share.

“You must enter teaching because you have a strong sense of service,” said Bartley. “You must have the passion and drive to want to make a clear, tangible difference in the lives of others.”

The culminating event is the handing of letters of intent by AISD’s Human Resources Department. This year, more than 80 senior TAFE members received letters of intent.

“We encourage our future educators to return to the district after they earn a teaching degree,” said Jeff McCanna, director of human resources for AISD.

Dr. Wanda Bamberg, superintendent of schools, ended the evening. She thanked everyone as well as Garza, Perry and Dr. Bartley for taking part in encouraging students to pursue teaching. She also praised the students for wanting to make a difference in the lives of children and for choosing a noble profession. And also encouraged the students to come back to teach in Aldine ISD.

“I hope many of you consider coming back to Aldine ISD,” said Bamberg. “I want you to help the children in your communities reach their highest potential.”

Donita Garza (far left), Dr. Emily Bartley (center) and Tina Perry (second to right) pose with TAFE students. Each of the students holds their letters of intent.