Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney Sworn in as the Next NABSE President

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Dr. Goffney poses with her husband Joseph and daughter Joslyn at the 2023 NABSE Conference.

Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney was sworn in Sunday as the next National Alliance of Black School Educators president. She will serve a two-year term as head of the international educational organization. Goffney has been a NABSE member for more than a decade. The ceremony occurred during the 51st NABSE Conference in New Orleans, LA, from November 29 through December 3, 2023.

In her inauguration speech, Goffney thanked her friends and family who were in attendance, as well as Texas Alliance of Black School Educators (TABSE), Houston Area Alliance of Black School Educators (HABSE), and her team from Aldine ISD. Also supporting the celebration was Carver High School junior Alyssa Dorsey, who performed Alicia Keys’ Girl on Fire after Goffney was officially named NABSE President. She promised a new tomorrow for NABSE and its members — one filled with hope, possibilities, and endless opportunities- to leave a legacy, allowing future generations of students and NABSE members to thrive.

“I am honored and humbled that you’ve placed your trust and confidence in me to serve as your next NABSE President, “ Goffney said. “I realize I am standing on the shoulders of great leaders and representing legends. Since my first NABSE Conference, I have been inspired. Bold leaders, including those without an education or title like my grandparents, passed down the passion and promises of hope and change. Those things ignited my ambition to serve and lead. It is also the spirit of leaders with no title or education who came before us … those who were enslaved, fought for freedom and equality, and couldn’t dare to dream. And those who sacrificed it all to ensure we could teach and lead.

“I do not take the responsibility of leading lightly and feel it to the core of my very being. Nothing about my past would have predicted I’d be where I am today. Thankfully, with the love and encouragement of my grandparents and through education, I pursued more than I was ‘assigned’ to accomplish. It is on that journey — this journey — that I have come to understand the importance of education and how it can change the lives of so many. Together, we can shape a world that is better, brighter, and full of endless possibilities for all.”

Dr. Goffney shared that the swearing in was a moment that left her in awe.

“Who knew a small-town girl from East Texas could achieve this and more? In my speech, I referenced the 1985 film The Color Purple. Oprah Winfrey calls Alice Walker’s seminal novel one of the ‘national anthems for women’s empowerment.’ It definitely impacted me. Those who know my story can see how I identified with the protagonist, Celie. While my story began in abject poverty and abuse, I had points of light guiding and encouraging me. I am grateful for everyone in my life, like my grandparents, family, teachers, mentors, friends, and colleagues, who have made an edible mark in my life personally and professionally. It comes down to the people who make an impact on our lives.”

Education leaders, including teachers, administrators, superintendents, school board members, parents, and instructional support staff, comprise NABSE.

As the NABSE leader, Goffney will focus on NABSE’s next 50 years, including the National Teacher Institute and building a coalition of allies.

To meet the organization’s goals, NABSE empowers educational leaders through professional development and provides a network of leaders to share information to transform schools, giving more students access to high-quality educational experiences and opportunities.