TALAS Weekly Newsletter: New State Board Members Ann...

TALAS Weekly Newsletter Texas Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents January 6, 2026   Happy New Year! "What the new year brings to you will depend a great deal on what you bring to the new year." LEADERSHIP TALAS Member Spotlight #1 TALAS Welcomes Three New Board Members in the New Year TALAS is proud to begin the new year by welcoming three outstanding leaders to our Board of Directors: Dr. Jeanette Ball, Southwest ISD Dr. Stephanie Elizalde, Dallas ISD Mr. Daniel Rosales, Friona ISD We look forward to working alongside these accomplished leaders and value their commitment to advocacy, leadership, and service. Their dedication to ensuring that students and administrators receive high-quality support and resources will further strengthen our organization and its mission. The new Board members will be officially inducted at the January Board meeting in San Antonio, Texas.   Leadership Development Opportunities   You’re Invited – TALAS is Turning 15 this month! TALAS is celebrating its quinceañera—15 years of advancing Latino leadership in education! Mark your calendars and join us this January for a special celebration honoring our journey, our impact, and our future. Interested in sponsoring? Click here! RSVP here We can’t wait to celebrate with you! Thank you ClassLink TALAS is grateful for your Midwinter Sponsorship! We look forward to celebrating with you! ClassLink is a global education provider of identity, access and analytics products that create more time for learning and help schools better understand digital engagement. As leading advocates for open data standards, we offer instant access to apps and files with single sign-on, streamline class rostering, automate account provisioning, and provide actionable analytics. ClassLink empowers 23 million students and staff in over 3,000 school systems. Visit classlink.com to learn more. Thank you Swing EDucation TALAS is grateful for your Midwinter Sponsorship! We look forward to celebrating with you! Swing Education partners with schools to provide flexible, high-quality staffing solutions, helping ensure classrooms are supported and students continue learning without interruption. By connecting schools with experienced educators and innovative staffing resources, Swing Education empowers districts to maintain academic continuity, reduce teacher burnout, and create stronger learning environments for every student. Their commitment to supporting both educators and students makes them a valuable partner in advancing educational success. Visit swingeducation.com to learn more Thank you Education Elements TALAS is gratefful for your Midwinter Sponsorship! We look forward to celebrating with you! Education Elements partners with K-12 organizations to solve complex challenges, drive lasting change, and meet the unique needs of the students you serve. We help school districts achieve their biggest goals through customized solutions tailored to each district's local context. Our comprehensive solutions span strategy, leadership, curriculum, instruction, and school improvement. Our team of seasoned educators and strategists provides hands-on implementation support to deliver sustainable results that improve student outcomes and create learning environments where every student can thrive. Visit www.edelements.com to discover how we can partner with your district. Thank you Core Learning We ARE CORE Learning For nearly 30 years, CORE has partnered with schools and districts nationwide to equip educators with the tools and knowledge for rigorous, accessible, results-driven instruction. Build instructional excellence through research-based professional learning Provide practical support that strengthens teaching and learning Ensure every student gains the skills to thrive Visit Core Learning to learn more Thank you Smartlab SmartLab is a career-connected STEM ecosystem that prepares today’s students for tomorrow’s challenges by building a strong STEM identity—one that includes both technical skill and a mindset that prepares students for real careers whether or not they eventually choose STEM fields. Each hands-on PBL+STEM solution connects grade-appropriate applications to one of eight industry pathways, helping students solve meaningful problems while developing real-world skills. SmartLab programs include dedicated classroom setups or flexible modular systems, along with standards-aligned curriculum, teacher training, and ongoing technical and curricular support. Visit SmartLab to learn more This Space is for you! We invite companies and organizations to partner with TALAS by sponsoring our Midwinter Reception this January. This event provides a unique opportunity to connect with educational leaders from across the state while demonstrating your commitment to supporting students and administrators. Your support helps TALAS continue its mission of advocacy, leadership development, and service. Click here to find out more information   Summer Leadership Summit Call for Proposals due January 22, 2026 TALAS is excited to cohost the 3rd Annual Summer Leadership Summit alongside Central TALAS! This year’s Summit, themed “Strength in Our Roots and Power in Our People,” will take place June 22–23, 2026, at Concordia University in Austin, Texas. We invite you to submit a session proposal that aligns with the leadership strands offered throughout this two-day event. Your expertise and experiences are essential to elevating Latino leadership across our state. More Summit details are coming soon—stay tuned! Click here to submit your proposal. Click here to sponsor the event.   Learning Opportunities   Webinar- Breaking the Cycle- Math Interventions that truly move students forward Join Albert Vilalta, PhD, Author and Researcher at Innovamat, for an exclusive two-part webinar series in partnership with TALAS. Together, we’ll explore how districts can shift math intervention from short-term solutions that treat symptoms to systemic, research-based approaches that address the foundational gaps holding students back. Designed for district and campus leaders, this series will examine how to build effective Tier 2 and Tier 3 systems that truly improve student outcomes. Participants will engage with evidence-based principles and practical strategies that meet students where they are. Part 1 features Adrian Mendoza, author of Teaching Math to English Learners, for a focused conversation on the principles and strategies that best support English Learners in math classrooms. Please RSVP here. We hope you’ll join us for this timely and impactful discussion! Part 1: January 13 | 4:30–5:30 PM Part 2: February 3 | 4:30–5:30 PM   Resource Opportunity   Great Free Resource to Teach Elementary Students About Internet Safety Check out this fantastic resource for teaching elementary students about internet safety! This program is a collaboration between the Google Foundation and Highlights for Children and is designed especially for grades 2–5. Schools can request a free kit for 100 students, making it an excellent tool for campuses looking to strengthen digital citizenship and online safety lessons. Don’t miss out on this amazing, no-cost resource: https://beinternetawesome.withgoogle.com/en_us   Team Science Lab Opportunity District and Campus Leadership Teams Drive the Success of Every School. Human Architects, one of our TALAS partners, is offering the Team Science Lab, a high-impact, one- or two-day intensive where leadership teams build the systems, structures, interpersonal dynamics, and clarity they need to collaborate effectively and execute with impact. It’s a powerful resource for districts ready to strengthen alignment, improve decision-making, and elevate team performance during a time when the education sector is doing more with less.  Click below to learn more:  http://teamsciencelab.com/humanarchitectspk12 VOICE Chapter News   Coastal Bend electing Founding Officers January 21, 2026 The Coastal Bend Chapter invites you to attend an important milestone meeting where the Founding Board Officers will be installed and the chapter bylaws formally adopted. This historic event marks a significant step in strengthening leadership and advocacy across our region. Mark your calendars and plan to attend—you won’t want to miss this exciting moment for Coastal Bend!   TALAS El Paso launches Book Study January 8, 2026 TALAS El Paso is ready begin the new year with a book study! Members that signed up for the book study will dive deep into "Leaders Eat Last" by Simon Sinek. Readers will explore what it means to lead with trust, purpose and service. Stay tuned for highlights from this opportunity.   North Texas will discuss "The Value of Mentorship" January 7, 2026 Come join NTX TALAS as they explore the Value of Mentorship and its powerful impact on leadership growth and professional development. This engaging session will provide members with meaningful insights, strategies, and real-world perspectives on building strong mentor–mentee relationships. Dr. Rick Lopez will be featured as the key speaker for this dynamic event, sharing his experience and expertise in leadership and mentorship. Mark your calendars and plan to attend—you won’t want to miss it! Become a Member!   Welcome new members! TALAS Membership Drive Continues! We are thrilled to welcome new state & chapter members every week and to see our TALAS community continue to grow! December/January  Dr. Faviola Cantu- HTX Dr. Rodrigo Pena- State & Coastal Bend Michelle Guerra- TALAS 956 Guadalupe Montanez- State & El Paso Sonia Vega- Coastal Bend You can renew your membership today on the TALAS website or you can sign up for TALAS membership when you renew your TASA membership on the TASA website.   Visit the TALAS website for information on upcoming events. We have several events and meetings coming up. Come and join us! We would love to have you! TALAS website ADVOCACY National & State News Take a look at what is happening around you!   5 lessons learned from top school administrators in 2025 In 2025, K-12 Dive’s conversations with school and district leaders covered best practices, challenges overcome and lessons learned on a variety of topics, from providing remediation to students to engaging with school communities. As 2026 gets underway, we’re taking a look back at those conversations to spotlight five key takeaways that offer guidance and insight as you enter the second half of the school year. Keep an ear out for the voices that aren’t always heard “I am responsive to the community I’m serving, a true public servant. And in our community here, the historically marginalized populations are sometimes not invited and, in certain cases, are just simply invisible. What I try to do … is not to put them to the side — because that would be inappropriate as well — but I hear them loud and clear. Read more   This principal doesn’t want kids replacing their brains with AI Buckeye Central High School Principal Dr. Michael Martin has developed a new strategy for using AI for educational purposes. It’s called the “80/20, 20/80 “rule. Its purpose: to keep students accountable for their work while using AI. Step 1: 80/20 Martin says the rule applies to all use cases of AI, including a presentation he gave to his staff. Over the course of six months, Martin did all the research, collected resources and developed a detailed outline, which he estimates was 80% of the work. The remaining 20% was done by AI, which offered suggestions to the outline without making changes to Martin’s original work. The same principle must be applied to students’ use of AI to enhance learning, he argues, as AI must not be used for “cognitive offloading.” “AI didn’t write the outline for me,” Martin says. “I did the research and read its suggestions and I made the changes.” He adds that he brought the ideas. AI simply made his ideas better. Read more   3-2-1: How to make changes that last, the key to productivity, and a simple way to find your true self 3 Ideas From Me Let's start with three little reminders from ​Atomic Habits​... ​ I. "New goals don't deliver new results. New lifestyles do. And a lifestyle is a process, not an outcome. For this reason, all of your energy should go into building better habits, not chasing better results." ​II. "Improvements are only temporary until they become part of who you are. The goal is not to read a book, the goal is to become a reader. The goal is not to run a marathon, the goal is to become a runner. The goal is not to learn an instrument, the goal is to become a musician. Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become. No single instance will transform your beliefs, but as the votes build up, so does the evidence of your new identity. This year, focus on the identity you want to build." Read more   ADVOCACY TOOLS & RESOURCE CENTER   2025 Final Bill Summary Report: Regular and Special-Called Sessions After each legislative session, TASA produces a comprehensive list of summaries of education-related bills passed by the Texas Legislature. This report includes bills passed during the 2025 Regular and Special-Called Sessions. Thank you TASA Read here   A Toolkit for K-12 Educators TALAS is pleased to share a valuable new resource from the Texas Immigration Law Council (TxILC): Understanding the Impact of Immigration Enforcement and Policy on K–12 Schools. Originally released in May, this toolkit is designed to help K–12 educators and administrators navigate immigration-related challenges while fostering safe and welcoming school environments. TxILC is also seeking to partner with educational leaders to adapt a model policy that supports all students. If you are interested, please contact:: Lindsay Goldford Gray   Texas Voucher Law The Texas Legislature passed SB 2, a bill that creates a multi-billion-dollar universal private school voucher program for the first time in our state’s history. Vouchers drain money from public schools and this new law will do the same. The law will allow private companies to siphon taxpayer dollars away from public schools with no accountability for students or families. Click here to download graphic   Texas School Business Bragging Rights Each year, the special “Bragging Rights” issue of Texas School Business highlights 12 public school programs and initiatives that showcase innovative thinking, passion, determination, and strong leadership. In these pages, you’ll read about 12 exceptional programs in Texas public schools right now. Please share this issue as a reminder that our public schools are ready to meet, and overcome, any challenge that comes their way. And congratulations to the 12 featured programs! Click here to see the featured schools   TASA Centennial Commemorative Magazine TASA Centennial Commemorative Magazine Read more about TASA's history in the TASA Centennial Commemorative Magazine, written by the late Johnny L. Veselka, TASA Executive Director Emeritus Click here to read more PARTNERSHIPS Partner Spotlight TALAS extends heartfelt gratitude to our partners for their unwavering support and belief in our mission. Your investment and dedication play a vital role in strengthening the leadership pipeline, driving progress, and improving student outcomes. We deeply value your commitment to our shared vision of educational excellence.   Partner of the Week   Seeking Partners for Midwinter We are excited to celebrate 15 years of supporting and advocating for educational leaders and students! To make this milestone truly memorable, we are seeking sponsors to help bring this celebration to life. We hope you will join us in honoring this important moment for TALAS. Click here to sponsor the event   Annual Partner Spotlight (Bronze) Frost Bank Frost Bank is a Texas-based, Texas-only municipal bond underwriter with a proud legacy of serving K–12 school districts across the state.   As a trusted partner in public finance, Frost provides underwriting services for both new bond issuances (Bond Election Authorization) and refundings, helping districts save on interest costs and fund voter-approved projects.   Our team offers competitive rates, strategic investor outreach, and personalized service tailored to each district’s unique needs. With deep roots in Texas communities,   Frost is committed to supporting the future of education through smart, effective financing solutions. Frost is proud to be the only bank sponsor of TALAS.   CAREER OPPORTUNITIES   Level Up: Take the Next Step with Another Degree! The academic department is seeking interest in a program for teachers who would like to become dual credit credentialed in English. We are offering a Masters of Liberal Arts (MLA) with a concentration in English Language Arts (ELA), comprising a 36-hour program with 18 hours in Instruction and 18 hours in ELA.  Please share this survey link with your Districts and Teachers.  https://abilenechristian.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9tcAluLwaiaGV02 Take a look at the opportunities from ACU! Visit the website to learn about a discount that is offered for TALAS members.   Find your next career opportunity TASA Career Center ESS Current Searches Superintendent Search JG Consulting Hazard, Young, Attea Associates GRRecruiting Arrow Educational Services K-12 Search Group   TALAS STORE Show Your TALAS Pride – Shop the New TALAS Store! Now Open: The TALAS Store Has Arrived! The holidays are fast approaching! Put your TALAS wear on your Christmas list! Show your support and represent TALAS with pride—visit the new TALAS Store to browse our exclusive merchandise, including shirts, hats, bags, and more! Whether you're heading to campus, attending an event, or just repping your favorite organization, we’ve got you covered. Shop now and start the year strong! We are starting the school year in style!   Our Mission TALAS, with an unrelenting commitment to improving learning outcomes for Latino learners, will provide leadership development, collective impact, advocacy, and a proactive voice for Latino and non-Latino leaders who have a passion for serving the fastest growing student population in our state.  

Monday, Jan 05 2026

TALAS Weekly Newsletter: Last Newsletter for 2025!

TALAS Weekly Newsletter Texas Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents December 15, 2025   TALAS wishes you and your family a blessed holiday and a prosperous 2026!   "Exceptional leaders grow by doing things they aren't yet qualified to do." LEADERSHIP TALAS Member Spotlight #1 Tarrant County Chapter Update The Tarrant County Board Officers were hard at work this month, coming together for a retreat focused on planning upcoming events and strengthening support for educators across the Dallas–Fort Worth region. Kudos to the Board for their leadership, collaboration, and continued commitment to the mission of the TALAS organization. We look forward to seeing the Tarrant County Chapter continue to grow and thrive in 2026!   TALAS Member Spotlight #2 TALAS El Paso Celebrates Local Leaders at Holiday Social TALAS El Paso hosted a Winter Networking Celebration on Thursday, December 11, 2025, bringing together members to celebrate leadership, community, and service. During the event, Dr. Veronica Vjil and Dr. Xavier De La Torre were honored with scholarship tributes that will be awarded to deserving students in Region 19. The chapter also welcomed Monica Bustillos as the new President-Elect, while Chris Judge will continue to serve as an Honorary Board member. The Chapter also signed up new members and shared information and materials for the upcoming Book Study. A special thank you to Our Infinite Company and BSN Sports for their generous sponsorship and continued support of TALAS El Paso.   TALAS Member Spotlight #3 HTX TALAS Spreads Holiday Cheer at Winter Mixer HTX TALAS gathered on Saturday, December 13, 2025, for its Winter Mixer, where members came together to celebrate the season and give back to the community. Attendees generously donated toys that will be distributed to children during the holiday season. The Chapter was honored to hear from Spring ISD Superintendent Dr. Kregg Cuellar, whose inspiring and insightful message served as a meaningful gift to members as they prepared for the holiday break. The event also resulted in the addition of more than 20 new members to the HTX Chapter. Special thanks to our generous sponsors—Dearborn & Creggs, Edmentum, Rice University, and EF Tours. We truly appreciate your continued support. Leadership Development Opportunities   You’re Invited – TALAS is Turning 15! TALAS is celebrating its quinceañera—15 years of advancing Latino leadership in education! Mark your calendars and join us this January for a special celebration honoring our journey, our impact, and our future. Interested in sponsoring? Click here! RSVP here We can’t wait to celebrate with you! Thank you ClassLink TALAS is grateful for your Midwinter Sponsorship! We look forward to celebrating with you! ClassLink is a global education provider of identity, access and analytics products that create more time for learning and help schools better understand digital engagement. As leading advocates for open data standards, we offer instant access to apps and files with single sign-on, streamline class rostering, automate account provisioning, and provide actionable analytics. ClassLink empowers 23 million students and staff in over 3,000 school systems. Visit classlink.com to learn more. Thank you Swing EDucation TALAS is grateful for your Midwinter Sponsorship! We look forward to celebrating with you! Swing Education partners with schools to provide flexible, high-quality staffing solutions, helping ensure classrooms are supported and students continue learning without interruption. By connecting schools with experienced educators and innovative staffing resources, Swing Education empowers districts to maintain academic continuity, reduce teacher burnout, and create stronger learning environments for every student. Their commitment to supporting both educators and students makes them a valuable partner in advancing educational success. Visit swingeducation.com to learn more Thank you Education Elements TALAS is gratefful for your Midwinter Sponsorship! We look forward to celebrating with you! Education Elements partners with K-12 organizations to solve complex challenges, drive lasting change, and meet the unique needs of the students you serve. We help school districts achieve their biggest goals through customized solutions tailored to each district's local context. Our comprehensive solutions span strategy, leadership, curriculum, instruction, and school improvement. Our team of seasoned educators and strategists provides hands-on implementation support to deliver sustainable results that improve student outcomes and create learning environments where every student can thrive. Visit www.edelements.com to discover how we can partner with your district. This space is reserved for you! We are still looking for sponsors to help us celebrate our 15th birthday!! Click here for sponsor details!   Summer Leadership Summit Call for Proposals TALAS is excited to cohost the 3rd Annual Summer Leadership Summit alongside Central TALAS! This year’s Summit, themed “Strength in Our Roots and Power in Our People,” will take place June 22–23, 2026, at Concordia University in Austin, Texas. We invite you to submit a session proposal that aligns with the leadership strands offered throughout this two-day event. Your expertise and experiences are essential to elevating Latino leadership across our state. More Summit details are coming soon—stay tuned! Click here to submit your proposal. Click here to sponsor the event.   Learning Opportunities   Resource Opportunity Really Great Reading- Get Practical Literacy Insights with The Reading Roadmap Educators and district leaders receive an overwhelming number of emails. This monthly newsletter is different. The Reading Roadmap delivers practical strategies, research-based insights, and real stories from schools making measurable reading gains. Stay current upcoming resources like Orbit, our new third-grade solution launching soon. Read the latest newsletter and sign up today!   Mexico News Daily is available to you! Mexico News Daily is the leading English-language source of news about modern Mexico, reaching over 1 million readers monthly.  The narrative on Mexico in most media outlets is often negative and one sided - our team is focused on changing that perception problem.  Our mission is to elevate the profile of Mexico by providing balanced and complete news and information about the country.  Mexico is quickly evolving, is strategically more important than ever to the United States, and many of the perceptions about the country are outdated or just plain incorrect. You can check out the site here:  mexiconewsdaily.com We're excited to partner with TALAS to offer all members a complimentary 3-month subscription to Mexico News Daily.  This gives you unlimited access to 10+ daily articles and a library of over 25,000 pieces covering news, business, politics, food, culture, travel, and more.  No credit card is required, just create a password and start reading.  Access your free subscription here  https://mexiconewsdaily.com/register/?level_id=20          Great Free Resource to Teach Elementary Students About Internet Safety Check out this fantastic resource for teaching elementary students about internet safety! This program is a collaboration between the Google Foundation and Highlights for Children and is designed especially for grades 2–5. Schools can request a free kit for 100 students, making it an excellent tool for campuses looking to strengthen digital citizenship and online safety lessons. Don’t miss out on this amazing, no-cost resource: https://beinternetawesome.withgoogle.com/en_us   Team Science Lab Opportunity District and Campus Leadership Teams Drive the Success of Every School. Human Architects, one of our TALAS partners, is offering the Team Science Lab, a high-impact, one- or two-day intensive where leadership teams build the systems, structures, interpersonal dynamics, and clarity they need to collaborate effectively and execute with impact. It’s a powerful resource for districts ready to strengthen alignment, improve decision-making, and elevate team performance during a time when the education sector is doing more with less.  Click below to learn more:  http://teamsciencelab.com/humanarchitectspk12 VOICE Chapter News   10 Reasons to Join TALAS El Paso! What are you waiting for? Join today!   TALAS El Paso Scholarship Opportunity Dear Educators, The Texas Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (TALAS) El Paso Chapter is proud to announce that applications are now open for the 2026 Keep Moving Scholarship! Each year, TALAS El Paso awards scholarships to outstanding Region 19 high school seniors who have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership, resilience, and a commitment to serving their community. With your support, we can continue to empower the next generation of leaders in our region. We kindly ask for your help in sharing this opportunity with your seniors, counselors, and campus communities. Scholarship Details Who Can Apply: High school seniors attending a Region 19 school who plan to pursue post-secondary education or certification in the 2026–2027 academic year. Awards: Five scholarships valued at $2,000 each One scholarship valued at $1,000 Application Opens: October 20, 2025 Deadline to Apply: January 2, 2026 Apply Online: www.talaseptx.com About the TALAS El Paso Keep Moving Scholarship TALAS El Paso is dedicated to fostering the academic and professional growth of future leaders in the El Paso region. Our annual scholarship program supports students who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership potential, and a heart for community service. By spreading the word, you’re helping ensure that students from every corner of Region 19 have access to this incredible opportunity to keep moving forward in their educational journey. Thank you for your continued support of our students and your commitment to equity and excellence in education. Together, we can help more students reach their goals and represent the strength of our community across the nation.   Become a Member!   Welcome new members! TALAS Membership Drive Continues! We are thrilled to welcome new state & chapter members every week and to see our TALAS community continue to grow! December Members Jenny Patino- State & El Paso Paul Castro- State Jennifer Brock- State Arcy Aguina- El Paso Lois Galindo- El Paso Casey Rangel- El Paso Diana Mooy- El Paso Conrado Garcia- State & TALAS 956 Dr. Angela Reyna- El Paso Jason Yturralde- El Paso Terri Ballesteros- State & El Paso Daniel Vasquez- El Paso Claudia Poblano- El Paso Rachael Blair- El Paso Edgar Rincon- El Paso Dr. Marisol Rocha- State & TALAS 956 Dr. Barbara Gonzales- State & TALAS 956 Sandra Rodriguez- State & TALAS 956 Patrick Gailey- El Paso Gustavo Reveles- El Paso Javier Villarreal- HTX Magdalena Garcia-- HTX Alison Martinez- HTX Roy Rocha- HTX Gonzalo Tamez- HTX Miriam Gonzalez- TALAS 956 Gina Foroi- HTX Dr. Karla Pena- HTX Altagracia Delgado- HTX Tosha Washington- HTX Victoria Orozoco- Martinez- HTX Sanjuanita Mottu- HTX Dr. Norma Martinez- HTX Samuel Martinez- HTX Lidia Barillas- HTX Keila Di Persio- HTX Ramon Minjares- HTX Brenda Ramirez- HTX Jenny Gerleman- HTX Jose Santos- HTX Regina Cooper- HTX Marlynn Montiel - HTX Leslie Garcia- HTX You can renew your membership today on the TALAS website or you can sign up for TALAS membership when you renew your TASA membership on the TASA website.   Visit the TALAS website for information on upcoming events. We have several events and meetings coming up. Come and join us! We would love to have you! TALAS website ADVOCACY National & State News Take a look at what is happening around you!   The top 5 areas where superintendents want to grow The evolving complexity of the superintendency is forcing leaders to adapt, creating new growth opportunities, the latest research suggests. Here are five ways superintendents want to improve their leadership. Finance and budget planning (35%) emerged as the No. 1 area for growth among superintendents, according to “The 2025 American Superintendent Study” from The School Superintendents Association. The data represent responses from nearly 12,000 superintendents, almost 90% of the total population nationwide. In close second was stress management (34.2%), followed by school reform/improvement (29.5%), navigating district politics (26.1%) and school community relations (23.7%). Read more   We Asked Executives What Skills Young Workers Are Missing. Here’s What They Said Senior executives from American companies recognize that technical skills are critical for success in the workplace in the age of AI. But when asked what kinds of skills are in short supply among their younger workers, many point to so-called “soft skills” such as communication, problem-solving, and collaboration. Tack on adaptability, ability to focus, and empathy to that list, too. Digital literacy—what some might describe as both a technical and a soft skill—is also top of mind for senior executives of American companies. Read more   3-2-1: Being great today, what to do when things don't go well, and favorite type of mental toughness 3 Ideas From Me I. "When things don't go well it's easy to wonder, "Why me?" It's easy to point fingers. It's easy to wallow in frustration or defeat. But it is also easy to ask, "What is this teaching me?" You can't remove the frustrations from life, but you can always try to come out a little wiser on the other side." II. "My favorite type of mental toughness is not forcing one path, but being open to many paths: Whatever comes my way, I can handle it. Whatever resources I have, I can make it work. Whatever the day brings, I can thrive." Read more   ADVOCACY TOOLS & RESOURCE CENTER   2025 Final Bill Summary Report: Regular and Special-Called Sessions After each legislative session, TASA produces a comprehensive list of summaries of education-related bills passed by the Texas Legislature. This report includes bills passed during the 2025 Regular and Special-Called Sessions. Thank you TASA Read here   A Toolkit for K-12 Educators TALAS is pleased to share a valuable new resource from the Texas Immigration Law Council (TxILC): Understanding the Impact of Immigration Enforcement and Policy on K–12 Schools. Originally released in May, this toolkit is designed to help K–12 educators and administrators navigate immigration-related challenges while fostering safe and welcoming school environments. TxILC is also seeking to partner with educational leaders to adapt a model policy that supports all students. If you are interested, please contact:: Lindsay Goldford Gray   Texas Voucher Law The Texas Legislature passed SB 2, a bill that creates a multi-billion-dollar universal private school voucher program for the first time in our state’s history. Vouchers drain money from public schools and this new law will do the same. The law will allow private companies to siphon taxpayer dollars away from public schools with no accountability for students or families. Click here to download graphic   Texas School Business Bragging Rights Each year, the special “Bragging Rights” issue of Texas School Business highlights 12 public school programs and initiatives that showcase innovative thinking, passion, determination, and strong leadership. In these pages, you’ll read about 12 exceptional programs in Texas public schools right now. Please share this issue as a reminder that our public schools are ready to meet, and overcome, any challenge that comes their way. And congratulations to the 12 featured programs! Click here to see the featured schools Texas School Business November/December The November/December issue of Texas School Business features the 2025 Texas Superintendent of the Year, Lamar CISD's Roosevelt Nivens. The issue also highlights the 2025 Outstanding School Board, Colorado ISD, and 2025 TSPRA Key Communicator Bobby Ott. It contains a photo feature from the TASA/TASB txEDCON 2025. Click here to read the issue   TASA Centennial Commemorative Magazine TASA Centennial Commemorative Magazine Read more about TASA's history in the TASA Centennial Commemorative Magazine, written by the late Johnny L. Veselka, TASA Executive Director Emeritus Click here to read more PARTNERSHIPS Partner Spotlight TALAS extends heartfelt gratitude to our partners for their unwavering support and belief in our mission. Your investment and dedication play a vital role in strengthening the leadership pipeline, driving progress, and improving student outcomes. We deeply value your commitment to our shared vision of educational excellence.   Partner of the Week   Seeking Partners for Midwinter We are excited to celebrate 15 years of supporting and advocating for educational leaders and students! To make this milestone truly memorable, we are seeking sponsors to help bring this celebration to life. We hope you will join us in honoring this important moment for TALAS. Click here to sponsor the event   Annual Partner Spotlight (Plata)- Magic School MagicSchool is the most widely used and trusted AI platform in K–12 education, with over 6 million educators signed up. Built by educators, for educators, our mission is to put a safe, effective AI assistant in every classroom—helping teachers save time, reduce burnout, and improve student outcomes. With more than 80 curriculum-aligned tools, MagicSchool makes it easy for districts to support personalized instruction, provide timely feedback, and foster stronger engagement, all while protecting instructional integrity.   From Compliance to Connection: How Custom Curriculum Builds Trust in Schools Education Elements monthly newsletter. Click here to read about what’s possible when instructional materials reflect a district’s identity, values, and goals. CAREER OPPORTUNITIES   Level Up: Take the Next Step with Another Degree! The academic department is seeking interest in a program for teachers who would like to become dual credit credentialed in English. We are offering a Masters of Liberal Arts (MLA) with a concentration in English Language Arts (ELA), comprising a 36-hour program with 18 hours in Instruction and 18 hours in ELA.  Please share this survey link with your Districts and Teachers.  https://abilenechristian.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9tcAluLwaiaGV02 Take a look at the opportunities from ACU! Visit the website to learn about a discount that is offered for TALAS members.   Find your next career opportunity TASA Career Center ESS Current Searches Superintendent Search JG Consulting Hazard, Young, Attea Associates GRRecruiting Arrow Educational Services K-12 Search Group   TALAS STORE Show Your TALAS Pride – Shop the New TALAS Store! Now Open: The TALAS Store Has Arrived! The holidays are fast approaching! Put your TALAS wear on your Christmas list! Show your support and represent TALAS with pride—visit the new TALAS Store to browse our exclusive merchandise, including shirts, hats, bags, and more! Whether you're heading to campus, attending an event, or just repping your favorite organization, we’ve got you covered. Shop now and start the year strong! We are starting the school year in style!   Our Mission TALAS, with an unrelenting commitment to improving learning outcomes for Latino learners, will provide leadership development, collective impact, advocacy, and a proactive voice for Latino and non-Latino leaders who have a passion for serving the fastest growing student population in our state.  

Monday, Dec 15 2025

TALAS Weekly Newsletter: TALAS 956/RGV announces new...

TALAS Weekly Newsletter Texas Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents December 8, 2025   "Your circle determines your ceiling." LEADERSHIP TALAS Member Spotlight #1 TALAS El Paso honors Superintendents TALAS El Paso is proud to recognize Dr. Veronica Vijil and Dr. Xavier De La Torre for their visionary leadership and foundational role in establishing the local chapter. Their commitment to advancing educational excellence and Latino leadership continues to guide our mission. The Dr. Veronica Vijil Founder’s Scholarship celebrates her extraordinary service, mentorship, and commitment to empowering the next generation of educators and community-minded leaders. The Dr. Xavier De La Torre Leader of Impact Scholarship honors his dedication to educational equity, systemic change, and inspiring future leaders to “Keep Moving” the field forward. Join TALAS El Paso on Thursday, December 11, 2025, as we formally recognize these two outstanding leaders.   TALAS Member Spotlight #2 The TALAS/956/RGV Chapter is official! On December 2, 2025, the chapter formally adopted its bylaws and installed its founding officers. Congratulations to the inaugural leadership team: Dr. Alberto Canales – President Laura Juarez – President-Elect Dr. Rosalinda Hernandez – Vice President Ana Mariela Martinez – Secretary Miguel Chacon – Treasurer Rogelio Gonzalez – VP of Communications Dr. Adriana Ramirez – VP of Membership Dr. Terri Capistran – VP of Mentoring Dr. Bobbie Trevino – Chapter Advisor Dr. Alejos Salazar – Chapter Advisor We look forward to watching this new chapter grow and thrive under their leadership.   Leadership Development Opportunities   You’re Invited – TALAS is Turning 15! TALAS is celebrating its quinceañera—15 years of advancing Latino leadership in education! Mark your calendars and join us this January for a special celebration honoring our journey, our impact, and our future. Interested in sponsoring? Click here! RSVP here We can’t wait to celebrate with you! Thank you SWING Education TALAS is grateful for your Midwinter Sponsorship! We look forward to celebrating with you!   Summer Leadership Summit Call for Proposals TALAS is excited to cohost the 3rd Annual Summer Leadership Summit alongside Central TALAS! This year’s Summit, themed “Strength in Our Roots and Power in Our People,” will take place June 22–23, 2026, at Concordia University in Austin, Texas. We invite you to submit a session proposal that aligns with the leadership strands offered throughout this two-day event. Your expertise and experiences are essential to elevating Latino leadership across our state. More Summit details are coming soon—stay tuned! Click here to submit your proposal. Click here to sponsor the event.   Learning Opportunities   TALAS Webinar with Manta ai- December 10, 2025 Imagine what’s possible when the questions you wish you could answer actually get answered.  In this TALAS x Manta AI session, we’ll show how leaders can use agentic AI to connect data across systems and surface insights that were previously too complex or time-consuming. We’ll also share what to look for when evaluating AI analytics tools — and what red flags to watch out for —so you can make smarter decisions, faster. Webinar | December 10, 2025 | 4:30-5:15pm CT   Resource Opportunity Really Great Reading- Get Practical Literacy Insights with The Reading Roadmap Educators and district leaders receive an overwhelming number of emails. This monthly newsletter is different. The Reading Roadmap delivers practical strategies, research-based insights, and real stories from schools making measurable reading gains. Stay current upcoming resources like Orbit, our new third-grade solution launching soon. Read the latest newsletter and sign up today!   Mexico News Daily is available to you! Mexico News Daily is the leading English-language source of news about modern Mexico, reaching over 1 million readers monthly.  The narrative on Mexico in most media outlets is often negative and one sided - our team is focused on changing that perception problem.  Our mission is to elevate the profile of Mexico by providing balanced and complete news and information about the country.  Mexico is quickly evolving, is strategically more important than ever to the United States, and many of the perceptions about the country are outdated or just plain incorrect. You can check out the site here:  mexiconewsdaily.com We're excited to partner with TALAS to offer all members a complimentary 3-month subscription to Mexico News Daily.  This gives you unlimited access to 10+ daily articles and a library of over 25,000 pieces covering news, business, politics, food, culture, travel, and more.  No credit card is required, just create a password and start reading.  Access your free subscription here  https://mexiconewsdaily.com/register/?level_id=20          Great Free Resource to Teach Elementary Students About Internet Safety Check out this fantastic resource for teaching elementary students about internet safety! This program is a collaboration between the Google Foundation and Highlights for Children and is designed especially for grades 2–5. Schools can request a free kit for 100 students, making it an excellent tool for campuses looking to strengthen digital citizenship and online safety lessons. Don’t miss out on this amazing, no-cost resource: https://beinternetawesome.withgoogle.com/en_us   Team Science Lab Opportunity District and Campus Leadership Teams Drive the Success of Every School. Human Architects, one of our TALAS partners, is offering the Team Science Lab, a high-impact, one- or two-day intensive where leadership teams build the systems, structures, interpersonal dynamics, and clarity they need to collaborate effectively and execute with impact. It’s a powerful resource for districts ready to strengthen alignment, improve decision-making, and elevate team performance during a time when the education sector is doing more with less.  Click below to learn more:  http://teamsciencelab.com/humanarchitectspk12 VOICE Chapter News   TALAS El Paso Holiday Event Save the Date for El Paso! El Paso will host its 3rd annual Holiday Social Event on December 11, 2025 at the Border City Ale House 1506 Lee Trevino Mark your calendars for an evening of recognition, collaboration, networking and fun!   10 Reasons to Join TALAS El Paso! What are you waiting for? Join today!   TALAS El Paso Scholarship Opportunity Dear Educators, The Texas Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (TALAS) El Paso Chapter is proud to announce that applications are now open for the 2026 Keep Moving Scholarship! Each year, TALAS El Paso awards scholarships to outstanding Region 19 high school seniors who have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership, resilience, and a commitment to serving their community. With your support, we can continue to empower the next generation of leaders in our region. We kindly ask for your help in sharing this opportunity with your seniors, counselors, and campus communities. Scholarship Details Who Can Apply: High school seniors attending a Region 19 school who plan to pursue post-secondary education or certification in the 2026–2027 academic year. Awards: Five scholarships valued at $2,000 each One scholarship valued at $1,000 Application Opens: October 20, 2025 Deadline to Apply: January 2, 2026 Apply Online: www.talaseptx.com About the TALAS El Paso Keep Moving Scholarship TALAS El Paso is dedicated to fostering the academic and professional growth of future leaders in the El Paso region. Our annual scholarship program supports students who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership potential, and a heart for community service. By spreading the word, you’re helping ensure that students from every corner of Region 19 have access to this incredible opportunity to keep moving forward in their educational journey. Thank you for your continued support of our students and your commitment to equity and excellence in education. Together, we can help more students reach their goals and represent the strength of our community across the nation.   HTX Winter Event- December 13, 2025 Come join HTX at their winter event that will include music, food, drink and toy drive! Scan to rsvp! Happy Holidays!   Become a Member!   Welcome new members! TALAS Membership Drive Continues! We are thrilled to welcome new state & chapter members every week and to see our TALAS community continue to grow! December Members Marcy Davis- State & Coastal Bend Dr. Reynaldo Rodriguez- TALAS 956/RGV Dr. Sylvia Ibarra- State Dr. Cissy Perez- State Tanya Tovar-Rabatte- State Dr. Albert Canales- State & T956/RGV David Hernandez- TALAS 956 Monica Bustillos- State Dr. Xavier De La Torre- State & El Paso Elizabeth Saucedo- El Paso Jennifer Rau- El Paso Jim Vasquez- El Paso Lisa Lyons- El Paso Larissa Flores- State & Alamo Larry Guerra- State & Alamo Phillip Chavez- State & Alamo Dr. Eduardo Hernandez- State & Alamo Myrna Martinez- State & Alamo Elvis Williams- State & Alamo Gerardo Soto- State & Alamo Dr. Milton Fields- State & Alamo Dr. Venus Vela- State & Alamo Dr. Roberto Hernandez- Alamo Dr. Veronica Vijil- State Dr. Maria Elena Meza- State & Alamo Dr. Jeanette Ball- State & Alamo Mark Figueroa- State & Alamo Dr. Sandra Garza- State & Alamo Star Rodriguez- State Don Pride- State Dr. Sandra Benavidez- State Holly Maria Flynn Vilaseca- State Gerrie Spellman- State Oscar Perez- State Jesse Rodriguez- State You can renew your membership today on the TALAS website or you can sign up for TALAS membership when you renew your TASA membership on the TASA website.   Visit the TALAS website for information on upcoming events. We have several events and meetings coming up. Come and join us! We would love to have you! TALAS website ADVOCACY National & State News Take a look at what is happening around you!   Are schools providing supports to all students in need? Evidence-based support services remain uneven across K12 schools, with many still working to meet students’ academic, social and emotional needs even four years after the height of the pandemic. The findings come from a nationally representative 2025 survey of public school principals, published in a new report from the Everyone Graduates Center at Johns Hopkins University. Student needs remain high Principals say student needs have stayed steady—or increased. Between 28% and 38% report that more students required high-intensity tutoring, mentoring, career coaching or wraparound services such as out-of-school community health, mental health and social supports during the 2024–25 school year. Read more   The 5‑Minute Clarity Reset: How a Small Pause Can Change a Big Decision Peter DeWitt is a former K-5 public school principal turned author, presenter, and leadership coach. Michael Nelson is a leadership coach and thought partner for the Instructional Leadership Collective. Leadership sometimes seems like constant meetings, email messages, and moments where leaders are expected to have the answer. That pace can feel isolating, which puts leaders at risk of getting stuck with the same issue circling in their head. Taking just five minutes for a “clarity reset” is a simple, repeatable way to break that spin. In five minutes, leaders can move from mental noise to the next step leaders can act on. There are plenty of options on how to engage in a five-minute reset. Jessica Cabeen outlines this one called a 5-Minute Brain Dump. Robert Miraglia calls it a five-minute reset for leaders. There are plenty of others leaders can find through a search as well. We’d like to offer something a bit different that helps leaders become more collaborative. Read more   3-2-1: On what love looks like, the courage to eliminate, and where the grass is greener 3 Ideas From Me I. "Greatness takes guts. And often, it's the courage to eliminate the things you can do fairly well so you have the capacity to do one thing exceptionally well. Have the courage to take more off your plate." ​II. "Many situations in life are similar to going on a hike: the view changes once you start walking. You don't need all the answers right now. New paths will reveal themselves if you have the courage to get started." Read more   ADVOCACY TOOLS & RESOURCE CENTER   2025 Final Bill Summary Report: Regular and Special-Called Sessions After each legislative session, TASA produces a comprehensive list of summaries of education-related bills passed by the Texas Legislature. This report includes bills passed during the 2025 Regular and Special-Called Sessions. Thank you TASA Read here   A Toolkit for K-12 Educators TALAS is pleased to share a valuable new resource from the Texas Immigration Law Council (TxILC): Understanding the Impact of Immigration Enforcement and Policy on K–12 Schools. Originally released in May, this toolkit is designed to help K–12 educators and administrators navigate immigration-related challenges while fostering safe and welcoming school environments. TxILC is also seeking to partner with educational leaders to adapt a model policy that supports all students. If you are interested, please contact:: Lindsay Goldford Gray   Texas Voucher Law The Texas Legislature passed SB 2, a bill that creates a multi-billion-dollar universal private school voucher program for the first time in our state’s history. Vouchers drain money from public schools and this new law will do the same. The law will allow private companies to siphon taxpayer dollars away from public schools with no accountability for students or families. Click here to download graphic   Texas School Business Bragging Rights Each year, the special “Bragging Rights” issue of Texas School Business highlights 12 public school programs and initiatives that showcase innovative thinking, passion, determination, and strong leadership. In these pages, you’ll read about 12 exceptional programs in Texas public schools right now. Please share this issue as a reminder that our public schools are ready to meet, and overcome, any challenge that comes their way. And congratulations to the 12 featured programs! Click here to see the featured schools Texas School Business November/December The November/December issue of Texas School Business features the 2025 Texas Superintendent of the Year, Lamar CISD's Roosevelt Nivens. The issue also highlights the 2025 Outstanding School Board, Colorado ISD, and 2025 TSPRA Key Communicator Bobby Ott. It contains a photo feature from the TASA/TASB txEDCON 2025. Click here to read the issue PARTNERSHIPS Partner Spotlight TALAS extends heartfelt gratitude to our partners for their unwavering support and belief in our mission. Your investment and dedication play a vital role in strengthening the leadership pipeline, driving progress, and improving student outcomes. We deeply value your commitment to our shared vision of educational excellence.   Partner of the Week   Seeking Partners for Midwinter We are excited to celebrate 15 years of supporting and advocating for educational leaders and students! To make this milestone truly memorable, we are seeking sponsors to help bring this celebration to life. We hope you will join us in honoring this important moment for TALAS. Click here to sponsor the event   Annual Partner Spotlight (Plata)- Innovamat Innovamat’s purpose is to advance equity by ensuring every student truly understands mathematics and experiences its power in their lives. Serving schools across Spain, South America, and the United States, we partner with educators to transform learning through professional development and intervention. With a love for Latino learners, our mission is to empower teachers and inspire students to discover the joy, confidence, and opportunities that mathematics unlocks.   From Compliance to Connection: How Custom Curriculum Builds Trust in Schools Education Elements monthly newsletter. Click here to read about what’s possible when instructional materials reflect a district’s identity, values, and goals. CAREER OPPORTUNITIES   Level Up: Take the Next Step with Another Degree! The academic department is seeking interest in a program for teachers who would like to become dual credit credentialed in English. We are offering a Masters of Liberal Arts (MLA) with a concentration in English Language Arts (ELA), comprising a 36-hour program with 18 hours in Instruction and 18 hours in ELA.  Please share this survey link with your Districts and Teachers.  https://abilenechristian.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9tcAluLwaiaGV02 Take a look at the opportunities from ACU! Visit the website to learn about a discount that is offered for TALAS members.   Find your next career opportunity TASA Career Center ESS Current Searches Superintendent Search JG Consulting Hazard, Young, Attea Associates GRRecruiting Arrow Educational Services K-12 Search Group   TALAS STORE Show Your TALAS Pride – Shop the New TALAS Store! Now Open: The TALAS Store Has Arrived! The holidays are fast approaching! Put your TALAS wear on your Christmas list! Show your support and represent TALAS with pride—visit the new TALAS Store to browse our exclusive merchandise, including shirts, hats, bags, and more! Whether you're heading to campus, attending an event, or just repping your favorite organization, we’ve got you covered. Shop now and start the year strong! We are starting the school year in style!   Our Mission TALAS, with an unrelenting commitment to improving learning outcomes for Latino learners, will provide leadership development, collective impact, advocacy, and a proactive voice for Latino and non-Latino leaders who have a passion for serving the fastest growing student population in our state.  

Monday, Dec 08 2025

TALAS Weekly Newsletter: TALAS 956/RGV installs offi...

TALAS Weekly Newsletter Texas Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents December 1, 2025   "Be someone who still tries." LEADERSHIP TALAS Member Spotlight #1 TALAS Executive Director Featured on Latino Leaders Podcast We are excited to share that Dr. Celina Estrada Thomas, TALAS Executive Director, was recently featured on the Latino Leaders Podcast. Originally from the Rio Grande Valley, Dr. Estrada Thomas previously served as superintendent of Hutto ISD, where she made a lasting impact. During her tenure, she expanded and upgraded school facilities, increased dual language campuses, strengthened CTE and fine arts programs, and broadened college and career pathways. Her leadership focused on equity, closing achievement gaps, setting high expectations, and elevating academic outcomes for all students. In addition to her district-level leadership, Dr. Estrada Thomas is a dedicated mentor, especially to women aspiring to the superintendency. We are incredibly proud of Dr. Estrada Thomas and invite you to listen to her inspiring episode on the following platforms: Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/latino-leaders/id1731485393?i=1000736047650 Spotify Podcasts https://open.spotify.com/episode/7DGg0JPW0afz98kWlmy9Xf?si=e30045a7cedb4754 Buzzsprout Podcasts https://www.buzzsprout.com/2296169/episodes/17913124 Amazon Podcasts https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/843c2efc-6a11-4fad-8343-a7676a7984a3/episodes/fa3dc623-217a-4aac-b304-172f2b3e9db1/latino-leaders-proud-texas-latina-with-celina-estrada-thomas   Leadership Development Opportunities   You’re Invited – TALAS is Turning 15! TALAS is celebrating its quinceañera—15 years of advancing Latino leadership in education! Mark your calendars and join us this January for a special celebration honoring our journey, our impact, and our future. Interested in sponsoring? Click here! RSVP here We can’t wait to celebrate with you!   Summer Leadership Summit Call for Proposals TALAS is excited to cohost the 3rd Annual Summer Leadership Summit alongside Central TALAS! This year’s Summit, themed “Strength in Our Roots and Power in Our People,” will take place June 22–23, 2026, at Concordia University in Austin, Texas. We invite you to submit a session proposal that aligns with the leadership strands offered throughout this two-day event. Your expertise and experiences are essential to elevating Latino leadership across our state. More Summit details are coming soon—stay tuned! Click here to submit your proposal. Click here to sponsor the event.   Learning Opportunities   TALAS Webinar with Manta ai- December 10, 2025 Imagine what’s possible when the questions you wish you could answer actually get answered.  In this TALAS x Manta AI session, we’ll show how leaders can use agentic AI to connect data across systems and surface insights that were previously too complex or time-consuming. We’ll also share what to look for when evaluating AI analytics tools — and what red flags to watch out for —so you can make smarter decisions, faster. Webinar | December 10, 2025 | 4:30-5:15pm CT   Resource Opportunity Really Great Reading- Get Practical Literacy Insights with The Reading Roadmap Educators and district leaders receive an overwhelming number of emails. This monthly newsletter is different. The Reading Roadmap delivers practical strategies, research-based insights, and real stories from schools making measurable reading gains. Stay current upcoming resources like Orbit, our new third-grade solution launching soon. Read the latest newsletter and sign up today!   Mexico News Daily is available to you! Mexico News Daily is the leading English-language source of news about modern Mexico, reaching over 1 million readers monthly.  The narrative on Mexico in most media outlets is often negative and one sided - our team is focused on changing that perception problem.  Our mission is to elevate the profile of Mexico by providing balanced and complete news and information about the country.  Mexico is quickly evolving, is strategically more important than ever to the United States, and many of the perceptions about the country are outdated or just plain incorrect. You can check out the site here:  mexiconewsdaily.com We're excited to partner with TALAS to offer all members a complimentary 3-month subscription to Mexico News Daily.  This gives you unlimited access to 10+ daily articles and a library of over 25,000 pieces covering news, business, politics, food, culture, travel, and more.  No credit card is required, just create a password and start reading.  Access your free subscription here  https://mexiconewsdaily.com/register/?level_id=20          Great Free Resource to Teach Elementary Students About Internet Safety Check out this fantastic resource for teaching elementary students about internet safety! This program is a collaboration between the Google Foundation and Highlights for Children and is designed especially for grades 2–5. Schools can request a free kit for 100 students, making it an excellent tool for campuses looking to strengthen digital citizenship and online safety lessons. Don’t miss out on this amazing, no-cost resource: https://beinternetawesome.withgoogle.com/en_us VOICE Chapter News   TALAS 956/RGV Installation Event is TOMORROW! TALAS 956/RGV Event – December 2, 2025 TALAS 956/RGV will be hosting its next event on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. This will be a historic occasion as the chapter adopts its bylaws and installs its founding Board Officers. Mark your calendars now — you won’t want to miss this important milestone for the Rio Grande Valley! Check out the amazing sponsors supporting this event — it’s going to be a great one!   TALAS El Paso Holiday Event Save the Date for El Paso! El Paso will host its 3rd annual Holiday Social Event on December 11, 2025 at the Border City Ale House 1506 Lee Trevino Mark your calendars for an evening of collaboration, networking and fun! Seeking sponsors for this festive event. TALAS El Paso Scholarship Opportunity Dear Educators, The Texas Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (TALAS) El Paso Chapter is proud to announce that applications are now open for the 2026 Keep Moving Scholarship! Each year, TALAS El Paso awards scholarships to outstanding Region 19 high school seniors who have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership, resilience, and a commitment to serving their community. With your support, we can continue to empower the next generation of leaders in our region. We kindly ask for your help in sharing this opportunity with your seniors, counselors, and campus communities. Scholarship Details Who Can Apply: High school seniors attending a Region 19 school who plan to pursue post-secondary education or certification in the 2026–2027 academic year. Awards: Five scholarships valued at $2,000 each One scholarship valued at $1,000 Application Opens: October 20, 2025 Deadline to Apply: January 2, 2026 Apply Online: www.talaseptx.com About the TALAS El Paso Keep Moving Scholarship TALAS El Paso is dedicated to fostering the academic and professional growth of future leaders in the El Paso region. Our annual scholarship program supports students who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership potential, and a heart for community service. By spreading the word, you’re helping ensure that students from every corner of Region 19 have access to this incredible opportunity to keep moving forward in their educational journey. Thank you for your continued support of our students and your commitment to equity and excellence in education. Together, we can help more students reach their goals and represent the strength of our community across the nation.   HTX Winter Event- December 13, 2025 Come join HTX at their winter event that will include music, food, drink and toy drive! Scan to rsvp! Happy Holidays!   Become a Member!   Welcome new members! TALAS Membership Drive Continues! We are thrilled to welcome new state & chapter members every week and to see our TALAS community continue to grow! November Members Lindsey Gonzalez- State & Central Dr. Rebecca Hernandez- State & Central Rodrigo Portillo- State Dr. Michael Cardona- State & Central Jolynn Ibarra- State & Central Dr. Megan Zembik- State & Central Tommy Hooker- State & Central Nadia Castanares- State Dr. Guillermo Mancha- State Chele Ashely- State & WTXN Sergio Menchaca- State & WTXN Dr. Angelica Okamoto- State & WTXN Daniel Rosales- State & WTXN David Rodriguez- State & WTXN Rick Martinez- State & WTXN Dr. Gilbert Trevino- State & WTXN Kenneth Casarez- State & WTXN Dr. Cesar DeLeon- State & WTXN Dr. Ray Barbosa Jr.- State & WTXN Mark Dominguez- State & WTXN Dr. Oscar Troncoso- State & El Paso Dr. Debra Kerney- State & El Paso Dr. Jessica Melendez Carrillo- State & EP Dr. Jeannie Meza- Chavez- State & El Paso Dr. Catherine Kennedy- State Dr. Marta Carmona- State & El Paso Dr. Joseph Cerna- State & Alamo Julie Chave- El Paso Vanessa Basurto- El Paso You can renew your membership today on the TALAS website or you can sign up for TALAS membership when you renew your TASA membership on the TASA website.   Visit the TALAS website for information on upcoming events. We have several events and meetings coming up. Come and join us! We would love to have you! TALAS website ADVOCACY National & State News Take a look at what is happening around you!   Where this superintendent developed a love of people and purpose Bill Runey says his journey to the superintendency began with a “love of people and a love of purpose” instilled in him by his parents, both of whom were public educators. Runey was 14 when his father died, and the large turnout for the funeral was evidence of the power of the man’s leadership, Runey notes. “After that tragedy, my mother’s resilience taught me early on that success is measured by the positive impact that you have on the lives of others,” says Runey, who has been superintendent of Massachusetts’ Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School District since 2022 and an educator for 37 years. “Those lessons have shaped how I approach leadership, even to this day,” says Runey. Read more   Week In Review: Fallout from the Education Department’s breakup The U.S. Department of Education announced Tuesday that it is transferring management of six programs to other federal agencies as the Trump administration continues pushing toward the agency’s closure. The move, the administration said, will give states more control over education funding decisions. Among the program shifts are the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education to the U.S. Department of Labor, and international education and foreign language studies programs to the U.S. Department of State. Read more   3-2-1: On having high standards, the secret to willpower, and how to be strong yet flexible 3 Ideas From Me I. "One easy way to show you care about others is to ask them questions about their life. What are they excited about? What are they working on? What are they hoping for? Simply asking the question and listening thoughtfully is an act of generosity. You're giving them the gift of attention." II. "Whatever you're doing, do it well. If you're writing a thank you note, take an extra minute to mention something beyond the typical thank you. If you're exercising, do each set as well as you can. If you're in conversation, really listen and don't just wait for your turn to talk. Having high standards adds up. You can nearly always find an extra minute to do it better. And most important, you prove to yourself that you're the type of person who does things well." Read more   ADVOCACY TOOLS & RESOURCE CENTER   2025 Final Bill Summary Report: Regular and Special-Called Sessions After each legislative session, TASA produces a comprehensive list of summaries of education-related bills passed by the Texas Legislature. This report includes bills passed during the 2025 Regular and Special-Called Sessions. Thank you TASA Read here   A Toolkit for K-12 Educators TALAS is pleased to share a valuable new resource from the Texas Immigration Law Council (TxILC): Understanding the Impact of Immigration Enforcement and Policy on K–12 Schools. Originally released in May, this toolkit is designed to help K–12 educators and administrators navigate immigration-related challenges while fostering safe and welcoming school environments. TxILC is also seeking to partner with educational leaders to adapt a model policy that supports all students. If you are interested, please contact:: Lindsay Goldford Gray   Texas Voucher Law The Texas Legislature passed SB 2, a bill that creates a multi-billion-dollar universal private school voucher program for the first time in our state’s history. Vouchers drain money from public schools and this new law will do the same. The law will allow private companies to siphon taxpayer dollars away from public schools with no accountability for students or families. Click here to download graphic   Insights As part of TASA's centennial celebration, the fall issue of TASA INSIGHT features 100 quotes from 100 school leaders on the impact TASA has had on them. In this issue, we also say goodbye to the late Johnny L. Veselka, who served TASA for 40+ years.  Read and share the issue.   Texas School Business November/December The November/December issue of Texas School Business features the 2025 Texas Superintendent of the Year, Lamar CISD's Roosevelt Nivens. The issue also highlights the 2025 Outstanding School Board, Colorado ISD, and 2025 TSPRA Key Communicator Bobby Ott. It contains a photo feature from the TASA/TASB txEDCON 2025. Click here to read the issue PARTNERSHIPS Partner Spotlight TALAS extends heartfelt gratitude to our partners for their unwavering support and belief in our mission. Your investment and dedication play a vital role in strengthening the leadership pipeline, driving progress, and improving student outcomes. We deeply value your commitment to our shared vision of educational excellence.   Partner of the Week   Annual Partner Spotlight (Plata)- Manta Ai Manta is a research-grade data analytics platform designed to enhance the capacity and speed of teams with complex, messy data. Our platform makes it easy to quickly combine information from multiple systems—things like CCMR metrics, census data, assessments, attendance, finance, staffing, and more—and generate insights in minutes, providing actionable next steps to education leaders, policy makers, and advocates. It analyses up to 50 files in a single dataset and uses hundreds of verification agents to provide the most holistic, nuanced, and accurate responses.   From Compliance to Connection: How Custom Curriculum Builds Trust in Schools Education Elements monthly newsletter. Click here to read about what’s possible when instructional materials reflect a district’s identity, values, and goals. CAREER OPPORTUNITIES   Level Up: Take the Next Step with Another Degree! The academic department is seeking interest in a program for teachers who would like to become dual credit credentialed in English. We are offering a Masters of Liberal Arts (MLA) with a concentration in English Language Arts (ELA), comprising a 36-hour program with 18 hours in Instruction and 18 hours in ELA.  Please share this survey link with your Districts and Teachers.  https://abilenechristian.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9tcAluLwaiaGV02 Take a look at the opportunities from ACU! Visit the website to learn about a discount that is offered for TALAS members.   Find your next career opportunity TASA Career Center ESS Current Searches Superintendent Search JG Consulting Hazard, Young, Attea Associates GRRecruiting Arrow Educational Services K-12 Search Group   TALAS STORE Show Your TALAS Pride – Shop the New TALAS Store! Now Open: The TALAS Store Has Arrived! The holidays are fast approaching! Put your TALAS wear on your Christmas list! Show your support and represent TALAS with pride—visit the new TALAS Store to browse our exclusive merchandise, including shirts, hats, bags, and more! Whether you're heading to campus, attending an event, or just repping your favorite organization, we’ve got you covered. Shop now and start the year strong! We are starting the school year in style!   Our Mission TALAS, with an unrelenting commitment to improving learning outcomes for Latino learners, will provide leadership development, collective impact, advocacy, and a proactive voice for Latino and non-Latino leaders who have a passion for serving the fastest growing student population in our state.  

Monday, Dec 01 2025

TALAS Weekly Newsletter: Summer Leadership Summit i...

TALAS Weekly Newsletter Texas Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents November 17, 2025   TALAS extends warm wishes for a Blessed and Joyful Thanksgiving.   The next newsletter will be sent on December 1, 2025.   "Wisdom begins in wonder." LEADERSHIP TALAS Member Spotlight #1 TALAS Former Board Member Awarded Ambassador of the Year! Congratulations to Dr. Cissy Reynolds-Perez for being named Ambassador of the Year by Friends of Texas Public Schools! Dr. Reynolds-Perez is a respected 39-year educator and former superintendent of Kingsville ISD. She co-founded the Suicide Prevention Task Force with Chairman Todd Hunter, helping to secure legislation that designates September as Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Month and shaping the state’s prevention plan. As superintendent, she also led a coalition of more than 120 districts representing 2.6 million students, championing fair testing and accountability measures across Texas. Her leadership continues to reflect her guiding motto: “Teamwork works.” TALAS is incredibly proud of Dr. Cissy Reynolds-Perez and her continued impact on education and advocacy!   Leadership Development Opportunities   You’re Invited – TALAS is Turning 15! TALAS is celebrating its quinceañera—15 years of advancing Latino leadership in education! Mark your calendars and join us this January for a special celebration honoring our journey, our impact, and our future. Interested in sponsoring? Click here! RSVP here We can’t wait to celebrate with you!   Summer Leadership Summit Call for Proposals TALAS is excited to cohost the 3rd Annual Summer Leadership Summit alongside Central TALAS! This year’s Summit, themed “Strength in Our Roots and Power in Our People,” will take place June 22–23, 2026, at Concordia University in Austin, Texas. We invite you to submit a session proposal that aligns with the leadership strands offered throughout this two-day event. Your expertise and experiences are essential to elevating Latino leadership across our state. More Summit details are coming soon—stay tuned! Click here to submit your proposal.   Learning Opportunities   TALAS Webinar with Manta ai- December 10, 2025 Imagine what’s possible when the questions you wish you could answer actually get answered.  In this TALAS x Manta AI session, we’ll show how leaders can use agentic AI to connect data across systems and surface insights that were previously too complex or time-consuming. We’ll also share what to look for when evaluating AI analytics tools — and what red flags to watch out for —so you can make smarter decisions, faster. Webinar | December 10, 2025 | 4:30-5:15pm CT   Just Right Reader is Giving 5 Million Decodables to Keep Kids Reading Over Winter Break! Leading Science of Reading districts are now eligible to try Take-Everywhere Literacy Packs!  Apply for Just Right Reader Science of Reading Take-Everywhere Literacy Packs personalized for each student just in time to keep students reading over winter break. ✓ Accelerate achievement for all students ✓ Engage families around the joy of reading ✓ Support practice of phonics skills at home and everywhere This is an exclusive opportunity for  TALAS districts doing innovative work with the Science of Reading. Participating districts receive: 3 rounds of Science of Reading Take-Everywhere Literacy Packs for 25 to 100 students (That’s up to 1,800 decodables per district!) Each pack is personalized to students’ phonics skill levels Every title comes with a fun video phonics lesson in English and Spanish to reinforce phonics skills at home Program available in Spanish and English. Don’t miss out! The deadline to sign up is November 15th. Visit the Winter Reading Program Website to apply today!   Resource Opportunity Really Great Reading- Get Practical Literacy Insights with The Reading Roadmap Educators and district leaders receive an overwhelming number of emails. This monthly newsletter is different. The Reading Roadmap delivers practical strategies, research-based insights, and real stories from schools making measurable reading gains. Stay current upcoming resources like Orbit, our new third-grade solution launching soon. Read the latest newsletter and sign up today!   Free Trial Subscription to Mexico News Mexico News Daily is the leading English-language source of news about modern Mexico, reaching over 1 million readers monthly.  The narrative on Mexico in most media outlets is often negative and one sided - our team is focused on changing that perception problem.  Our mission is to elevate the profile of Mexico by providing balanced and complete news and information about the country.  Mexico is quickly evolving, is strategically more important than ever to the United States, and many of the perceptions about the country are outdated or just plain incorrect. You can check out the site here:  mexiconewsdaily.com We're excited to partner with TALAS to offer all members a complimentary 3-month subscription to Mexico News Daily.  This gives you unlimited access to 10+ daily articles and a library of over 25,000 pieces covering news, business, politics, food, culture, travel, and more.  No credit card is required, just create a password and start reading.  Access your free subscription here  https://mexiconewsdaily.com/register/?level_id=20          MND KIDS   For those leading bilingual classrooms, the stories we share shape identity and opportunity. For this reason, We have also launched MND KIDS, a dedicated platform designed specifically for dual-language classrooms across the United States. MND KIDS helps students connect with their heritage and stay informed about Mexico and the world through news articles written in both Spanish and English. It's an invaluable resource for providing age-appropriate, non-fiction content that builds reading skills, cultural pride, and media literacy in an era of misinformation. Learn more about MND KIDS by visiting the website here:  mndkids.com   VOICE Chapter News   TALAS 956/RGV Installation Event Save the Date: TALAS 956/RGV Event – December 2, 2025 TALAS 956/RGV will be hosting its next event on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. This will be a historic occasion as the chapter adopts its bylaws and installs its founding Board Officers. Mark your calendars now — you won’t want to miss this important milestone for the Rio Grande Valley! Check out the amazing sponsors supporting this event — it’s going to be a great one!   TALAS El Paso Friendsgiving & Holiday Event Save the Date for El Paso! El Paso will host its 3rd annual Holiday Social Event on December 11, 2025. Mark your calendars for an evening of collaboration, networking and fun! Seeking sponsors for this festive event. TALAS El Paso Scholarship Opportunity Dear Educators, The Texas Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (TALAS) El Paso Chapter is proud to announce that applications are now open for the 2026 Keep Moving Scholarship! Each year, TALAS El Paso awards scholarships to outstanding Region 19 high school seniors who have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership, resilience, and a commitment to serving their community. With your support, we can continue to empower the next generation of leaders in our region. We kindly ask for your help in sharing this opportunity with your seniors, counselors, and campus communities. Scholarship Details Who Can Apply: High school seniors attending a Region 19 school who plan to pursue post-secondary education or certification in the 2026–2027 academic year. Awards: Five scholarships valued at $2,000 each One scholarship valued at $1,000 Application Opens: October 20, 2025 Deadline to Apply: January 2, 2026 Apply Online: www.talaseptx.com About the TALAS El Paso Keep Moving Scholarship TALAS El Paso is dedicated to fostering the academic and professional growth of future leaders in the El Paso region. Our annual scholarship program supports students who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership potential, and a heart for community service. By spreading the word, you’re helping ensure that students from every corner of Region 19 have access to this incredible opportunity to keep moving forward in their educational journey. Thank you for your continued support of our students and your commitment to equity and excellence in education. Together, we can help more students reach their goals and represent the strength of our community across the nation.   HTX Winter Event Come join HTX at their winter event that will include music, food, drink and toy drive! Scan to rsvp! Happy Holidays!   Become a Member!   Welcome new members! TALAS Membership Drive Continues! We are thrilled to welcome new state & chapter members every week and to see our TALAS community continue to grow! November Members Ahna Gomez- State & NTX Dr. Melissa Ramirez- State & NTX Yesenia McCleskey- State & TC Jason Miller- State & NTX Dr. Dorene Benavidez- State & TC Dr. Guadalupe Cortez- State & TC Christin Reeves- State & TC Dr. Christine Renteria- State & TC Dr. Valenica Rhines- State & TC Joe Harrington- State & TC Tabitha Branum- State & TC Dr. Vanessa Ruiz- State & Central Dr. Tiffany Spicer- State & Central Herlinda Garcia- State & Central Denisha Presley- Central Oscar Rodriguez- Central Matias Segura- State & Central Bryan Hernandez- State & Central Al A. Rodriguez- State & Central Bobby Joe Truhill- State & Central Patricia Melgar Cook- Central Ronnie Cantu- State & Central Monica Salas- Truhill- State & Central Elva Torres- State & Central Dr. Leticia Jones- State & Central Dr. Robert Sormani- State & Central Dr, Chrysta Carlin- State & Central Dr. Catherine Castro- State & Central Monica Martinez- State & Central Lizbeth Ruiz- State & Central Dr. Erik Torres- State & Central Dr. Laura carlin- Gonzalez- State & Central You can renew your membership today on the TALAS website or you can sign up for TALAS membership when you renew your TASA membership on the TASA website.   Visit the TALAS website for information on upcoming events. We have several events and meetings coming up. Come and join us! We would love to have you! TALAS website ADVOCACY National & State News Take a look at what is happening around you!   Why quiet connectors drive real organizational change Meeting- and hallway-dominating voices often attract attention, but they can drown out the quiet connectors — those who build deep relationships, bridge silos and help organizations evolve. I’ve spent the past several years helping a company transform an outdated, sometimes toxic culture. At my first listening workshop, one employee quickly took over the conversation. He was outspoken and opinionated and seemed to serve as the group’s informal spokesperson — exactly the sort of person I, as a fellow extrovert, instinctively gravitate toward. I assumed his vocal support would be crucial in driving culture change. But I was wrong.  Read more   Lessons from a Failed Texas Tutoring ProgramTitle goes here By the fall of 2021, predictions of steep declines in students’ learning due to pandemic school closures had come true. Gaps between the highest and lowest learners were widening.  That’s when a large suburban school district in Texas, flush with COVID relief funds, signed a contract with a virtual tutoring provider to deliver extra help to students in 28 schools who had fallen below grade level. Research showed that high-dosage tutoring could produce significant gains for students and was far more effective than on-demand models. But the district’s program didn’t work,  Read more   3-2-1: How to gain a competitive edge, cultivating small productive habits, and a call to self-acceptance 3 Ideas From Me ​ I. "One way to instantly gain a competitive edge is to work on things that genuinely interest you. The person who is having fun has a better chance of winning because they are more likely to stick with it when things get challenging. If it felt like a hassle from the start, you're likely to quit as soon as things get tough. But if you've been having fun the whole time, you're better positioned to work through the hard parts." II. "Stop waiting. Stop talking yourself out of it. Stop researching. Go do it." Read more   ADVOCACY TOOLS & RESOURCE CENTER   2025 Final Bill Summary Report: Regular and Special-Called Sessions After each legislative session, TASA produces a comprehensive list of summaries of education-related bills passed by the Texas Legislature. This report includes bills passed during the 2025 Regular and Special-Called Sessions. Thank you TASA Read here   A Toolkit for K-12 Educators TALAS is pleased to share a valuable new resource from the Texas Immigration Law Council (TxILC): Understanding the Impact of Immigration Enforcement and Policy on K–12 Schools. Originally released in May, this toolkit is designed to help K–12 educators and administrators navigate immigration-related challenges while fostering safe and welcoming school environments. TxILC is also seeking to partner with educational leaders to adapt a model policy that supports all students. If you are interested, please contact:: Lindsay Goldford Gray   Texas Voucher Law The Texas Legislature passed SB 2, a bill that creates a multi-billion-dollar universal private school voucher program for the first time in our state’s history. Vouchers drain money from public schools and this new law will do the same. The law will allow private companies to siphon taxpayer dollars away from public schools with no accountability for students or families. Click here to download graphic   Insights As part of TASA's centennial celebration, the fall issue of TASA INSIGHT features 100 quotes from 100 school leaders on the impact TASA has had on them. In this issue, we also say goodbye to the late Johnny L. Veselka, who served TASA for 40+ years.  Read and share the issue.   Texas School Business November/December The November/December issue of Texas School Business features the 2025 Texas Superintendent of the Year, Lamar CISD's Roosevelt Nivens. The issue also highlights the 2025 Outstanding School Board, Colorado ISD, and 2025 TSPRA Key Communicator Bobby Ott. It contains a photo feature from the TASA/TASB txEDCON 2025. Click here to read the issue PARTNERSHIPS Partner Spotlight TALAS extends heartfelt gratitude to our partners for their unwavering support and belief in our mission. Your investment and dedication play a vital role in strengthening the leadership pipeline, driving progress, and improving student outcomes. We deeply value your commitment to our shared vision of educational excellence.   Partner of the Week   Annual Partner Spotlight (Plata)- Really Great Reading For over 20 years, we've advanced foundational literacy with easy-to-implement solutions that deliver results. Rooted in the Science of Reading, our approach goes beyond phonics to build the full spectrum of foundational and oral language skills for fluency and comprehension. Designed for real classrooms, we blend teacher-led instruction with tech-powered tools that remove barriers and drive literacy success. Texas’s 100% TEKS & ELPS Aligned Solution. IMRA Approval Coming Soon - November 2025 Aligned with HB 1605 requirements and grounded in the Science of Reading, RGR gives Texas districts a complete, evidence-based solution that saves teachers time and builds confident readers.   CAREER OPPORTUNITIES   Level Up: Take the Next Step with Another Degree! The academic department is seeking interest in a program for teachers who would like to become dual credit credentialed in English. We are offering a Masters of Liberal Arts (MLA) with a concentration in English Language Arts (ELA), comprising a 36-hour program with 18 hours in Instruction and 18 hours in ELA.  Please share this survey link with your Districts and Teachers.  https://abilenechristian.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9tcAluLwaiaGV02 Take a look at the opportunities from ACU! Visit the website to learn about a discount that is offered for TALAS members.   Find your next career opportunity TASA Career Center ESS Current Searches Superintendent Search JG Consulting Hazard, Young, Attea Associates GRRecruiting Arrow Educational Services K-12 Search Group   TALAS STORE Show Your TALAS Pride – Shop the New TALAS Store! Now Open: The TALAS Store Has Arrived! The holidays are fast approaching! Put your TALAS wear on your Christmas list! Show your support and represent TALAS with pride—visit the new TALAS Store to browse our exclusive merchandise, including shirts, hats, bags, and more! Whether you're heading to campus, attending an event, or just repping your favorite organization, we’ve got you covered. Shop now and start the year strong! We are starting the school year in style!   Our Mission TALAS, with an unrelenting commitment to improving learning outcomes for Latino learners, will provide leadership development, collective impact, advocacy, and a proactive voice for Latino and non-Latino leaders who have a passion for serving the fastest growing student population in our state.  

Monday, Nov 17 2025

TALAS Weekly Newsletter: Tarrant County Inducts New ...

TALAS Weekly Newsletter Texas Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents November 10, 2025     TALAS Honors and Thanks Our Veterans for Their Brave Service to Our Country   "If you are in the room, you belong in the room." LEADERSHIP TALAS Member Spotlight #1 WTX North Chapter Kicks Off in Canyon, Texas! TALAS proudly welcomes its 9th Chapter—West Texas North—to the organization! A special thank-you to West Texas A&M University for hosting the inaugural event on Saturday, November 8, 2025. We extend our gratitude to our generous sponsors: Howard Technology Solutions, Play Piper LLC, Curriculum Associates, and CXM for their support. Attendees heard inspiring remarks from Dr. Ray Barbosa, Daniel Rosales, and Dr. Angelica Okamoto. At the next gathering, chapter officers will be elected and bylaws adopted. We can’t wait to see everyone again as we continue building strong leadership in West Texas!   TALAS Member Spotlight #2 Tarrant County install new officers Congratulations to Tarrant County TALAS! TALAS proudly congratulates Tarrant County TALAS on the installation of its 2025–2026 officers. We extend our sincere gratitude to Education Elements and College Readiness for sponsoring this special event. Congratulations to the following leaders who are ready to take Tarrant County to the next level of excellence: President: Dr. Dorene Benavidez President-Elect: Dr. Christine Renteria Secretary: Dr. Guadalupe Cortez Treasurer: Javier Aguilera Historian: Angelica Castaneda A heartfelt thank-you to Dr. David Saenz, outgoing Tarrant County President, for his outstanding leadership and dedication to the organization. We are grateful that he will continue to guide and support the chapter in his new role as Past President. .   Leadership Development Opportunities   You’re Invited – TALAS is Turning 15! TALAS is celebrating its quinceañera—15 years of advancing Latino leadership in education! Mark your calendars and join us this January for a special celebration honoring our journey, our impact, and our future. Interested in sponsoring? Click here! RSVP here We can’t wait to celebrate with you!   Learning Opportunities   TALAS Webinar with Manta ai- December 10, 2025 Imagine what’s possible when the questions you wish you could answer actually get answered.  In this TALAS x Manta AI session, we’ll show how leaders can use agentic AI to connect data across systems and surface insights that were previously too complex or time-consuming. We’ll also share what to look for when evaluating AI analytics tools — and what red flags to watch out for —so you can make smarter decisions, faster. Webinar | December 10, 2025 | 4:30-5:15pm CT   Just Right Reader is Giving 5 Million Decodables to Keep Kids Reading Over Winter Break! Leading Science of Reading districts are now eligible to try Take-Everywhere Literacy Packs!  Apply for Just Right Reader Science of Reading Take-Everywhere Literacy Packs personalized for each student just in time to keep students reading over winter break. ✓ Accelerate achievement for all students ✓ Engage families around the joy of reading ✓ Support practice of phonics skills at home and everywhere This is an exclusive opportunity for  TALAS districts doing innovative work with the Science of Reading. Participating districts receive: 3 rounds of Science of Reading Take-Everywhere Literacy Packs for 25 to 100 students (That’s up to 1,800 decodables per district!) Each pack is personalized to students’ phonics skill levels Every title comes with a fun video phonics lesson in English and Spanish to reinforce phonics skills at home Program available in Spanish and English. Don’t miss out! The deadline to sign up is November 15th. Visit the Winter Reading Program Website to apply today!   Resource Opportunity   Free Trial Subscription to Mexico News Mexico News Daily is the leading English-language source of news about modern Mexico, reaching over 1 million readers monthly.  The narrative on Mexico in most media outlets is often negative and one sided - our team is focused on changing that perception problem.  Our mission is to elevate the profile of Mexico by providing balanced and complete news and information about the country.  Mexico is quickly evolving, is strategically more important than ever to the United States, and many of the perceptions about the country are outdated or just plain incorrect. You can check out the site here:  mexiconewsdaily.com We're excited to partner with TALAS to offer all members a complimentary 3-month subscription to Mexico News Daily.  This gives you unlimited access to 10+ daily articles and a library of over 25,000 pieces covering news, business, politics, food, culture, travel, and more.  No credit card is required, just create a password and start reading.  Access your free subscription here  https://mexiconewsdaily.com/register/?level_id=20          MND KIDS   For those leading bilingual classrooms, the stories we share shape identity and opportunity. For this reason, We have also launched MND KIDS, a dedicated platform designed specifically for dual-language classrooms across the United States. MND KIDS helps students connect with their heritage and stay informed about Mexico and the world through news articles written in both Spanish and English. It's an invaluable resource for providing age-appropriate, non-fiction content that builds reading skills, cultural pride, and media literacy in an era of misinformation. Learn more about MND KIDS by visiting the website here:  mndkids.com   Student Scholarship & Travel Opportunity Carlos V Education is pleased to announce the first annual Spanish Contest that encourages language learners around the world to submit their creative works. The contest is open to Spanish students between 12-18 years of age and features various categories including short stories, short essays, posters, and podcasts. Winners in each category receive a scholarship to attend one of our summer sessions in Spain, as well as a week of professional development for their teachers. Here's the link for more information. VOICE Chapter News   TALAS 956/RGV Installation Event Save the Date: TALAS 956/RGV Event – December 2, 2025 TALAS 956/RGV will be hosting its next event on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. This will be a historic occasion as the chapter adopts its bylaws and installs its founding Board Officers. Mark your calendars now — you won’t want to miss this important milestone for the Rio Grande Valley! Check out the amazing sponsors supporting this event — it’s going to be a great one!   TALAS El Paso Scholarship Opportunity Dear Educators, The Texas Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (TALAS) El Paso Chapter is proud to announce that applications are now open for the 2026 Keep Moving Scholarship! Each year, TALAS El Paso awards scholarships to outstanding Region 19 high school seniors who have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership, resilience, and a commitment to serving their community. With your support, we can continue to empower the next generation of leaders in our region. We kindly ask for your help in sharing this opportunity with your seniors, counselors, and campus communities. Scholarship Details Who Can Apply: High school seniors attending a Region 19 school who plan to pursue post-secondary education or certification in the 2026–2027 academic year. Awards: Five scholarships valued at $2,000 each One scholarship valued at $1,000 Application Opens: October 20, 2025 Deadline to Apply: January 2, 2026 Apply Online: www.talaseptx.com About the TALAS El Paso Keep Moving Scholarship TALAS El Paso is dedicated to fostering the academic and professional growth of future leaders in the El Paso region. Our annual scholarship program supports students who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership potential, and a heart for community service. By spreading the word, you’re helping ensure that students from every corner of Region 19 have access to this incredible opportunity to keep moving forward in their educational journey. Thank you for your continued support of our students and your commitment to equity and excellence in education. Together, we can help more students reach their goals and represent the strength of our community across the nation. Become a Member!   Welcome new members! TALAS Membership Drive Continues! We are thrilled to welcome new state & chapter members every week and to see our TALAS community continue to grow! November Members Dr. Cloris Rangel- State & NTX Dr. Tory Hill- State & HTX Dr. John Moore- State & HTX Dr. Daniel Soliz- State & HTX Dr. Roger Brown- State & HTX Dr. Demetrius McCall- State & HTX Crystal Romero Mueller- State & HTX Dr. Tatiana Morales Owens- State & HTX Dr. Mistie Dakroub- State Dr. Paola Gorman- State Frank Perez- State Dr. Megan Pape- State Dr. Marla Sheppard- State Dr. Wade Stanfors- State Dr, Nancy Bernardino- State & NTX Dr. Ricardo Lopez- State & NTX Jacob Nunez- State Dr. Joe Lopez- State & NTX Trisha Winebrinner- WTX Elia Cantu- Alamo Javier Aguilera- State & Tarrant County Dr. Rhianna Flores- State & Coastal Bend Dr. David Saenz- State & Tarrant County Hector Dominguez- Coastal Bend You can renew your membership today on the TALAS website or you can sign up for TALAS membership when you renew your TASA membership on the TASA website.   Visit the TALAS website for information on upcoming events. We have several events and meetings coming up. Come and join us! We would love to have you! TALAS website ADVOCACY National & State News Take a look at what is happening around you!   Tense board relationships fuel high superintendent turnover Since the COVID-19 pandemic, high superintendent turnover rates have not let up — and that’s not surprising, said Wendy Birhanzel, a district leader in Colorado.  Nearly a quarter (23%) of the 500 largest districts experienced a change in their superintendency between July 1, 2024 and July 1, 2025, according to a September report by ILO Group, a national education strategy and policy firm. This turnover is up from last year’s survey results showing a 20% rate and a notable uptick from pre-pandemic averages ranging from 14% to 16%, ILO Group found. Read more   Gen Z Teachers Are Ready to Reinvent Education. Schools Need to Catch Up The teaching profession is facing historic lows in both morale and retention across the nation. From falling student reading scores to exhausted teachers leaving classrooms, America’s schools face immense hurdles. Yet amid these challenges, a new generation of educators is stepping forward — driven by purpose, community and an unshakable belief that schools can be places of possibility. Gen Z educators, born between the late 1990s and early 2010s, are entering classrooms with fresh energy and an innovative approach. They are digital natives and are eager to leverage technology thoughtfully. They bring a keen understanding of student needs because they were students themselves recently. They are naturally inclined to collaborate, provide more choice and individualized learning in their classrooms, and work alongside students and families with more frequent communication and care. Read more 3-2-1: How results accumulate, the secret to motivation, and living with a calm persistence 3 Ideas From Me I. "Results tend to accumulate to the person who enjoys the lifestyle that precedes the result." II. "Earning more money increases freedom. Spending less than you earn reduces stress." III. "Motivation often increases after you begin. The lesson is not to wish you had more motivation, but to make starting as easy as possible." Read more   ADVOCACY TOOLS & RESOURCE CENTER   2025 Final Bill Summary Report: Regular and Special-Called Sessions After each legislative session, TASA produces a comprehensive list of summaries of education-related bills passed by the Texas Legislature. This report includes bills passed during the 2025 Regular and Special-Called Sessions. Thank you TASA Read here   A Toolkit for K-12 Educators TALAS is pleased to share a valuable new resource from the Texas Immigration Law Council (TxILC): Understanding the Impact of Immigration Enforcement and Policy on K–12 Schools. Originally released in May, this toolkit is designed to help K–12 educators and administrators navigate immigration-related challenges while fostering safe and welcoming school environments. TxILC is also seeking to partner with educational leaders to adapt a model policy that supports all students. If you are interested, please contact:: Lindsay Goldford Gray   Texas Voucher Law The Texas Legislature passed SB 2, a bill that creates a multi-billion-dollar universal private school voucher program for the first time in our state’s history. Vouchers drain money from public schools and this new law will do the same. The law will allow private companies to siphon taxpayer dollars away from public schools with no accountability for students or families. Click here to download graphic   Insights As part of TASA's centennial celebration, the fall issue of TASA INSIGHT features 100 quotes from 100 school leaders on the impact TASA has had on them. In this issue, we also say goodbye to the late Johnny L. Veselka, who served TASA for 40+ years.  Read and share the issue.   Texas School Business November/December The November/December issue of Texas School Business features the 2025 Texas Superintendent of the Year, Lamar CISD's Roosevelt Nivens. The issue also highlights the 2025 Outstanding School Board, Colorado ISD, and 2025 TSPRA Key Communicator Bobby Ott. It contains a photo feature from the TASA/TASB txEDCON 2025. Click here to read the issue PARTNERSHIPS Partner Spotlight TALAS extends heartfelt gratitude to our partners for their unwavering support and belief in our mission. Your investment and dedication play a vital role in strengthening the leadership pipeline, driving progress, and improving student outcomes. We deeply value your commitment to our shared vision of educational excellence.   Partner of the Week   Annual Partner Spotlight (Bronce)- Edustaff Edustaff is a leading K-12 substitute staffing and HR services partner that works with school districts to ensure classrooms remain staffed with qualified, reliable professionals. By managing the recruitment, hiring, training, and placement of substitute teachers, paraprofessionals, special education therapy providers, and other school support staff, Edustaff helps districts maintain continuity in student learning while reducing administrative burdens.   October Newsletter: Leading Through Change, Together This month’s newsletter explores one of the toughest challenges district leaders face - school consolidation and redistricting. You’ll find practical tools and proven frameworks to help you navigate shifting demographics, enrollment changes, and community trust with clarity and confidence. Click here to read more CAREER OPPORTUNITIES   Level Up: Take the Next Step with Another Degree! The academic department is seeking interest in a program for teachers who would like to become dual credit credentialed in English. We are offering a Masters of Liberal Arts (MLA) with a concentration in English Language Arts (ELA), comprising a 36-hour program with 18 hours in Instruction and 18 hours in ELA.  Please share this survey link with your Districts and Teachers.  https://abilenechristian.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9tcAluLwaiaGV02 Take a look at the opportunities from ACU! Visit the website to learn about a discount that is offered for TALAS members.   Find your next career opportunity TASA Career Center ESS Current Searches Superintendent Search JG Consulting Hazard, Young, Attea Associates GRRecruiting Arrow Educational Services K-12 Search Group   TALAS STORE Show Your TALAS Pride – Shop the New TALAS Store! Now Open: The TALAS Store Has Arrived! The holidays are fast approaching! Put your TALAS wear on your Christmas list! Show your support and represent TALAS with pride—visit the new TALAS Store to browse our exclusive merchandise, including shirts, hats, bags, and more! Whether you're heading to campus, attending an event, or just repping your favorite organization, we’ve got you covered. Shop now and start the year strong! We are starting the school year in style!   Our Mission TALAS, with an unrelenting commitment to improving learning outcomes for Latino learners, will provide leadership development, collective impact, advocacy, and a proactive voice for Latino and non-Latino leaders who have a passion for serving the fastest growing student population in our state.  

Monday, Nov 10 2025

TALAS Weekly Newsletter: We are delighted to announc...

TALAS Weekly Newsletter Texas Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents November 3, 2025   "It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop." LEADERSHIP TALAS Member Spotlight #1 TALAS Women's Leadership Conference Congratulations to Right at School for hosting a fabulous Women’s Conference on October 27, 2025! Attendees were inspired by a powerful lineup of speakers, including TALAS President-elect Dr. Michelle Cavazos, TALAS Secretary Dr. Megan Pape, and TALAS Founding Member Dr. Martha Salazar Zamora. A special thank you to TALAS Executive Director Dr. Celina Estrada Thomas for serving on the planning committee and helping make this event a reality. We look forward to next year’s conference!   TALAS Member Spotlight #2 Congratulations to Alamo Area TALAS for hosting their first “Plática” on October 29, 2025! Principal Ronnie Gonzalez shared her playbook for running a successful A-rated middle school campus. Her message was clear: achieving results takes a true team effort, and everyone must believe that students can perform at the highest levels. She also highlighted the 3 C’s that serve as guiding pillars for success: Communication, Culture, and Clarity. If you missed the “Plática” or want to rewatch this insightful session, visit the TALAS website and click on the Chapter tab to view the video.   Leadership Development Opportunities   You’re Invited – TALAS is Turning 15! TALAS is celebrating its quinceañera—15 years of advancing Latino leadership in education! Mark your calendars and join us this January for a special celebration honoring our journey, our impact, and our future. Interested in sponsoring? Click here! RSVP here We can’t wait to celebrate with you! Thank you for ClassLink for becoming our 1st Midwinter Reception Sponsor! We appreciate your support and partnership!! We look forward to celebrating with you!   Learning Opportunities   Abre Webinar: Visual Tools to Overcome Chronic Absenteeism TODAY at 2pm - 2:30pm EST Chronic absenteeism improves when the right people can see the right data. In this 30‑minute live session, Kanawha County Schools (WV) shares how they developed and rolled out a Student360 visualization that makes attendance simple, visible, and actionable for staff, students, and families. We’ll cover the “why,” the build, and the rollout, including family‑facing communications that helped drive awareness and improvement. RSVP   Travel Opportunities   EF Tours needs your application by November 7, 2025 Peru applications are now open for all TALAS members.    Applications are now open for the 2026 TALAS Annual Global Professional Development Program   Application deadline: Friday, November 7th, 2025    The annual scholarship application process is open to all active Superintendents and Central District Leaders who are current members of TALAS, which EF Educational Tours sponsors.     The 2026 tour will focus on innovation and culture as you join 25 fellow district leaders from around the country in Peru from July 7-15, 2026. During this experience, participants will build global competency, explore cultural sites, connect with the community, and take part in professional networking in an international setting.     During this experience, you will engage in hands-on learning as we explore cultural sites, such as Machu Picchu and Ollantaytambo, observe and participate in cultural activities, and participate in a service-learning project. You will also expand your professional network as you work collaboratively with peers exploring the importance of global competency for your district and community, all while discovering the rich history and culture of Peru. You'll be traveling with 25+ peers from across the country, including Arizona, California, New York, Ohio, Texas, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Georgia, and more.   Apply using this link today: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7LFTKRR      Application deadline: Friday, November 7, 2025  Finalists will be asked to complete a virtual interview.  Recipients will be notified on/around December 15, 2025    Student Scholarship & Travel Opportunity Carlos V Education is pleased to announce the first annual Spanish Contest that encourages language learners around the world to submit their creative works. The contest is open to Spanish students between 12-18 years of age and features various categories including short stories, short essays, posters, and podcasts. Winners in each category receive a scholarship to attend one of our summer sessions in Spain, as well as a week of professional development for their teachers. Here's the link for more information. VOICE Chapter News   Tarrant County Installation Ceremony We are honored to invite you to the Texas Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents – Tarrant County Chapter's Officer Installation Ceremony. This special event celebrates our continued commitment to leadership, equity, and excellence in education. Event Details Date: November 5, 2025 Time: 5:30 Location: Los Vaqueros Stockyards 2513 Rodeo Plaza Fort Worth, TX 76164   Join us as we welcome our newly elected officers and recognize their dedication to advancing Latino leadership in our schools and communities. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow members, celebrate our shared mission, and look ahead to an inspiring year of service. RSVP here: https://forms.gle/NQWSmVoPuG8LRgxk6 to confirm your attendance.   Membership Reminder If you haven’t renewed your TALAS membership or need to update your information, please take a moment to do so here: https://talasedu.org/join/   TALAS Expands — Introducing West Texas North TALAS! November 8, 2025 We are proud to announce the launch of a new TALAS chapter — West Texas North TALAS! Join us as we celebrate this exciting milestone and connect with fellow leaders who are passionate about advancing Latino leadership in education. Date: Friday, November 8, 2025 Location: West Texas A & M University Time: 1:00-3:00 p.m. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the very first West Texas North TALAS gathering! Stay tuned for registration and event details coming soon. Together, we continue to grow the TALAS network and empower the next generation of educational leaders.   TALAS El Paso Scholarship Opportunity Dear Educators, The Texas Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (TALAS) El Paso Chapter is proud to announce that applications are now open for the 2026 Keep Moving Scholarship! Each year, TALAS El Paso awards scholarships to outstanding Region 19 high school seniors who have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership, resilience, and a commitment to serving their community. With your support, we can continue to empower the next generation of leaders in our region. We kindly ask for your help in sharing this opportunity with your seniors, counselors, and campus communities. Scholarship Details Who Can Apply: High school seniors attending a Region 19 school who plan to pursue post-secondary education or certification in the 2026–2027 academic year. Awards: Five scholarships valued at $2,000 each One scholarship valued at $1,000 Application Opens: October 20, 2025 Deadline to Apply: January 2, 2026 Apply Online: www.talaseptx.com About the TALAS El Paso Keep Moving Scholarship TALAS El Paso is dedicated to fostering the academic and professional growth of future leaders in the El Paso region. Our annual scholarship program supports students who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership potential, and a heart for community service. By spreading the word, you’re helping ensure that students from every corner of Region 19 have access to this incredible opportunity to keep moving forward in their educational journey. Thank you for your continued support of our students and your commitment to equity and excellence in education. Together, we can help more students reach their goals and represent the strength of our community across the nation. Become a Member!   Welcome new members! TALAS Membership Drive Continues! We are thrilled to welcome new state & chapter members every week and to see our TALAS community continue to grow! October/November Members Alberto Alonso- State & Tarrant County Alejos Salazar- State & TALAS 956 Dr. Rene Gutierrez- State & TALAS 956 Alfredo Perez- State & TALAS 956 Annette Arredondo- State & TALAS 956 Elsa Hofstetter- State & Central Dr. Sandra Clement- State Dr. Angela Perez- Coastal Bend Dr. Juan Aleman- Coastal Bend Dr. Michelle Cavazos- State & C.Bend Dr. Mike Norris- State & Coastal Bend Dr. Luz Martinez- State & Coastal Bend Dr. Alex Salazar- State & Coastal Bend Dr. Marc Puig- State & Coastal Bend Dr. Rodrigo Pena- State & Coastal Bend Dr. Joann Valderas- State & Coastal Bend Hector Dominguez- State Dr. Adrian Bustillos- State & HTX Silvia Garay Scheirman- State & HTX Dr. La Tonya Goffney- State & HTX Dr. Shelly Butler- Alamo Janeth Plaza- El Paso Dr. Matilda Orozco- State & HTX Dr. Dawn Rodriguez- State & HTX You can renew your membership today on the TALAS website or you can sign up for TALAS membership when you renew your TASA membership on the TASA website.   Visit the TALAS website for information on upcoming events. We have several events and meetings coming up. Come and join us! We would love to have you! TALAS website ADVOCACY National & State News Take a look at what is happening around you!   Survey: Nearly Half of Families with Young Kids Struggling to Meet Basic Needs Nearly half of American families with children under 6 are struggling to meet at least one basic need, according to new data from the Stanford Center on Early Childhood. The 49% of families who reported not being able to access these necessities — including food, housing, utilities and child care — marks a 13 percentage-point jump since June and one of the highest rates recorded since the RAPID Survey Project began collecting data in 2020.  The economic struggles were paired with significant emotional distress among parents, including anxiety and depression.  Read more   The non-instructional ways schools are using AI If you feel behind on AI readiness, rest assured that most other districts are in the same digital boat. You can embark on/jump into the early stages of AI implementation by modeling innovative initiatives and research. More than 40% of K12 tech leaders say they’re having “early discussions” about AI’s operational and administrative functions, according to recent survey data from the Consortium for School Networking. Another 22% said their district leadership is not at all focused on operational AI. Read more   3-2-1: The importance of bad days, making the most money per minute, and how to start a revolution 3 Ideas From Me I. "What looks like a talent gap is often a focus gap. The "all-star" is often an average to above-average performer who spends more time working on what is important and less time on distractions. The talent is staying focused." II. "Something I try to remind myself: The strong mind finds a way to stay steady ... even when plans fall apart. The strong body finds a way to train ... even when the day doesn’t go your way. The strong relationship finds a way to reconnect ... even when things get rough. In a sense, what matters most is how you respond on the bad days, not the good ones. Read more   ADVOCACY TOOLS & RESOURCE CENTER   2025 Final Bill Summary Report: Regular and Special-Called Sessions After each legislative session, TASA produces a comprehensive list of summaries of education-related bills passed by the Texas Legislature. This report includes bills passed during the 2025 Regular and Special-Called Sessions. Thank you TASA Read here   A Toolkit for K-12 Educators TALAS is pleased to share a valuable new resource from the Texas Immigration Law Council (TxILC): Understanding the Impact of Immigration Enforcement and Policy on K–12 Schools. Originally released in May, this toolkit is designed to help K–12 educators and administrators navigate immigration-related challenges while fostering safe and welcoming school environments. TxILC is also seeking to partner with educational leaders to adapt a model policy that supports all students. If you are interested, please contact:: Lindsay Goldford Gray   Texas Voucher Law The Texas Legislature passed SB 2, a bill that creates a multi-billion-dollar universal private school voucher program for the first time in our state’s history. Vouchers drain money from public schools and this new law will do the same. The law will allow private companies to siphon taxpayer dollars away from public schools with no accountability for students or families. Click here to download graphic     Insights As part of TASA's centennial celebration, the fall issue of TASA INSIGHT features 100 quotes from 100 school leaders on the impact TASA has had on them. In this issue, we also say goodbye to the late Johnny L. Veselka, who served TASA for 40+ years.  Read and share the issue. PARTNERSHIPS Partner Spotlight TALAS extends heartfelt gratitude to our partners for their unwavering support and belief in our mission. Your investment and dedication play a vital role in strengthening the leadership pipeline, driving progress, and improving student outcomes. We deeply value your commitment to our shared vision of educational excellence.   Partner of the Week   Annual Partner Spotlight (Bronce)- DLR DLR Group believes in empowering learners through a forward-looking research-informed design focus that delivers transformational opportunity and fulfillment for all. Our full-service and fully integrated design team has proven success working with clients across Texas. Our team is committed to listening to your needs, designing to your standards, and delivering on the promise of utmost quality allowing you to stay focused on your mission of success through high-quality teaching and learning for all.   Discover Newsletter for October 24, 2025 Happy Fall, Everyone! We’re excited to talk about new features surrounding our Assessment Solution! Our product focus this year is on MTSS and Assessments. We plan to release a host of new features in Assessments around the end of November. But first! We’re looking for customers willing to pilot these beta features. The Abre Team Click here to read the newsletter   October Newsletter: Leading Through Change, Together This month’s newsletter explores one of the toughest challenges district leaders face - school consolidation and redistricting. You’ll find practical tools and proven frameworks to help you navigate shifting demographics, enrollment changes, and community trust with clarity and confidence. Click here to read more CAREER OPPORTUNITIES   Level Up: Take the Next Step with Another Degree! The academic department is seeking interest in a program for teachers who would like to become dual credit credentialed in English. We are offering a Masters of Liberal Arts (MLA) with a concentration in English Language Arts (ELA), comprising a 36-hour program with 18 hours in Instruction and 18 hours in ELA.  Please share this survey link with your Districts and Teachers.  https://abilenechristian.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9tcAluLwaiaGV02 Take a look at the opportunities from ACU! Visit the website to learn about a discount that is offered for TALAS members.   Find your next career opportunity TASA Career Center ESS Current Searches Superintendent Search JG Consulting Hazard, Young, Attea Associates GRRecruiting Arrow Educational Services K-12 Search Group   TALAS STORE Show Your TALAS Pride – Shop the New TALAS Store! Now Open: The TALAS Store Has Arrived! We are starting the school year in style! Look at Coastal Bend TALAS!! Show your support and represent TALAS with pride—visit the new TALAS Store to browse our exclusive merchandise, including shirts, hats, bags, and more! Whether you're heading to campus, attending an event, or just repping your favorite organization, we’ve got you covered. Shop now and start the year strong! We are starting the school year in style!   Our Mission TALAS, with an unrelenting commitment to improving learning outcomes for Latino learners, will provide leadership development, collective impact, advocacy, and a proactive voice for Latino and non-Latino leaders who have a passion for serving the fastest growing student population in our state.  

Monday, Nov 03 2025

TALAS Weekly Newsletter: It's not too late to sign u...

TALAS Weekly Newsletter Texas Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents October 27, 2025   "Those who keep learning will keep rising in life." LEADERSHIP TALAS Member Spotlight #1 TALAS El Paso Welcomed Region 19 Educators TALAS El Paso celebrated Region 19 educators on Thursday, October 23, 2025, with a lively social event at the Lotus Social House. Educators filled the room to network, share ideas, and build meaningful connections. A heartfelt thank you to EF Tours and Novo Dia for sponsoring the evening. The TALAS El Paso Board introduced themselves and shared upcoming events and initiatives designed to support and empower local education leaders. We look forward to seeing TALAS El Paso launch the upcoming book study for their members on November 1st.   Leadership Development Opportunities   Texas Women in Leadership Conference TODAY! Right At School is extending an invite! You’re Invited: An Exclusive Gathering of Texas Women Leaders Reserve your spot today! Join us for a dynamic day filled with impactful sessions, meaningful connections, and inspiring experiences — all designed to empower and celebrate women leading in Texas education.   You’re Invited – TALAS is Turning 15! TALAS is celebrating its quinceañera—15 years of advancing Latino leadership in education! Mark your calendars and join us this January for a special celebration honoring our journey, our impact, and our future. Interested in sponsoring? Click here! RSVP here We can’t wait to celebrate with you!   Learning Opportunities   Alamo Area Highlights A Rated Campus on October 29, 2025 Alamo Area TALAS Presents: A Virtual Learning Opportunity with Somerset Junior High Alamo Area TALAS invites you to join an inspiring virtual learning session highlighting the success story of Somerset Junior High—an A-rated campus for four consecutive years, as recognized by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). Principal Roni Gonzales will share the best practices and leadership strategies that have propelled Somerset Junior High to continued excellence. Mark your calendars and scan the QR code to register—don’t miss this chance to learn from one of the best!   Abre Webinar: Visual Tools to Overcome Chronic Absenteeism November 3 | 2pm - 2:30pm EST Chronic absenteeism improves when the right people can see the right data. In this 30‑minute live session, Kanawha County Schools (WV) shares how they developed and rolled out a Student360 visualization that makes attendance simple, visible, and actionable for staff, students, and families. We’ll cover the “why,” the build, and the rollout, including family‑facing communications that helped drive awareness and improvement. RSVP   Travel Opportunities   EF Tours needs your application by November 7, 2025 Peru applications are now open for all TALAS members.    Applications are now open for the 2026 TALAS Annual Global Professional Development Program   Application deadline: Friday, November 7th, 2025    The annual scholarship application process is open to all active Superintendents and Central District Leaders who are current members of TALAS, which EF Educational Tours sponsors.     The 2026 tour will focus on innovation and culture as you join 25 fellow district leaders from around the country in Peru from July 7-15, 2026. During this experience, participants will build global competency, explore cultural sites, connect with the community, and take part in professional networking in an international setting.     During this experience, you will engage in hands-on learning as we explore cultural sites, such as Machu Picchu and Ollantaytambo, observe and participate in cultural activities, and participate in a service-learning project. You will also expand your professional network as you work collaboratively with peers exploring the importance of global competency for your district and community, all while discovering the rich history and culture of Peru. You'll be traveling with 25+ peers from across the country, including Arizona, California, New York, Ohio, Texas, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Georgia, and more.   Apply using this link today: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7LFTKRR      Application deadline: Friday, November 7, 2025  Finalists will be asked to complete a virtual interview.  Recipients will be notified on/around December 15, 2025    Student Scholarship & Travel Opportunity Carlos V Education is pleased to announce the first annual Spanish Contest that encourages language learners around the world to submit their creative works. The contest is open to Spanish students between 12-18 years of age and features various categories including short stories, short essays, posters, and podcasts. Winners in each category receive a scholarship to attend one of our summer sessions in Spain, as well as a week of professional development for their teachers. Here's the link for more information. VOICE Chapter News   Tarrant County Installation Ceremony We are honored to invite you to the Texas Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents – Tarrant County Chapter's Officer Installation Ceremony. This special event celebrates our continued commitment to leadership, equity, and excellence in education. Event Details Date: November 5, 2025 Time: 5:30 Location: Los Vaqueros Stockyards 2513 Rodeo Plaza Fort Worth, TX 76164   Join us as we welcome our newly elected officers and recognize their dedication to advancing Latino leadership in our schools and communities. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow members, celebrate our shared mission, and look ahead to an inspiring year of service. RSVP by [11-1-2025 ] to confirm your attendance.   Membership Reminder If you haven’t renewed your TALAS membership or need to update your information, please take a moment to do so here: https://talasedu.org/join/   TALAS Expands — Introducing West Texas North TALAS! November 8, 2025 We are proud to announce the launch of a new TALAS chapter — West Texas North TALAS! Join us as we celebrate this exciting milestone and connect with fellow leaders who are passionate about advancing Latino leadership in education. Date: Friday, November 8, 2025 Location: West Texas A & M University Time: 1:00-3:00 p.m. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the very first West Texas North TALAS gathering! Stay tuned for registration and event details coming soon. Together, we continue to grow the TALAS network and empower the next generation of educational leaders.   TALAS El Paso Scholarship Opportunity Dear Educators, The Texas Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (TALAS) El Paso Chapter is proud to announce that applications are now open for the 2026 Keep Moving Scholarship! Each year, TALAS El Paso awards scholarships to outstanding Region 19 high school seniors who have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership, resilience, and a commitment to serving their community. With your support, we can continue to empower the next generation of leaders in our region. We kindly ask for your help in sharing this opportunity with your seniors, counselors, and campus communities. Scholarship Details Who Can Apply: High school seniors attending a Region 19 school who plan to pursue post-secondary education or certification in the 2026–2027 academic year. Awards: Five scholarships valued at $2,000 each One scholarship valued at $1,000 Application Opens: October 20, 2025 Deadline to Apply: January 2, 2026 Apply Online: www.talaseptx.com About the TALAS El Paso Keep Moving Scholarship TALAS El Paso is dedicated to fostering the academic and professional growth of future leaders in the El Paso region. Our annual scholarship program supports students who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership potential, and a heart for community service. By spreading the word, you’re helping ensure that students from every corner of Region 19 have access to this incredible opportunity to keep moving forward in their educational journey. Thank you for your continued support of our students and your commitment to equity and excellence in education. Together, we can help more students reach their goals and represent the strength of our community across the nation. Become a Member!   Welcome new members! TALAS Membership Drive is Underway! We are thrilled to welcome new state & chapter members every week and to see our TALAS community continue to grow! October Members Chad Davis- Tarrant County Dr. Teresa Silva- Alamo Dr. Roberto Zamora- TALAS 956 Robert Downes- State Rodrigo Portillo- Central Dr. Angie Maxey- HTX Stephanie Hernandez- HTX Marisa Ramirez- Central Dean Bujnoch- Central Gema Hanson- Central Darren Cole-Ochoa- Central Diana Pecorino- State & North Texas Dr. Ricardo Garcia- West Texas North Patricia Bazan- El Paso Dr. Alexis Osorio Juusola- Central Claudia Castillo- State Angie Bartley- State & Central Rafael Childress- Central Monica Bustillos- El Paso Edmundo Garcia- West Texas North Elia Martinez- HTX Hope Garza- HTX Nereida Ochoa- HTX Erika Acevedo- HTX Lori Aleman- HTX Mario Sandoval- HTX Hannah Imoru- HTX Patricia De Luna- HTX Marcus Williams- HTX Monique Miles- HTX Dr. Georgina Castilleja- HTX Stephanie Rivera Busby- HTX Dr. Elizabeth Guajardo- State & HTX Jason Busby- HTX Mariano Garcia- HTX Gabby Ordonez- HTX Marie Arcos- HTX Antonio Rios- HTX Elizabell Garcia- HTX Dr. Stephanie Moye- State & HTX Sheree Bogany- State & HTX Ignacio Estorga- State & El Paso David Herrera- El Paso Carmen Imai- El Paso Amy Canales- El Paso Isela Pichardo- El Paso Liliana Diaz- El Paso Neil Novoa- El Paso Maria Duran- El Paso Virginia Bernal- El Paso Jehieli Garcia- State & TALAS 956 You can renew your membership today on the TALAS website or you can sign up for TALAS membership when you renew your TASA membership on the TASA website.   Visit the TALAS website for information on upcoming events. We have several events and meetings coming up. Come and join us! We would love to have you! TALAS website ADVOCACY National & State News Take a look at what is happening around you!   Why teaching is a team sport and every school needs a playbook Teaching is often called a noble profession, but it can also be a lonely one. Unlike most workplaces where adults collaborate daily with colleagues, many teachers spend the majority of their time in classrooms with students, having little contact with other adults. That isolation contributes not only to feelings of loneliness but also to burnout and compassion fatigue, the emotional exhaustion that comes from carrying student challenges alone. But what if we stopped treating teaching as an individual pursuit and started treating it like what it truly is: a team sport? Read more   Exclusive: As Feds Step Back, States Step Up Sharing Ways to Boost Student Achievement For almost a quarter of a century — as far back as the 2001 passage of No Child Left Behind — states have been required under federal law to identify and focus intense support on their poorest-performing schools. What that means, practically speaking, is that the most targeted and resource-heavy programs are poured into turning around the bottom 5% of schools in every state, including those with chronically bad graduation rates and those where certain subgroups of students languish below grade-level.  On its face, that’s not a bad priority — though being identified as such has historically meant being targeted with drastic policy changes, including state takeovers. But in many ways, the COVID-19 pandemic scrambled the traditional school landscape: Suddenly, math and reading scores plummeted across the board for students in every school, and chronic absenteeism soared. Four years later, the U.S. education system is still trying to claw its way back to pre-pandemic achievement levels.  Read more   3-2-1: On balancing gratitude and ambition, the best things in life, and feeling like you have enough 3 Ideas From Me I. "Each day, spend some time on two things: working toward something that will pay off years from now appreciating something that is happening right now" II. "Do not fear what you can address. What should worry you is not the problem, but if you are resisting addressing it." Read more   ADVOCACY TOOLS & RESOURCE CENTER   2025 Final Bill Summary Report: Regular and Special-Called Sessions After each legislative session, TASA produces a comprehensive list of summaries of education-related bills passed by the Texas Legislature. This report includes bills passed during the 2025 Regular and Special-Called Sessions. Thank you TASA Read here   A Toolkit for K-12 Educators TALAS is pleased to share a valuable new resource from the Texas Immigration Law Council (TxILC): Understanding the Impact of Immigration Enforcement and Policy on K–12 Schools. Originally released in May, this toolkit is designed to help K–12 educators and administrators navigate immigration-related challenges while fostering safe and welcoming school environments. TxILC is also seeking to partner with educational leaders to adapt a model policy that supports all students. If you are interested, please contact:: Lindsay Goldford Gray   Texas Voucher Law The Texas Legislature passed SB 2, a bill that creates a multi-billion-dollar universal private school voucher program for the first time in our state’s history. Vouchers drain money from public schools and this new law will do the same. The law will allow private companies to siphon taxpayer dollars away from public schools with no accountability for students or families. Click here to download graphic   Texas Business School The September/October issue of Texas School Business highlights a district turnaround in DeSoto ISD under the leadership of Superintendent Usamah Rodgers. The issue also features profiles on TASA President Chris Moran and TEPSA President Dana Harley Boyd. It also contains photo features from TASA's txedFest, TEPSA's annual summer conference, and TASSP's summer workshop. Click here to read more   Insights As part of TASA's centennial celebration, the fall issue of TASA INSIGHT features 100 quotes from 100 school leaders on the impact TASA has had on them. In this issue, we also say goodbye to the late Johnny L. Veselka, who served TASA for 40+ years.  Read and share the issue. PARTNERSHIPS Partner Spotlight TALAS extends heartfelt gratitude to our partners for their unwavering support and belief in our mission. Your investment and dedication play a vital role in strengthening the leadership pipeline, driving progress, and improving student outcomes. We deeply value your commitment to our shared vision of educational excellence.   Partner of the Week   Annual Partner Spotlight (Plata)- Core Construction CORE, a corporation with nearly 90 years of history, was founded in 1937 in Morton, IL, and has since grown to over 20 locations across the United States. Now headquartered in Frisco, TX, we are committed to delivering exceptional professional services to both long-standing and new Clients, as well as the communities we serve nationwide. Driven by a strong company culture and a passion for service, our team of professionals excels in what we call the "Business of Building." Our exclusive reconstruction and construction management platform, Operational Excellence, sets us apart.   Discover Newsletter for October 24, 2025 Happy Fall, Everyone! We’re excited to talk about new features surrounding our Assessment Solution! Our product focus this year is on MTSS and Assessments. We plan to release a host of new features in Assessments around the end of November. But first! We’re looking for customers willing to pilot these beta features. The Abre Team Click here to read the newsletter CAREER OPPORTUNITIES   Level Up: Take the Next Step with Another Degree! The academic department is seeking interest in a program for teachers who would like to become dual credit credentialed in English. We are offering a Masters of Liberal Arts (MLA) with a concentration in English Language Arts (ELA), comprising a 36-hour program with 18 hours in Instruction and 18 hours in ELA.  Please share this survey link with your Districts and Teachers.  https://abilenechristian.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9tcAluLwaiaGV02 Take a look at the opportunities from ACU! Visit the website to learn about a discount that is offered for TALAS members.   Find your next career opportunity TASA Career Center ESS Current Searches Superintendent Search JG Consulting Hazard, Young, Attea Associates GRRecruiting Arrow Educational Services K-12 Search Group   TALAS STORE Show Your TALAS Pride – Shop the New TALAS Store! Now Open: The TALAS Store Has Arrived! We are starting the school year in style! Look at Coastal Bend TALAS!! Show your support and represent TALAS with pride—visit the new TALAS Store to browse our exclusive merchandise, including shirts, hats, bags, and more! Whether you're heading to campus, attending an event, or just repping your favorite organization, we’ve got you covered. Shop now and start the year strong! We are starting the school year in style!   Our Mission TALAS, with an unrelenting commitment to improving learning outcomes for Latino learners, will provide leadership development, collective impact, advocacy, and a proactive voice for Latino and non-Latino leaders who have a passion for serving the fastest growing student population in our state.  

Monday, Oct 27 2025

TALAS Weekly Newsletter: New TALAS Board Members are...

TALAS Weekly Newsletter Texas Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents October 20, 2025   "People who want to see you win, will help you win." LEADERSHIP TALAS Member Spotlight #1 TALAS Welcomes Three New Board Members! It is with great pride and excitement that we announce the appointment of three new members to the TALAS Board of Directors! These outstanding leaders were unanimously approved during the October Executive Board meeting. TALAS extends its sincere appreciation to all who submitted applications and continue to support our mission of serving the fastest-growing population in the United States. As educational leaders, we share a great responsibility to advocate for our students and to prepare future leaders who will successfully guide our campuses and districts. Congratulations to our newest Board Members: Dr. Bobbie Trevizo, Superintendent, Zapata ISD Rose Pearson, Superintendent, Carrizo Springs CISD Dr. Rudy Trevino, Superintendent and School Board Services for Region 4 Welcome to the TALAS Board! We look forward to your leadership and contributions to advancing Latino student success across Texas. A formal ceremony will take place in January 2026. Dr. Bobbie Trevizo- Superintendent- Zapata ISD Rose Pearson- Superintendent- Carrizo Springs CISD Dr. Rudy Trevino- Superintendent & School Board Services- Region 4   TALAS Member Spotlight #2 TALAS Director of Leadership Takes the Hot Seat! Congratulations to Dr. Rick Fernandez for stepping into the spotlight with renowned educator and author Jimmy Casas! On October 13th, the tables turned as Dr. Fernandez became the interviewee in The Interview Chair series. During the conversation, Dr. Fernandez shared valuable insights on the importance of philosophical alignment among staff, how experience shapes leadership roles, and the powerful role perception plays in educational settings. We’re proud to celebrate this moment with Dr. Fernandez—congratulations on this incredible opportunity! TALAS is proud to have such inspiring leadership. Click here to gain access to the podcast.   TALAS Member Spotlight #3 Houston HTX TALAS Keeps the Momentum Rolling with Fall Social Event! HTX TALAS hosted a vibrant Fall Networking Event on Saturday, October 18, 2025, bringing together educational leaders from across schools and communities for an evening of connection and collaboration. The event was a tremendous success—HTX welcomed 20 new members to the TALAS family! Congratulations to the HTX team for continuing to build strong relationships and grow the network of Latino leaders in education.   TALAS Member Spotlight #4 TALAS Represents at the ALAS National Conference in Chicago It was an honor to represent TALAS at the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS) National Conference in Chicago, Illinois. Attendees had the distinct privilege of learning from and listening to a number of distinguished panels, including remarks from former U.S. Secretaries of Education Dr. Miguel Cardona and Arne Duncan. The Power of Us Summit featured over 50 dynamic sessions, including a Leadership Master Class led by several outstanding superintendents—among them, TALAS’ own Dr. Martha Salazar-Zamora. The conference served as a powerful reminder of the importance of challenging the status quo when it no longer serves the needs of our students and educators. As leaders, we are called to use our voices to advocate for equity, excellence, and meaningful change. Congratulations to ALAS Executive Director Uly Navarrete and his team for organizing a truly top-notch experience! Leadership Development Opportunities   Texas Women in Leadership Conference October 27, 2025 Right At School is extending an invite! You’re Invited: An Exclusive Gathering of Texas Women Leaders Reserve your spot today! Join us for a dynamic day filled with impactful sessions, meaningful connections, and inspiring experiences — all designed to empower and celebrate women leading in Texas education.   You’re Invited – TALAS is Turning 15! TALAS is celebrating its quinceañera—15 years of advancing Latino leadership in education! Mark your calendars and join us this January for a special celebration honoring our journey, our impact, and our future. Interested in sponsoring? Click here! We can’t wait to celebrate with you!   Learning Opportunities   Alamo Area Highlights A Rated Campus on October 29, 2025 Alamo Area TALAS Presents: A Virtual Learning Opportunity with Somerset Junior High Alamo Area TALAS invites you to join an inspiring virtual learning session highlighting the success story of Somerset Junior High—an A-rated campus for four consecutive years, as recognized by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). Principal Roni Gonzales will share the best practices and leadership strategies that have propelled Somerset Junior High to continued excellence. Mark your calendars and scan the QR code to register—don’t miss this chance to learn from one of the best!   Travel Opportunities   EF Tours needs your application by November 7, 2025 Peru applications are now open for all TALAS members.    Applications are now open for the 2026 TALAS Annual Global Professional Development Program   Application deadline: Friday, November 7th, 2025    The annual scholarship application process is open to all active Superintendents and Central District Leaders who are current members of TALAS, which EF Educational Tours sponsors.     The 2026 tour will focus on innovation and culture as you join 25 fellow district leaders from around the country in Peru from July 7-15, 2026. During this experience, participants will build global competency, explore cultural sites, connect with the community, and take part in professional networking in an international setting.     During this experience, you will engage in hands-on learning as we explore cultural sites, such as Machu Picchu and Ollantaytambo, observe and participate in cultural activities, and participate in a service-learning project. You will also expand your professional network as you work collaboratively with peers exploring the importance of global competency for your district and community, all while discovering the rich history and culture of Peru. You'll be traveling with 25+ peers from across the country, including Arizona, California, New York, Ohio, Texas, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Georgia, and more.   Apply using this link today: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7LFTKRR      Application deadline: Friday, November 7, 2025  Finalists will be asked to complete a virtual interview.  Recipients will be notified on/around December 15, 2025  VOICE Chapter News   TALAS El Paso Hosts Its Second Event of the Year! October 23, 2025 We’re excited to invite you to our TALAS El Paso October Social on Thursday, October 23, from 6:00–8:00 PM at Lotus Social House (300 N. Mesa St). Join fellow educational leaders, colleagues, and community partners for an evening of networking, collaboration, and celebration. This event is a wonderful opportunity to connect with peers who share a passion for leadership, advocacy, and educational excellence across our region. Special Giveaway: All attendees will have the chance to enter a drawing to win a domestic round-trip airline ticket—anywhere in the United States! Chance for your district to win a golf team at our 2026 TALAS El Paso Keep Moving Golf Tournament. Event Details: Date: Thursday, October 23 Time: 6:00–8:00 PM Location: Lotus Social House, 300 N. Mesa St. RSVP: Click here to RSVP We can’t wait to see you there and continue to strengthen our network of leaders who are Keeping Moving for our students and communities. Thank you to EF Tours and NovoDia for sponsoring the event.   TALAS Expands — Introducing West Texas North TALAS! November 8, 2025 We are proud to announce the launch of a new TALAS chapter — West Texas North TALAS! Join us as we celebrate this exciting milestone and connect with fellow leaders who are passionate about advancing Latino leadership in education. Date: Friday, November 8, 2025 Location: West Texas A & M University Time: 1:00-3:00 p.m. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the very first West Texas North TALAS gathering! Stay tuned for registration and event details coming soon. Together, we continue to grow the TALAS network and empower the next generation of educational leaders.   Become a Member!   Welcome new members! TALAS Membership Drive is Underway! We are thrilled to welcome new state & chapter members every week and to see our TALAS community continue to grow! October Members Chad Davis- Tarrant County Dr. Teresa Silva- Alamo Dr. Roberto Zamora- TALAS 956 Robert Downes- State Rodrigo Portillo- Central Dr. Angie Maxey- HTX Stephanie Hernandez- HTX Marisa Ramirez- Central Dean Bujnoch- Central Gema Hanson- Central Darren Cole-Ochoa- Central Diana Pecorino- State & North Texas Dr. Ricardo Garcia- West Texas North Patricia Bazan- El Paso Dr. Alexis Osorio Juusola- Central Claudia Castillo- State Angie Bartley- State & Central Rafael Childress- Central Monica Bustillos- El Paso Edmundo Garcia- West Texas North You can renew your membership today on the TALAS website or you can sign up for TALAS membership when you renew your TASA membership on the TASA website.   Visit the TALAS website for information on upcoming events. We have several events and meetings coming up. Come and join us! We would love to have you! TALAS website ADVOCACY National & State News Take a look at what is happening around you!   These superintendents show how to redefine K12 success The transformative K12 success achieved by several superintendents gives the phrase “bold leadership” new meaning. From district turnarounds to student mental health to academic achievement, these leaders are challenging the norms with innovation and sustainability as driving forces. “We are breaking the myth that it takes five, six, seven years to turn around a district,” says Mike Miles, the state-appointed superintendent of the Houston Independent School District. “For the first time ever, we can say that ZIP code is not destiny.” Read more   How We Outperformed National Reading Scores – And Kept Students at Grade Level As reading scores remain a top concern for schools nationwide, many districts are experimenting with ability-based grouping in the early grades. The idea is to group students in multiple grade levels by their current reading level — not their grade level. A classroom could have seven kindergartners, 10 first graders, and three second graders grouped together for reading because they all read at the same level. While this may work for some schools, in our district, Rockwood School District in Missouri, we’ve chosen a different path. We keep students together in their class during whole-class instruction — regardless of ability level — and provide support or enrichment by creating flexible groups based on instructional needs within their grade level. Read more   In reading, the nation's students are still stuck in a pandemic slump When it comes to reading, the nation's third- through eighth-graders are still mired in a pandemic-era slump, according to new testing data. In math, the news is only a little more heartening: Student achievement in those grades either held steady or improved slightly, though all grades remain behind performance levels of same-grade students in 2019. The data comes from NWEA, a K-12 testing and research organization, and its Spring 2025 MAP Growth assessment, a suite of tests taken by millions of students in thousands of U.S. schools. Read more   3-2-1: A simple practice for peace, how to become disciplined, and being bold 3 Ideas From Me I. "Intelligence isn't just about what you know. It is also the ability to avoid being your own bottleneck. If you lack the skills, be willing to look foolish while you learn them. If you lack the connections, be courageous enough to reach out and build them. If you feel uncertain, be bold enough to figure it out along the way. Many people have the ability, but they talk themselves out of trying." II. "Your thoughts and actions belong to you just like your possessions. Every so often, it helps to declutter—donate old clothes or clear out a crowded shelf. Maybe it's time to let go of some unhelpful thoughts or outdated actions too?" Read more   ADVOCACY TOOLS & RESOURCE CENTER   2025 Final Bill Summary Report: Regular and Special-Called Sessions After each legislative session, TASA produces a comprehensive list of summaries of education-related bills passed by the Texas Legislature. This report includes bills passed during the 2025 Regular and Special-Called Sessions. Thank you TASA Read here   A Toolkit for K-12 Educators TALAS is pleased to share a valuable new resource from the Texas Immigration Law Council (TxILC): Understanding the Impact of Immigration Enforcement and Policy on K–12 Schools. Originally released in May, this toolkit is designed to help K–12 educators and administrators navigate immigration-related challenges while fostering safe and welcoming school environments. TxILC is also seeking to partner with educational leaders to adapt a model policy that supports all students. If you are interested, please contact:: Lindsay Goldford Gray   Texas Voucher Law The Texas Legislature passed SB 2, a bill that creates a multi-billion-dollar universal private school voucher program for the first time in our state’s history. Vouchers drain money from public schools and this new law will do the same. The law will allow private companies to siphon taxpayer dollars away from public schools with no accountability for students or families. Click here to download graphic   Texas Business School The September/October issue of Texas School Business highlights a district turnaround in DeSoto ISD under the leadership of Superintendent Usamah Rodgers. The issue also features profiles on TASA President Chris Moran and TEPSA President Dana Harley Boyd. It also contains photo features from TASA's txedFest, TEPSA's annual summer conference, and TASSP's summer workshop. Click here to read more   Insights As part of TASA's centennial celebration, the fall issue of TASA INSIGHT features 100 quotes from 100 school leaders on the impact TASA has had on them. In this issue, we also say goodbye to the late Johnny L. Veselka, who served TASA for 40+ years.  Read and share the issue. PARTNERSHIPS Partner Spotlight TALAS extends heartfelt gratitude to our partners for their unwavering support and belief in our mission. Your investment and dedication play a vital role in strengthening the leadership pipeline, driving progress, and improving student outcomes. We deeply value your commitment to our shared vision of educational excellence.   Partner of the Week   Annual Partner Spotlight (Bronce)- Centegix CENTEGIX® is the industry leader and largest wearable safety technology provider for K-12 education. The cloud-based CENTEGIX Safety Platform™, featuring our CrisisAlert™ wearable badge, initiates the fastest response time for emergencies, from the everyday to the extreme, anywhere on campus. Leaders in over 14,000 locations   CAREER OPPORTUNITIES   Level Up: Take the Next Step with Another Degree! The academic department is seeking interest in a program for teachers who would like to become dual credit credentialed in English. We are offering a Masters of Liberal Arts (MLA) with a concentration in English Language Arts (ELA), comprising a 36-hour program with 18 hours in Instruction and 18 hours in ELA.  Please share this survey link with your Districts and Teachers.  https://abilenechristian.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9tcAluLwaiaGV02 Take a look at the opportunities from ACU! Visit the website to learn about a discount that is offered for TALAS members.   Find your next career opportunity TASA Career Center ESS Current Searches Superintendent Search JG Consulting Hazard, Young, Attea Associates GRRecruiting Arrow Educational Services   TALAS STORE Show Your TALAS Pride – Shop the New TALAS Store! Now Open: The TALAS Store Has Arrived! We are starting the school year in style! Look at Coastal Bend TALAS!! Show your support and represent TALAS with pride—visit the new TALAS Store to browse our exclusive merchandise, including shirts, hats, bags, and more! Whether you're heading to campus, attending an event, or just repping your favorite organization, we’ve got you covered. Shop now and start the year strong! We are starting the school year in style!   Our Mission TALAS, with an unrelenting commitment to improving learning outcomes for Latino learners, will provide leadership development, collective impact, advocacy, and a proactive voice for Latino and non-Latino leaders who have a passion for serving the fastest growing student population in our state.  

Monday, Oct 20 2025

TALAS Weekly Newsletter: TALAS is growing statewide ...

TALAS Weekly Newsletter Texas Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents October 13, 2025   "Trust the timing. Even delays have a purpose." LEADERSHIP TALAS Member Spotlight #1 TALAS 956 Launches in the Rio Grande Valley! TALAS 956 officially launched on Monday, October 6, 2025, with its inaugural event at the Museum of South Texas History. Dr. Bobbie Treviño led the advisory committee and shared an inspirational story that set the tone for this exciting new chapter in the Rio Grande Valley. The next meeting is scheduled for December, where officers will be elected and chapter bylaws will be approved — you won’t want to miss it! A special thank-you to Age of Learning and UWorld for sponsoring this milestone event and supporting the mission of TALAS to advance Latino leadership in education.   TALAS Member Spotlight #2 CTALAS Kicks Off Membership Drive with an Inspiring Social Event! CTALAS began its Membership Drive with an outstanding social event in Austin, Texas. Dr. Hafedh Azaiez, Superintendent of Round Rock ISD, opened the evening with an inspiring leadership story that set the tone for the evening. Now is the perfect time to get involved and become a leading advocate for Latino leadership and student equity. A heartfelt thank-you to Prisms and UWorld for sponsoring this chapter event and supporting the mission of TALAS. We look forward to seeing the Austin area membership continue to grow and reach new heights! CTALAS will also have the honor of hosting the State Leadership Summit in June 2026 — stay tuned for more details!   Leadership Development Opportunities   Texas Women in Leadership Conference October 27, 2025 Right At School is extending an invite! You’re Invited: An Exclusive Gathering of Texas Women Leaders Reserve your spot today! Join us for a dynamic day filled with impactful sessions, meaningful connections, and inspiring experiences — all designed to empower and celebrate women leading in Texas education.   You’re Invited – TALAS is Turning 15! TALAS is celebrating its quinceañera—15 years of advancing Latino leadership in education! Mark your calendars and join us this January for a special celebration honoring our journey, our impact, and our future. Interested in sponsoring? Click here! We can’t wait to celebrate with you!   Learning Opportunities   Just Right Reader : October 16, 2025 It's back to school season and Just Right Reader is ready to help you accelerate student achievement from day one. Each session is offered on two dates to help it into your schedule. Register here   Travel Opportunities   EF Tours needs your application by November 7, 2025 Peru applications are now open for all TALAS members.    Applications are now open for the 2026 TALAS Annual Global Professional Development Program   Application deadline: Friday, November 7th, 2025    The annual scholarship application process is open to all active Superintendents and Central District Leaders who are current members of TALAS, which EF Educational Tours sponsors.     The 2026 tour will focus on innovation and culture as you join 25 fellow district leaders from around the country in Peru from July 7-15, 2026. During this experience, participants will build global competency, explore cultural sites, connect with the community, and take part in professional networking in an international setting.     During this experience, you will engage in hands-on learning as we explore cultural sites, such as Machu Picchu and Ollantaytambo, observe and participate in cultural activities, and participate in a service-learning project. You will also expand your professional network as you work collaboratively with peers exploring the importance of global competency for your district and community, all while discovering the rich history and culture of Peru. You'll be traveling with 25+ peers from across the country, including Arizona, California, New York, Ohio, Texas, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Georgia, and more.   Apply using this link today: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7LFTKRR      Application deadline: Friday, November 7, 2025  Finalists will be asked to complete a virtual interview.  Recipients will be notified on/around December 15, 2025  VOICE Chapter News   HTX Fall Networking Event: October 18, 2025 Join us this fall for the HTX TALAS Networking Event, where education leaders from across the Houston area come together to connect, collaborate, and celebrate community. This is the perfect opportunity to expand your professional network, share ideas, and learn more about how TALAS is supporting leaders and students in the Houston region. Whether you’re a member or new to TALAS, this event is designed to inspire conversation and build meaningful connections. October 18 is calling your name! Interested in sponsoring an event? Please click here.     TALAS El Paso Hosts Its Second Event of the Year! October 23, 2025 We’re excited to invite you to our TALAS El Paso October Social on Thursday, October 23, from 6:00–8:00 PM at Lotus Social House (300 N. Mesa St). Join fellow educational leaders, colleagues, and community partners for an evening of networking, collaboration, and celebration. This event is a wonderful opportunity to connect with peers who share a passion for leadership, advocacy, and educational excellence across our region. Special Giveaway: All attendees will have the chance to enter a drawing to win a domestic round-trip airline ticket—anywhere in the United States! Chance for your district to win a golf team at our 2026 TALAS El Paso Keep Moving Golf Tournament. Event Details: Date: Thursday, October 23 Time: 6:00–8:00 PM Location: Lotus Social House, 300 N. Mesa St. RSVP: Click here to RSVP We can’t wait to see you there and continue to strengthen our network of leaders who are Keeping Moving for our students and communities. Thank you to EF Tours and NovoDia for sponsoring the event.   TALAS Expands — Introducing West Texas North TALAS! November 8, 2025 We are proud to announce the launch of a new TALAS chapter — West Texas North TALAS! Join us as we celebrate this exciting milestone and connect with fellow leaders who are passionate about advancing Latino leadership in education. Date: Friday, November 8, 2025 Location: West Texas A & M University Time: 1:00-3:00 p.m. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the very first West Texas North TALAS gathering! Stay tuned for registration and event details coming soon. Together, we continue to grow the TALAS network and empower the next generation of educational leaders.   Become a Member!   Welcome new members! TALAS Membership Drive is Underway! We are thrilled to welcome new state & chapter members every week and to see our TALAS community continue to grow! October Members Chad Davis- Tarrant County Dr. Teresa Silva- Alamo Dr. Roberto Zamora- TALAS 956 Robert Downes- State Rodrigo Portillo- Central Dr. Angie Maxey- HTX Stephanie Hernandez- HTX Marisa Ramirez- Central Dean Bujnoch- Central Gema Hanson- Central Darren Cole-Ochoa- Central Diana Pecorino- State & North Texas Dr. Ricardo Garcia- West Texas North Patricia Bazan- El Paso Dr. Alexis Osorio Juusola- Central Claudia Castillo- State You can renew your membership today on the TALAS website or you can sign up for TALAS membership when you renew your TASA membership on the TASA website. Visit the TALAS website for information on upcoming events. We have several events and meetings coming up. Come and join us! We would love to have you! TALAS website ADVOCACY National & State News Take a look at what is happening around you!   A superintendent who sees himself as the ‘shepherd’ of his flock At Texas’s La Porte Independent School District, Superintendent Dr. Walter Jackson doesn’t want to be recognized for leadership, but for being a gentle, kind soul. “I only set out to do this work because I felt a deep calling in my life to lead, to listen, to love and to learn with the people with whom I have given custodial care,” Jackson says. Part of that work includes being visible throughout his schools every day, ensuring each of his 7,200 students has a personal connection with their superintendent. He calls it “leading by loving the people.” Read more   4 ways to make sure bosses don’t fumble on feedback It’s a common gripe that most bosses could be better at offering feedback — and not fumble it. But there’s another type of feedback fumble that drives employees round the bend — being bad at receiving feedback. While bosses are often saddled with the official duty of offering feedback to their employees, they’re certainly not the only ones with opinions. Employees also have observations and ideas on how to improve processes. They have feedback to offer as well, but the boss may never ask for it — and that’s a fumble.  Read more   3-2-1: On the root cause of poor decisions, how things stick, and a simple equation for success 3 Ideas From Me I. "Lessons are unlikely to stick unless they are repeated. Behaviors are unlikely to stick unless they are repeated. Love is unlikely to stick unless it is repeated. The practice solidifies." II. "Many of the moments when you think, 'I wish I had handled that better,' or 'I should have seen that more clearly,' aren't really about poor judgment. Often, the root cause is either rushing through the task or skipping basic self-care. Get an extra hour of sleep. Stop trying to do so many things at once. Go for a walk or get a little exercise. Take a breath and actually think for a minute. Read more   ADVOCACY TOOLS & RESOURCE CENTER   2025 Final Bill Summary Report: Regular and Special-Called Sessions After each legislative session, TASA produces a comprehensive list of summaries of education-related bills passed by the Texas Legislature. This report includes bills passed during the 2025 Regular and Special-Called Sessions. Thank you TASA Read here   A Toolkit for K-12 Educators TALAS is pleased to share a valuable new resource from the Texas Immigration Law Council (TxILC): Understanding the Impact of Immigration Enforcement and Policy on K–12 Schools. Originally released in May, this toolkit is designed to help K–12 educators and administrators navigate immigration-related challenges while fostering safe and welcoming school environments. TxILC is also seeking to partner with educational leaders to adapt a model policy that supports all students. If you are interested, please contact:: Lindsay Goldford Gray   Texas Voucher Law The Texas Legislature passed SB 2, a bill that creates a multi-billion-dollar universal private school voucher program for the first time in our state’s history. Vouchers drain money from public schools and this new law will do the same. The law will allow private companies to siphon taxpayer dollars away from public schools with no accountability for students or families. Click here to download graphic   Texas Business School The September/October issue of Texas School Business highlights a district turnaround in DeSoto ISD under the leadership of Superintendent Usamah Rodgers. The issue also features profiles on TASA President Chris Moran and TEPSA President Dana Harley Boyd. It also contains photo features from TASA's txedFest, TEPSA's annual summer conference, and TASSP's summer workshop. Click here to read more   PARTNERSHIPS Partner Spotlight TALAS extends heartfelt gratitude to our partners for their unwavering support and belief in our mission. Your investment and dedication play a vital role in strengthening the leadership pipeline, driving progress, and improving student outcomes. We deeply value your commitment to our shared vision of educational excellence.   Annual Partner Spotlight (Bronce)- Benchmark Education Benchmark Education Company provides students and teachers with the resources they need to become problem-solvers, decision-makers, and joyful learners. Our mission is for every student to find lifelong inspiration, growth, and success through literacy, language, and knowledge development.   CAREER OPPORTUNITIES   Level Up: Take the Next Step with Another Degree! The academic department is seeking interest in a program for teachers who would like to become dual credit credentialed in English. We are offering a Masters of Liberal Arts (MLA) with a concentration in English Language Arts (ELA), comprising a 36-hour program with 18 hours in Instruction and 18 hours in ELA.  Please share this survey link with your Districts and Teachers.  https://abilenechristian.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9tcAluLwaiaGV02 Take a look at the opportunities from ACU! Visit the website to learn about a discount that is offered for TALAS members.   Find your next career opportunity TASA Career Center ESS Current Searches Superintendent Search JG Consulting Hazard, Young, Attea Associates GRRecruiting Arrow Educational Services   TALAS STORE Show Your TALAS Pride – Shop the New TALAS Store! Now Open: The TALAS Store Has Arrived! We are starting the school year in style! Look at Coastal Bend TALAS!! Show your support and represent TALAS with pride—visit the new TALAS Store to browse our exclusive merchandise, including shirts, hats, bags, and more! Whether you're heading to campus, attending an event, or just repping your favorite organization, we’ve got you covered. Shop now and start the year strong! We are starting the school year in style!   Our Mission TALAS, with an unrelenting commitment to improving learning outcomes for Latino learners, will provide leadership development, collective impact, advocacy, and a proactive voice for Latino and non-Latino leaders who have a passion for serving the fastest growing student population in our state.  

Monday, Oct 13 2025