Texas Association of Future Educators competed in the Region X Competition Nov. 12. This year, 15 members of TAFE participated with 11 of them making it to state, the biggest number competitors and state qualifiers in Wylie ISD history.

TAFE is an organization open to all students who want to explore the field of education.

“It provides such great opportunities for learning and for competition,” TAFE Sponsor Ms. Jessica Taylor said.

TAFE is for anyone who wishes to explore the teaching profession. Go talk to Ms. Taylor in room 834 to join.

“I started TAFE 10 years ago and back then we only had five members,” Taylor said. “The fact that we have so many State qualifiers shows just how talented and prepared the students are.”

Each student participated in different competitions. One of those being the Bulletin Board Contest where students select a learning standard and create a trifold board with an interactive activity based on the learning standard. Competitors present their board to a panel of judges and answer questions about their activity.

“So much work and research was put into our competition,” junior Kate Sheets said. “I feel as if it was paid off.”

Another contest is Ethical Dilemma Competition where a team of TAFE members are presented with a fictional scenario. The team does research, creates a solution to the problem and facilitates a discussion about the scenario at a TAFE meeting. After that, the team puts together a presentation to show its solution to a panel of judges.

“I like that there is no wrong answer,” sophomore Jacqueline Ramirez said. “The competition is based on you and your group’s opinions.”

Finalists in the Region X Competition will head to Arlington, Texas, for the TAFE State competition at the University of Texas in Arlington Feb. 16 -19.

The following TAFE students advanced to State:

Bulletin Board Contest: juniors Alexys Creighton and Kate Sheets

Children’s Literature K-3 Competition: junior Sheridan Williams

Differentiated Lesson Competition: seniors Lauren Chumbley and Emily Koonce

Ethical Dilemma Competition: sophomores Jordan Meyer, Jacqueline Ramirez, Erin Schuster, and Morgan Whitesell

Exploring Support Services Careers: senior Hailey Nicholls

Exploring Administration Careers: sophomore Karaline Klakamp

Impromptu Lesson Plan: senior Alexys Creighton, senior Kate Sheets and junior Sheridan Williams

Public Speaking: sophomore Erin Schuster