Ten students advanced from state to nationals in Washington D.C from June 24 to 27. 

Texas Association of Future Educators (TAFE) is a club created to give students an opportunity to explore the teaching profession. Within the program, students compete in different categories of teaching skills. This year, all members of TAFE competed in the area and advanced to the state competition. 

“​It’s hard to explain the joy and pride I felt both when my students advanced to state and then to Nationals,” TAFE sponsor Jill Hill said. “I will never forget the energy in the room – their excitement for themselves but also their joy for each other. It was thrilling to see their hard work pay off. We are both so proud of all of these students.”

This is Mrs. Hill’s first full year as a sponsor for TAFE and her first full year for in-person competitions. Hill and Molly Brinkley Villasenor, chemistry teacher and former TAFE member,  gathered all 17 competitors to Hill’s classroom and watched the slideshow of who was advancing. 

“We asked the students to stand as their name was called for advancing to state,” Hill said. “At the end of the presentation, ALL 17 STUDENTS WERE STANDING!”

Seniors Abby Koehler, Maci Delgado and junior Elisabeth Armendariz advanced in two events: Inside our Schools and Ethical Dilemma. 

Senior Luis Lopez advanced in the Impromptu Speaking category. This event allowed him 10 minutes to make a two-four minute speech about a topic that they’d never seen. The prompt is given right before the presentation and the competitor has to effectively convey their points with evidence. 

“My favorite part of impromptu speaking is a feeling similar to a roller coaster that you get every time you walk into the prep room and the presentation itself, “ Lopez said, “because it follows the same rhythm. The moments before the competition all up until you turn around that topic paper is that same moment that you are just slowly going up and up and up on a roller coaster. Figuring out the topic is that sharp drop that either terrifies you or thrills you. And the twist and turns are all the paths you go through in making and presenting the speech.”

Competitors and their skills

Abby Koehler, Macie Delgado, Elisabeth Armendariz – advancing in two events: Inside our Schools & Ethical Dilemma

Ava Rhodes & Luis Lopez – Interactive Bulletin Board (High School)

Heather Love & Audrey Crawford – Interactive Bulletin Board (Elementary)

Luis Lopez – Impromptu Speaking

Brady Hutchison – Exploring Non-Core Teaching Careers

Summer Hood – Exploring Support Service Careers

Ashley Amaya – Educators Rising Moment

The following students received a Gold Certificate, the highest honor, in their breakout sessions. These are non-national qualifying competitions:

Caroline Johns

Ashley Amaya

Valerie Diaz

Terra Newman

Jollethe Zaragoza

“​I absolutely recommend that TAFE students participate in the competition opportunities,” Hill said. “Not only does it give them the potential to make it to State and Nationals, but it gives them the ability to practice skills that they will use throughout their life, such as public speaking, collaboration, working under pressure, and gaining confidence in themselves. The other added benefit is that the students who compete become very close and end up having their own little community when the season is over.”