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Teacher Vacancy Task Force Membership

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The Task Force is comprised of teachers and school system leaders in public education hailing from a variety of districts and geographies, and serving student populations that are representative of the diversity of Texas.

The Task Force will meet every other month for one year, with Commissioner Morath and agency leadership regularly facilitating discussions with Task Force members, while including insights gathered from experts and additional education stakeholders throughout the State of Texas.

Biographical information on this page is accurate as of August 1, 2022.

Teacher Members

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  • Josue Tamarez Torres, Chair

  • Dallas ISD
  • Cesar Chavez Learning Center
    4th & 5th Grade Bilingual Math
  • Josue Tamarez Torres teaches Math and Science at Cesar Chavez Learning Center in Dallas ISD where he is entering his 11th year as an educator.  He is a Dallas ISD mentor teacher, serves on the Campus Instructional Leadership Team and has a Master Teacher designation from the Texas Education Agency. Additionally, he is a gubernatorial appointee to the Texas Commission on Virtual Education and the State Board for Educator Certification, a Texas Math and Science Coaches Association member, former education fellow and professional development facilitator for Teaching Trust, and a former Teach Plus policy fellow. Mr. Torres was the 2018 Dallas ISD and Southeast Dallas Chamber of Commerce Teacher of the Year. He’s a former corps member and mentor for Teach for America and received a Bachelor of Business Administration from Baruch College.

  • Melina Recio

  • McAllen ISD
  • McAllen High School
    English 2, AP Composition and Literature
  • Ms. Melina Recio teaches 10th and 11th grade English at McAllen High School in McAllen ISD where she will begin her 11th year as an educator. In 2019, she was named McAllen ISD Secondary District Teacher of the Year. Ms. Recio has given a TEDx Talk, received a Transformational Leadership award from Texas A&M, and served as a Senior Policy Fellow with Teach Plus. She currently serves on the Measure What Matters Council. She helps write curriculum for her district and provides content support to new teachers across the Rio Grande Valley. Ms. Recio has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Texas A&M in International Studies and Political Diplomacy and holds an 8th – 12th English Language Arts and Reading teaching certificate as well as an ESL Supplemental.

  • Jean Streepey

  • Highland Park ISD
  • Highland Park Middle School
    5th - 8th Grade STEAM
  • Ms. Jean Streepey teaches Business Design and Leadership in Highland Park ISD where she is entering her 17th year as an educator. Previously she taught middle level Math and STEAM for 16 years. Ms. Streepey has been honored as the Region 10 Secondary Teacher of the Year, a Presidential Awardee for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching, and as a Team Leader for the U.S. Education Department’s Teach to Lead Innovation Summit. She currently serves as Chair of the State Board for Educator Certification. Ms. Streepey has a Bachelor of Business Administration from Southern Methodist University, a Master of Business Administration from Louisiana State University in Shreveport, and a Master of Education from the University of Texas at Arlington.  She holds a Master Math Teacher, Business and Finance, and Principal certifications. 

  • Linda Galvan

  • Los Fresnos CISD
  • Los Fresnos United
    High School English 1 & 2, SPED/Resource, ESL
  • Ms. Linda Galvan teaches Resource/ESL English 1 and 2 at Los Fresnos United in Los Fresnos CISD where she is entering her 18th year as an educator. In that time, Ms. Galvan served on various committees including Proclamation 2020, TELPAS and EOC review. She earned a Master of Education degree from Walden University and is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Education. She holds certificates in ELAR 8-12, Special Education EC-12, ESL Supplemental EC-12, and Principal as Instructional Leader.  

  • Cynthia Hopkins

  • Corpus Christi ISD
  • Kaffie Middle School
    7th & 8th Grade Science
  • Dr. Cynthia Hopkins teaches 7th grade science at Kaffie Middle School in Corpus Christi ISD, where she is entering her 16th year as an educator.  She is also an adjunct professor in the College of Education and Human Development at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.  Dr. Hopkins has a Recognized Teacher designation from the Texas Education Agency and serves as the chairperson of her district’s advisory team.  She received the Reliant All-Star Educator award, Butler Award for Teaching Excellence, WE Teach Award and Shell/Texas Regional Collaborative Teaching Excellence Award.  Dr. Hopkins has a doctorate in Curriculum & Instruction from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and holds certifications in 4-8 Generalist & Science and EC-12 Principal.

  • Kimberly Davis

  • Goliad ISD
  • Goliad Middle School
    7th Grade ELAR, 6th-8th Grade Gifted and Talented
  • Ms. Kimberly Davis teaches 1st grade at Goliad Elementary School in Goliad ISD where she is entering her 27th year as an educator. For the past 16 years, Kimberly Davis has served as an ELAR teacher at Goliad Middle School.  Ms. Davis received her degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education from Texas A&M University-Kingsville. Her teaching certifications include Elementary Early Childhood Education (PK-6), Elementary Self-Contained (PK-6), English Language Arts & Reading (4-8), and English as a Second Language Supplemental (PK-8). 

  • Vania Amado

  • Fort Bend ISD
  • Lula Belle Goodman Elementary
    4th Grade Bilingual ELAR & Social Studies
  • Ms. Vania Amado teaches 5th grade bilingual English Language Arts and Social Studies at Goodman Elementary in Fort Bend ISD where she is entering her 12th year as an educator. She has served as a mentor, cooperating teacher, English Language Arts content lead, and a professional learning leader on her campus. Ms. Amado provides training to her peers to increase their knowledge in areas of success criteria, student ownership, goal setting, peer, and teacher feedback. She was elected Goodman Teacher of the Year in 2020-2021 and the Goodman SHABE Bilingual Teacher of the Year in 2021-2022. Ms. Amado holds a Doctor Degree in Dental Science from the University of Federal Fluminense/Brazil and has an EC-6 and Bilingual Education Supplemental-Spanish certificate.

  • Sadie Atha

  • East Chambers ISD
  • East Chambers High School
    High School English 3 & 4, AP Literature
  • Ms. Sadie Atha teaches 11th and 12th grade English at East Chambers High School in East Chambers ISD and is entering her 6th year as an educator. Ms. Atha has been the sponsor of the high school drill team for 3 years and has been the UIL Journalism coach for two years, where she has also been a member of the Journalism Educator’s Association (JEA). She served on the school’s District of Innovation committee and was on the Remote Learning Advisory Team for her district. Ms. Atha has her Master of Science in Publishing from the University of Houston-Victoria and is certified in English Language Arts & Reading (7-12), along with the English as a Second Language supplemental (7-12). 

  • Brian Kruk

  • Pineywoods Community Academy
  • Pineywoods Community Academy
    High School Government/Economics, Coach
  • Mr. Brian Kruk teaches 12th grade Government and Economics at Pineywoods Community Academy in Lufkin where he is currently serving in his 30th year as an educator. Brian has been a Junior High Coach and Campus Coordinator at Angleton, later rose to Head Freshmen Football Coach and JV Basketball and eventually made a move to Conroe High School to be the Varsity Assistant Boys Basketball.  He would take over the Head Boys Basketball positions at Corrigan-Camden HS and Diboll HS, then landed at Pineywoods Community Academy and started a brand new UIL program, building the Basketball, Track and Golf Teams from 1A to the current 3A size. Brian has a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education from Oklahoma State University and holds a Composite Social Studies and Physical Education Secondary teaching certificate. 

  • Joshua Sciara

  • DeKalb ISD
  • DeKalb Middle School
    7th Grade Science, 6th-8th Grade STEAM, 8th Grade CTE Horticulture
  • Mr. Joshua Sciara teaches 7th Grade Science, 7th Grade Introduction to Horticulture, and 8th Grade CTE Horticultural Science at DeKalb Middle School in DeKalb ISD where he is entering his 4th year as an educator. Mr. Sciara has pioneered teacher development and student success through grant funding in multiple formats. Most notably, he independently wrote and received an international $30,000 teacher development grant through the McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Texas A&M University – Texarkana, a Master of Arts in Christian Apologetics from Liberty University and will hold a Master of Education in Education Leadership from West Texas A&M University in August of 2022. In addition to his accomplishments, Mr. Sciara also holds his TExES teacher certification in Science 7-12, Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources 6-12, Gifted and Talented, and English as a Second Language (ESL). 

  • Janie Coheen

  • Judson ISD
  • Elolf Elementary School
    PreK
  • Ms. Janie Coheen currently teaches PreK-4 general education at Elolf Elementary in Judson ISD where she will be entering her 24th year as an educator. Her first 15 years in teaching were in Clark County School District in Las Vegas, Nevada. Ms. Coheen was a recipient of the Distinguished Educator Award in 2016-17 representing Elolf Elementary School and is currently serving as the PTO/Teacher liaison. She received her Bachelor of Arts from San Jose State University and has a Master of Education degree from Nova Southeastern University. Ms. Coheen holds an EC-6 grade generalist teaching certificate. 

  • Eric Hale

  • Dallas ISD
  • David G. Burnet Elementary
    1st & 2nd Grade Self-Contained
  • Mr. Eric Hale teaches first grade at David G. Burnett Elementary in Dallas ISD where he is entering his 12th year as an educator. Mr. Hale was named a finalist for America’s five most inspirational Teachers in America by National University as the Southwest Regional Winner in 2021. He was also the 2021 Texas State Teacher of the Year and was chosen as the overall state representative for the 2021 National Teacher of the Year awards, the first time in Texas history an African American male received both honors. He received the 2020 Queen Smith award for the top elementary school teacher in an urban district and has a Master Teacher designation from the Texas Education Agency.  

  • Tiffany Kilcoyne

  • Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD
  • Hurst Junior High School
    7th Grade English
  • Ms. Tiffany Kilcoyne teaches 7th grade English at Hurst Junior High in Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD where she is entering her 19th year as an educator. Nine of those years have been spent teaching in Texas, however, she had the opportunity to spend 10 years teaching and serving as a language acquisition coach in France. She has also had the privilege of teaching every stage of development from infants in daycare to French university students in a “grande ecole”. In Crowley ISD, Ms. Kilcoyne was voted Outstanding 7th Grade Teacher of the Year three years in a row, and in H-E-B ISD she represented both her campus and district as Teacher of the Year. She holds certifications in Secondary English, History, Social Studies Composite, and Reading.

  • Pam Fischer

  • Waco ISD
  • Provident Heights Elementary
    PreK-5th Grade Physical Education
  • Ms. Pam Fischer teaches physical education at Provident Heights Elementary School in Waco ISD where she has over 30 years of experience as an educator. She is a two-time Campus Teacher of the Year, served five terms as a member on the QDAC-District Decision making team, spent multiple years on the Waco ISD Curriculum Writing Committee for Physical Education, and was the Administrator for the 2021-2022 ESSER grant for Waco ISD’s Physical Education department. Ms. Fischer is the President of the Waco Texas State Teachers Association and has a Summer Faculty McLennan Community College Education Certification. In addition, she has a Bachelor of Science degree from Sam Houston State University and an Associates in Arts from Blinn College.  

  • Valerie Haywood

  • Bastrop ISD
  • Bastrop Middle School
    6th - 8th Grade ESL
  • Ms. Valerie Haywood teaches 4th grade reading and writing at Cedar Creek Elementary in Bastrop ISD where she is currently serving in her 8th year as an educator. She previously served on the Bastrop Teacher Support Council Committee which aims to provide feedback on school organizational effectiveness. Ms. Haywood has professional affiliations with the Texas Classroom Teachers Association, National Black MBA Association, Society of Human Resources Management, Austin SHRM, Texas Computer Education Association, and the Texas Association of School Administrators. She has a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Adolescent Literacy from Concordia Portland University, a Master of Education in Education Technology and Innovation from Concordia Texas University, and a Master of Business Administration in Organizational Development and Learning from Concordia Texas University. Additionally, Ms. Haywood holds an EC-6th Generalist, EC-12 English as a Second Language, and a 7th-12th English Language Arts teaching certificate.

  • Jennifer Kuehne

  • Round Rock ISD
  • Teacher
    K-5th Grade Special Education
  • Ms. Jennifer Kuehne is a Special Education Inclusion/Resource teacher and case manager in Round Rock ISD where she is entering her 16th year as an educator. Ms. Kuehne also has experience as a general education teacher in grades 1st-4th . Previously teaching in Killeen ISD, Jennifer was the 2015-2016 Teacher of the Year for Mountain View Elementary. She has actively served her campuses and districts including, but not limited to, the RRISD CCNA Steering Committee, Team Lead, Site Based Committee, UIL Coach, UIL Judge, Math and Science Vertical teams, mentor teacher and PLC Leadership team. Ms. Kuehne has a BA from the Pennsylvania State University and Texas educator certificates in Special Education K-12, ESL K-12, and Educator Generalist for grades EC – 4th. 

  • Faye Urich

  • Haskell CISD
  • Haskell Elementary School
    Early Childhood Special Education, PreK-3rd Grade
  • Ms. Faye Urich teaches Pre-K 3 and Early Childhood Special Education in Haskell CISD where she is entering her 28th year as an educator. Her teaching experience includes years spent in Early Childhood, Preschool Program for Children with Disabilities, Early Childhood Special Education, Pre-K 3, Pre-K 4, K-12 Special Education, 7th and 8th English Language Arts and Social Studies, 1st-12th Life Skills/TEACCH, Behavior Interventionist, birth-12th Itinerant Visual Impairment Teacher, and Multiple Disabilities Consultant. She also worked for Early Childhood Intervention, a federal program that works with children birth-3 and their families in the home, as a Visual Impairment/Multiple Disabilities Specialist, Early Intervention Specialist, Family Service Coordinator, and Direct Service Provider. Ms. Urich earned her BBS in Education from Hardin-Simmons University, earned her Visual Impairment Certification through Texas Tech, graduated from Texas Tech with a Masters in Special Education and Educational Diagnostician Certification, and is currently working toward her PhD in Special Education, emphasis in Sensory Disorders including Visual Impairment at Texas Tech.   

  • Tiffany Klaerner

  • Mason ISD
  • Mason Elementary School
    PreK
  • Ms. Tiffany Klaerner teaches Pre-Kindergarten at Mason Elementary in Mason ISD where she is entering her 26th year as an educator. All 26 years of her career have been spent teaching Mason students from PreK to eighth grade. Tiffany recently obtained her Master of Business Administration in Nonprofit Management from Our Lady of the Lake University. She is the cofounder and president of Morning Hope Ministries and seeks to support the mental health of children and families in her community. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from Southwest Texas State University, as well as PK-6 Early Childhood, Elementary Education, and English as a Second Language teaching certificates.  

  • Kisaundra Harris

  • Amarillo ISD
  • Tascosa High School
    High School Anatomy and Physiology, Forensic Science
  • Ms. Kisaundra Harris teaches Anatomy & Physiology and Forensic Science at Tascosa High School in Amarillo ISD where she is currently serving in her 22nd year as an educator. Ms. Harris is a Teach Plus Alumnus and 2019-20 Teach Plus Senior Fellow. She is a member of the 2019 Centers for Disease Control Science Ambassador Fellowship and has been named district finalist for Amarillo ISD Secondary Teacher of the Year as well as received the Science Teachers Association of Texas’ Outstanding High School Science Teacher of the Year. She received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The University of Central Oklahoma, and an MEd in Curriculum and Instruction from West Texas A&M University and holds a 6-12 Biology & ESL certification.  

  • Natasha Garcia

  • Hale Center ISD
  • Akin Elementary
    1st Grade Self-Contained
  • Ms. Natasha Garcia teaches 4th grade mathematics at Akin Elementary in Hale Center ISD where she is currently serving in her 6th year as an educator. She previously taught first grade in a self-contained classroom. Ms. Garcia attended Lubbock Christian University where she recently received her Master’s in Education for Curriculum and Instruction and is working towards her Leadership Certification. She holds an EC-6th grade generalist teaching certificate and is ESL certified. 

  • Suzanne Kirkland

  • Forsan ISD
  • Forsan JR/SR High School
    Business Information Management
  • Ms. Suzanne Kirkland teaches Business Information Management 1 and 2 at the Junior/Senior High School in Forsan ISD where she is entering her 27th year as an educator. Ms. Kirkland has spent her entire teaching career at Forsan ISD in the same classroom. In 2021, she received the Forsan JR/SR High School Teacher of the Year Award. Ms. Kirkland has a Bachelor of Science degree with a certification in business education. 

  • Sergio Estrada

  • Ysleta ISD
  • Riverside High School
    AP Physics
  • Mr. Sergio Estrada is a math and science instructional coach at Valle Verde Early College High School in Ysleta ISD. He was an HEB Excellence in Education Rising Star finalist and has been a recipient of the Ernest & Sarah Butler Award for Excellence in Science Teaching, Success Through Technology Math Architect award, and a Yale educator award. He is a Texas Mindset Initiative fellow. As a fellow, he has helped identify high-impact classroom practices that foster a growth mindset in STEM classes, co-developed prototypes for immediate testing by peers in classrooms across the state, and piloted interventions. Mr. Estrada has a Master of Education degree from Harvard University and holds a 7th-12th Science Composite teaching certificate.

  • Alexandra Fain

  • Wichita Falls ISD
  • Booker T. Washington Elementary
    3rd Grade ELAR
  • Ms. Alexandra Fain teaches 3rd grade English Language Arts at Booker T. Washington Elementary in Wichita Falls ISD where she is entering her 10th year as an educator with 2 years of experience as a paraprofessional.

School System Administrator Members

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  • Greg Rodriguez

  • Edcouch Elsa ISD
  • Superintendent
  • Dr. Gregory Rodríguez is the Superintendent of Edcouch-Elsa ISD. He has served as Deputy Superintendent of Schools at Waterbury Public Schools in Waterbury Connecticut, the Superintendent of Schools in Carlsbad, New Mexico, Deputy Superintendent in Huntsville ISD, and Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction, and Accountability and former Director of Secondary Curriculum and District Accountability for San Marcos CISD. He is currently a member of the Texas Association of School Administrators and Texas Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents. He earned a bachelor’s degree in English and Spanish from Southwest Texas State University and a master’s in curriculum and instruction from Houston Baptist University with a specialization in Instructional Technology. Dr. Rodriguez received his Ph.D. in Education with a concentration in School Improvement from Texas State University-San Marcos. 

  • Roland Hernandez

  • Corpus Christi ISD
  • Superintendent
  • Dr. Roland Hernandez is the Superintendent of Corpus Christi ISD. He served as Superintendent of Waco ISD, with additional leadership as Deputy Superintendent in Tyler and Belton. He is active on boards and professional organizations, including Texas Urban Council (President), Texas School Alliance (Past President), and TASA Member Outreach Committee, among others. Hernandez’ awards and recognitions include Region 2 Superintendent of the Year, one of five state finalists for 2020 Texas Superintendent of the Year, Community Leader of the Year, and Most Influential Hispanic. Dr. Hernandez earned his doctorate from the University of Texas at Austin. He holds a master’s degree from the University of Houston at Clear Lake, and a Bachelor of Science from Texas State University.  

  • Brandon Chandler

  • Gregory-Portland ISD
  • Chief Human Resources Officer
  • Mr. Brandon Chandler is the Chief Human Resources Officer for Gregory-Portland ISD where he is entering his 22nd year in public education. He began his career in 2000 as a Junior High Orchestra teacher in Richardson ISD. He taught grades 6-9 before moving to Grand Prairie ISD where he continued to teach at the Middle School level. He taught for a total of 10 years before becoming a campus administrator. He served as a campus administrator for 8.5 years before moving into Human Resources. Mr. Chandler has been a member of TMEA, TODA, TEPSA and currently is a member and District 1 representative for TASPA. He has a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of North Texas, a Master of Education Administration degree from Lamar University and holds Superintendent, Principal, and Music certifications.

  • Diana Barrera Ugarte

  • Kenedy ISD
  • Superintendent
  • Dr. Diana Barrera is the Superintendent of Kennedy ISD where she is entering her 35th year in public education and her 5th year as Superintendent of the 2A rural district. She has served as an administrator for 23 years and has worked most of her career at 4A, 5A, and 6A schools. Dr. Barrera served on the Superintendent Executive Committee for ESC Region 3 for three years and has served on the Executive Board for the Texas Rural Education Association for the past four years. She is a member of the 2021 Thompson Academy and has served as a guest speaker and superintendent panelist for superintendent certification programs at Texas State University and Texas A&M San Antonio. Dr. Barrera holds a Ph. D in School Improvement from Texas State University. 

  • LaTonya Goffney

  • Aldine ISD
  • Superintendent
  • Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney is the Superintendent of Aldine ISD but began her career as an eighth-grade language arts teacher. She previously served as Superintendent for Coldspring-Oakhurst CISD and Lufkin ISD before becoming Superintendent of Aldine ISD. She is active in the Texas School Alliance, the Texas Association of Black School Educators, the Texas Council of Women School Executives, the Texas Association of School Administrators, Chiefs for Change, the National Alliance of Black School Educators, and the Texas Urban Council of Superintendents. She was awarded the TASB Superintendent of the Year (2017), a 2020 finalist for AASA's Superintendent Award, and the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents' 2021 National Champions of Equity Award. Dr. Goffney holds her bachelor's degree, a master's, and a doctorate from Sam Houston State University.

  • Jay Killgo

  • Vidor ISD
  • Superintendent
  • Dr. Jay Killgo is the Superintendent of Vidor ISD and is entering his 26th year in education. During this time Dr. Killgo served as a 4th grade teacher, 6th grade teacher, Middle School Assistant Principal, High School Principal and Superintendent. He is a member of the Texas Association of School Administrators and the Texas Association of Mid-Sized Schools. Dr. Killgo graduated with a bachelor’s degree in History from Sam Houston State University and a master’s and doctorate from Lamar University.  

  • Jason Hewitt

  • Shepherd ISD
  • Superintendent
  • Mr. Jason Hewitt is the Superintendent of Shepherd ISD, where he currently serves in his 25th year as an educator. Jason began his work in Brackettville, Texas as a Special Education teacher and coach. He has held numerous leadership positions in education, including assistant principal, principal, and assistant superintendent. Jason earned a Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Angelo State University. He has a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, TX.  

  • Brandon Enos

  • Cushing ISD
  • Superintendent
  • Dr. Brandon Enos is the superintendent of Cushing ISD. He presents regularly on instructional best-practices, RTI/closing instructional gaps, effective mentorship, and recruiting and retaining high-quality teachers. Before becoming an administrator, he taught History, PE, and Health in Texas, Oklahoma, and Hawaii. Dr. Enos is a proud member of TASA, ASCD, TREA, TASBO, and his local Rotary Club in Nacogdoches. He earned his doctoral degree in Instructional Leadership and holds certifications in Social Studies, Physical Education, Principal, and Superintendent.

  • Judd Marshall

  • Mount Pleasant ISD
  • Superintendent
  • Mr. Judd Marshall is the Superintendent of Mount Pleasant ISD where he is currently serving in his 27th year in education with 24 of them being spent in Mount Pleasant. Mr. Marshall has been the superintendent for the past 9 years and has been on the TACS Executive Committee, the TASA Executive Committee, the Equity Center Board of Directors, the UIL Region IV Music Executive Committee, and the Region VIII Executive RAC. He was the 2017 Region VIII Superintendent of the Year and was also a Top 5 State Finalist for Superintendent of the Year in 2017. Mr. Marshall has a Bachelor of Science in Education from Henderson State University and a Master of Education Degree from Texas A&M-Commerce.  

  • Leah Tunnell

  • Burkburnett ISD
  • Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Services
  • Ms. Leah Tunnell is the Assistant Superintended for Administrative Services in Burkburnett ISD where she is entering her 32nd year in education.  Prior to her work in human resources, Ms. Tunnell worked in campus leadership as a counselor, assistant principal, principal and as a district CTE Director.  Before that, she taught high school English. Ms. Tunnell has been a member of TASPA for 12 years, and while working in Region 4, volunteered as a facilitator for the southern Human Resources TASPA focus group. She currently volunteers as a mentor for new human resources leaders through TASB. Ms. Tunnell received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Midwestern State University and has certifications in English, School Counseling and Principal. Additionally, she also holds PHCLA and RSTBA certifications for human resources school administrators.  

  • Justin Terry

  • Forney ISD
  • Superintendent
  • Dr. Justin Terry is the Superintendent of Forney ISD where he has more than 21 years of experience in education as a teacher, coach and administrator. He was named a 2022 NSPRA Superintendent to Watch. He received his bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Kinesiology from East Texas Baptist University in Marshall, Texas and he earned his master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Study from the University of Texas in Arlington. He earned his Doctor of Education from Texas A&M Commerce in Commerce, Texas. He has a Texas Superintendent Certification, a Texas Principal Certification, a Texas Teacher’s Certification in Mathematics, an Instructional Leadership Development Certification and a certification in the Professional Development and Appraisal System and the Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System.  

  • Sherry Taylor

  • Aledo ISD
  • Executive Director of Human Resources
  • Ms. Sherry Taylor is the Executive Director for Human Resources in Aledo ISD where she is entering her 14th year in public education. She previously taught ninth grade social studies for several years before leaving education for the private sector where she served in human resources roles with an emphasis in executive recruitment in the legal, accounting, and medical sector.  She returned to public education combining her experience in each role to support educators as the leader of Human Resources in Aledo ISD. She holds a Professional Human Resources (PHR) certification and is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management, American Association of School Personnel Administrators and Texas Association of School Personnel Administrators.  Ms. Aledo has a Bachelor’s in Education from Texas Tech University with History/Sociology Minor and holds a Composite Social Studies 7-12 teaching certificate.  

  • Norma Castillo

  • Austin ISD
  • Executive Director of Talent
  • Ms. Norma Castillo is currently the Assistant Superintendent of Human Capital Systems for Austin ISD where she is entering her 21st year in education. There she leads teams that recruit, staff, and retain employees for one of the largest employers in Austin, TX. Prior to leading in Austin ISD, Ms. Castillo served as Director of Talent Acquisition and Development in Harlingen CISD. In her capacity as Director of Talent Acquisition, she has developed and implemented strategic recruitment and staffing models. She has developed leadership academies, professional learning, and a variety of educator pathways. A former school principal and district staff developer, Ms. Castillo also served for several years as the Leadership Development and Certification Specialist for the Region One Education Service Center. She currently serves as board secretary for the Amala Foundation, an Austin area non-profit organization that inspires people of all ages to serve as leaders in their communities. 

  • Chane Rascoe

  • Lampasas ISD
  • Superintendent
  • Dr. Chane Roscoe is the Superintendent of Lampasas ISD where he is currently serving in his 26th year in education spanning multiple roles in his career including teacher, assistant principal, principal, and superintendent, in both large and small school systems. Dr. Rascoe has also served as an adjunct professor and field supervisor for four different colleges over the past fifteen years. Nominated twice for Superintendent of the Year, Dr. Rascoe has over eleven years as a superintendent. During his tenure as high school principal in Blue Ridge ISD, he turned around that campus into an Exemplary campus and a National Blue-Ribbon winner in only two years’ time. Dr. Rascoe graduated with a Doctor of Education from Stephen F. Austin State University.  

  • Dave Lewis

  • Rochelle ISD
  • Superintendent
  • Mr. Dave Lewis is the Superintendent of Rochelle ISD and is currently in his 22nd year in education with 13 years spent teaching Social Studies at all levels, elementary math, elementary PE, and 8 years in administration. He was the Region 15 Superintendent of the Year and chairs several committees including the Regional Advisor Committee and the Heart of Texas Infonet Consortium.  He has served as the District 16A Football and Basketball DEC Chair and the District 17A Spring DEC Chair for Region 15. Additionally, he is the Heart of Texas Co-op President and a TASA member. Mr. Lewis has a Texas Superintendent Certification, a Texas Principal Certification, a Texas All Grade Level Certification, an Instructional Leadership Development Certification and a certification in the Professional Development and Appraisal System and the Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System.  

  • Christie Volmer

  • Hereford ISD
  • Chief Human Resources Officer
  • Ms. Christie Volmer is the Chief Human Resources Officer for Hereford ISD where she is entering her 30th year in education, 15 of them as an elementary teacher. Ms. Volmer is a current member of the Texas Association of School Personnel Administrators and has served on the TASPA Executive Board, including serving a term as President. She received the TASPA Distinguished Service Award and is also a member of the West Texas Association of School Personnel Administrators. She has a Bachelors in Elementary Education and a Master’s in Administration. She is certified in Elementary Education and Administration.  

  • Chris Tatum

  • Amarillo ISD
  • Chief Human Resources Officer
  • Mr. Chris Tatum is the Chief Human Resources Officer in Amarillo ISD where he is entering his 29th year in education. Mr. Tatum taught in several Texas school districts before landing in Amarillo ISD. There he taught at Caprock High School before moving into campus administration at several AISD schools as an Assistant, Associate, and Campus Principal. He is beginning his 10th year in Human Resources and his 4th year as the Chief Human Resources Officer. Mr. Tatum holds a Master of Education degree from West Texas A&M University, and several teaching and administrative SBEC certificates. Mr. Tatum is also an active member of the Texas Association of School Personnel Administrators (TASPA).  

  • Rick Rodriguez

  • Lubbock ISD
  • Chief Operations Officer
  • Mr. Rick Rodriguez is the Chief Operations Officer for Lubbock ISD and has over 25 years of experience in education. He has an extensive understanding of the education recruiting process, supervising employee issues, coordinating the evaluation of employees and drafting and implementing staffing plans. Furthermore, Mr. Rodriguez has broadened his knowledge base to include facilities issues and construction, procurement, risk management, school safety and security technology. A graduate of Ester New Mexico University, Mr. Rodriguez holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish as well as a Master of Education in Mid-Management from Prairie View A&M University.  

  • Ashley Osborne

  • Ector County ISD
  • Executive Director Talent Development
  • Ms. Ashley Osborne is the Executive Director of Talent Development at Ector County ISD. Prior to her position in Talent Development, she served as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, science coordinator, and instructional technology director. Ms. Osborne strives to lead and mentor colleagues to build capacity and benefit the organization. She invests in system-wide human capital by prioritizing personalized professional learning, innovating pipelines, and defining career pathways to retain team members. Her work in talent development is a pillar of Ector County ISD’s strategic plan. She is a member of the Association of Talent Development and the Texas Association of School Administrators. Ms. Osborne holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Texas of Permian Basin and a Master’s in professional education with an emphasis in science from the University of Texas of Permian Basin. As a native west Texan, Ashley is passionate about supporting the needs of the greater community through education, assistance, and engagement.  

  • Roland Toscano

  • East Central ISD
  • Superintendent
  • Mr. Roland Toscano is entering his 27th year in public education as the Superintendent of East Central ISD, which he is an alum. He has served as a bus driver, science teacher, coach, assistant principal, Heritage Middle School principal, East Central High School principal, and superintendent of schools. Mr. Toscano serves on the TAS/MUS Board, the Go Public steering committee, chairs the Bexar County Superintendent’s Committee, 2021 and 2022 Education Chair for the United Way Campaign, serves as a Board of Director for the UP Partnership and is involved in numerous educational leadership organizations across Texas. He graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio with his bachelor’s degree in 1997 and earned his master’s degree in Educational Administration from Texas A&M Kingsville in 2005.  

  • Casey Morgan

  • ResponsiveEd
  • Executive Director of Human Resources
  • Mr. Casey Morgan is the Executive Director of Human Resources for Responsive Education Solutions (Responsive Ed), a system of open enrollment charter schools based in Lewisville, Texas. Along with a team of HR professionals, he supports a district staff of over 3,000 employees across nearly 100 unique campus locations. Mr. Morgan has served in various roles in his 13-year career at ResponsiveEd.  He has a bachelor’s degree in Business and Marketing from Liberty University and a master’s degree in Human Resources and Employee Relations from Penn State University.  
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