For the first time in Dallas ISD’s history, four students from Sunset High School’s chapter of the Texas Association of Future Educators attended the Educators Rising National Conference in Washington, D.C..
Students connected with peers from across the country, learned from educational leaders, attended breakout sessions, and competed for this year’s national title.
Texas students excelled in numerous divisions, showcasing the strong foundation laid by TAFE in preparing future educators.
“Our students were afforded a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and set the bar high for our future TAFE students,” said Tamara Robinson, Sunset’s TAFE chapter sponsor and workplace coordinator. “It was a powerful, life-changing experience.”
For Manuel A., who joined TAFE during his senior year of high school, the conference impacted the rest of his budding career. As the oldest sibling in his family, the desire to become a teacher sparked while helping his younger sister.
“As a future teacher, the conference helped me understand that what I do is going to shape the lives of students and make a difference. It was an amazing experience and I felt pride in being the first to make it to nationals,” Manuel said. “Most of us had never been to Washington, D.C. and a few students had never flown in an airplane before so there were many firsts on this trip.”
Manuel and his partner Alan R. competed in the “Inside Our Schools” category with a five-minute video they produced highlighting their school’s P-TECH program.
“We demonstrated the challenges and successes of being in such a rigorous dual-credit program. This video will become the new Sunset P-TECH recruitment video, which is an honor,” Manuel said. “We were so excited about the possibility of winning something. I learned you have to take a chance, and not only did we win at the regional level we also won at the state level.”
Former Sunset TAFE president, Jazmine T., competed in the pre-K Spanish category with a children’s book she wrote and produced. Her story about a butterfly’s transformation impressed judges, demonstrating her understanding of early childhood education gained through her United to Learn internship.
“Jazmine is a great self-starter. Her role as president was an easy fit,” Robison said. “Since we started TAFE, it has transformed some students and gives them a real inside look at being an educator. It’s not just standing up in front of the class, it’s planning, relationship building, and how you work with other teachers.”
Started by a group of principals, Sunset’s TAFE chapter was revitalized in 2017 and supports students interested in teaching careers. Robison says students only understand teaching from their perspective as a student so her goal is to create excitement and passion for teaching by giving them classroom experience from an educator’s perspective.All students who compete at the regional level also attended the state conference.
“If you went out on the limb and competed, we think you should go to state,” Robison said. “It’s an excellent way for them to see being an educator from a different lens.”
Now, a graduate of Sunset’s P-TECH program, Manuel plans on remaining a member of Educators Rising because of the amazing networking and scholarship opportunities.
“Dallas ISD has given all teacher education students a signed promise to return and teach. So, I have a job waiting for me in Dallas ISD after I get certified,” he said. “I believe this line of work is important because I am going to teach the future generation of workers. Education is the foundation of every career, making it one of the most essential careers.”
