Tasby Middle School reaches new heights with historic B rating

After Sam Tasby Middle School earned a D from the Texas Education Agency two years ago, Principal Nesha Maston knew something had to change.

Maston also focused on empowering teachers with the tools and training they need for student success. Professional development, often led by fellow educators, allowed teachers to practice lessons with peers and receive immediate feedback.

Professional development is the foundation to success, said Alan Shaw, a sixth grade English and language arts teacher.

“They create a safe space for everyone to share best practices,” he said. “It’s a great place for teachers to learn from each other.”

He, along with Jennifer Williams, a middle school math teacher, lead professional development sessions.

Getting a low rating the year before was a wake-up call, Williams said. 

“It’s important we build those relationships because that will go further than content. If a student trusts me, they’re going to do everything they can to make me happy,” Williams said. 

For Shaw, it’s about letting the students know they are more than a test score.

“I tell them that I want to see them grow, collectively, and overall,” he said. “We’re doing everything to make sure that when they grow up, they are decent citizens. It’s just not about the test scores.”

Lillie Tasby, daughter of the school’s namesake, gives Maston full credit for leading the two-level jump.

“It says something about our principal,” she said. “She’s stern, but she’s stern for a reason. The kids need that, and they need a good education.”

While the journey to a B rating was a major milestone, Maston says the work isn’t done. She and her team are now setting their sights even higher, hoping to receive an A rating for the 2025-2026 school year.