Southwest Airlines Supports PSA Teacher Ambassadors

Daniel Sias Teacher Ambassador (3)Logo PSA [Converted]

Recognizing Teachers and School Administrators for Engaging Parents and Families

 

October 10, 2014 Washington, D.C. – Parents Step Ahead (PSA) members along with six teachers and school administrators serving as Teacher Ambassadors from Dallas and San Antonio schools in Texas travelled to Washington, D.C. from September 9-13 for its 4th annual leadership development experience. Southwest Airlines sponsored Parents Step Ahead and the 2014 Teacher Ambassadors by providing complimentary roundtrip airfare for participating teachers and PSA team members.

The 2014 PSA Teacher Ambassadors are:

Donna Lewis– Secondary Reassignment Center, Irving ISD
Daniel Sias– Urban Park Elementary School, Dallas, ISD
Pat Strawn– John Jay High School, Northside ISD
Martin Hernandez– Urban Park Elementary School, Dallas ISD
Adriana Bonilla– Urban Park Elementary School, Dallas ISD
Carole Bagnoche– Cable Elementary School, Northside ISD

The five-day trip began with the 11th Annual National LATINA Symposium (NLS) on September 9th, sponsored by Latina Style, Inc. Ambassadors were recognized as special guests and attended presentations on leadership, resume writing, and career development. This year they were encouraged to continue being great leaders by mentoring others and sharing valuable career and life lessons to achieve success. The Honorable Grace Napolitano, Representative for California’s 32nd congressional district, reminded the Teacher Ambassadors to, “Lend out a helping hand. Pass on the information you are garnering.”

The remaining days of the trip provided educational meetings with The Department of Defense and The Department of Education. During these meetings, the Ambassadors shared their experiences regarding the contributions made to increase the participation of parents in educational problems that are common in their schools and communities. Each agency explained the resources that they provide teachers to make their experiences in the classroom more effective. The Teacher Ambassadors left the meetings feeling appreciated, expressing gratitude for this wonderful leadership development opportunity and pledging to continue to help Parents Step Ahead empower parents and their children. “If my children have a love for learning after they leave my class I have done my job,” shared Carole Bagnoche, PSA Teacher Ambassador Cable Elementary School, Northside ISD.

“Parents Step Ahead would like to thank this year’s Teacher Ambassadors for their continuous engagement in their programs and for actively participating in the educational discussions during the Washington D.C. Trip.” said PSA Program Coordinator Alicia Morgan. “We would also like to thank Southwest Airlines, for continuing to support our mission.”

“It’s inspiring to see the dedication of Parents Step Ahead for quality education especially in Dallas,” said Christine Ortega, Manager of Community Affairs & Grassroots, Southwest Airlines.  “This is our hometown, and we are happy to be a part of this important effort.”

About Parents Step Ahead

Parents Step Ahead is a 501-C3 nonprofit organization with a mission “to recognize, educate, enable and empower parents to take a proactive role in the educational and personal development of their children.” The organization works in partnership with school districts, corporations and community organizations to offer a series of school-based programs for parents of all backgrounds throughout the school calendar year. PSA Programs focus on ways parents and legal guardians can be involved in their child’s life and the difference their involvement can make. www.parentsstepahead.org.

To learn more about Parents Step Ahead programs and initiatives, please visit www.parentsstepahead.org

ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.

In its 44th year of service, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) continues to differentiate itself from other air carriers with exemplary Customer Service delivered by nearly 46,000 Employees to more than 100 million Customers annually.  Southwest and wholly owned subsidiary AirTran Airways operate nearly 3,600 flights a day, serving 93 destinations across the United States and five additional countries.  Service to San Jose, Costa Rica, begins in March 2015, subject to government approvals.

Based on the U.S. Department of Transportation’s most recent data, Southwest Airlines is the nation’s largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded. The Company operates the largest fleet of Boeing aircraft in the world, a majority of which are equipped with satellite-based WiFi connectivity while over the United States that enables video-on-demand and a free, live TV offering of 13 channels compliments of DISH.  Bags Fly Free® at Southwest Airlines (first and second checked pieces of luggage, size and weight limits apply), and there are never change fees, although fare differences might apply. In September 2014, the airline proudly unveiled Heart, a new aircraft livery, airport experience, and logo, showcasing the dedication of Southwest Employees to connect Customers with what’s important in their lives.

Book Southwest Airlines’ low fares online at southwest.com or by phone at 800-I-FLY-SWA.

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