Parents Step Ahead this past year, partnered up with Irving ISD for two events at five different campuses in the district. First was the kickoff to the “Month of the Family” on March 1st at Lady Bird Johnson Middle School, Johnston Elementary School, Hanes Elementary School and Piece Early Childhood School. As well as a Parent Conference held at Lamar Middle School on October 23rd. These events would not have been made successful nor possible without the leadership and coordination by three outstanding individuals in, Erin Yacho, Maurice Walker and Ernesto Mendizabal of Irving ISD. We would like to recognize their overwhelming dedication to what they do and thank them for their invaluable help in collaboration with Parents Step Ahead.
Erin Yacho
Ms. Yacho is a strong advocate for all families and children, especially those of poverty and language differences. She has over 20 years’ experience as a mother, Bilingual Teacher, Elementary School Principal, and Parent Involvement Program Coordinator in Irving ISD. She has drawn from her experiences to hone in on the essential beliefs, passion, strategies and actions needed to engage, involve and grow the precious families that many educators and perhaps society have had a tendency to perceive as “unreachable.”
Maurice Walker
Maurice E. Walker was born in Memphis, Tennessee and spent most of his childhood in the Chicago area. After high school, he matriculated at Langston (OK.) University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1971 as a Social Science major with a minor in Education and being recognized as a Magna Cum Laude honors graduate. Since earning his BA degree, Mr. Walker has worked as a seventh grade Language Arts/Social Studies teacher, counselor and wrestling coach in North Chicago, Illinois; earned a Master of Science in Education (Counseling & Guidance) from Western Illinois University, Administrative Certification from Texas Woman’s University, served as principal in both the IISD and DISD, and presently is assigned as a Coordinator of Parent Involvement in Irving ISD.
Ernesto Mendizabal
Ernesto Ronald Mendizabal was born in Bolivia, in 1969. He spent most of his childhood and adolescence serving, schools, churches, and the local community in South America. After graduating high school, Mr. Mendizabal immigrated to the United States with his family to continue to support the work and service call of his family and to attend college. Mr. Mendizabal earned a full scholarship attending East Texas Baptist University, earning a Bachelor of Science and Education degree. He was recognized as a Suma Cum Laude and made the Dean’s list of honor graduate. He is presently assigned as a Student Services & Parent Involvement coordinator in the Irving ISD.