On September 9th-13th 2014, Parents Step Ahead members along with six teachers and school administrators serving as Teacher Ambassadors from different schools in Texas. Traveled to Washington D.C. for its 4th annual leadership development experience.
The 2014 PSA Teacher Ambassadors recognized 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), sponsored by Latina Style, Inc. on September 9th. 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 resume writing workshop led by Frank Gomez from Educational Testing Services (ETS), Office of The Chief Administrative Officer, highlighted effective ways for Teacher Ambassadors to sharpen their resumes using their accomplishments and proven contributions to stand out as one of the best in their field.
The remaining days of the trip proved to exceed more of the Teacher Ambassadors expectations through 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 pledged 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 personally 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. Parents Step Ahead would also like to thank this year’s trip sponsors: ETS, LATINA Style Inc., El Hispano News, Southwest Airlines, Noodles & Company and two members of the Parents Step Ahead Board: Susie Garcia and Frank Gomez for continuing to support the mission of Parents Step Ahead.