STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Students from Tarleton State University’s chapter of the Texas Association of Future Educators (TAFE) competed at the TAFE Area 10 Conference at Texas Woman’s University in Denton Dec. 7. Six advanced to the TAFE State Teach Tomorrow Summit, which takes place in February in Galveston.
State qualifiers and their events are Abby Graham, Educators Rising Moment (English); Erica Galvan and Madison Klement, Researching Learning Challenges; Journey Harris, Impromptu Speaking, Interactive Bulletin Board — Elementary, and Public Speaking; Guadalupe Ibarra, Educators Rising Moment (Spanish); Madison Klement, Public Speaking; and Mariann Pustejovsky, Creative Lecture.
Additionally, seven of nine students who took the Education Leadership Fundamentals (ELF) test advanced to state and will compete in January: Abby Graham, Alize Greene, Will Harp, Alana Hernandez, Noelia Martinez, Mariann Pustejovsky and Anna Rasberry.
“We are incredibly proud of our future Tarleton teachers,” said Dr. Katherine Jones, TAFE competition faculty adviser. “As they prepare for the competition, they will continue refining their projects and raising funds to cover travel expenses and competition fees.”
She added that the chapter this semester received two generous donations from community members that helped offset some of the competition costs.
“We deeply appreciate the community’s support for our future educators.” Dr. Jones said.
TAFE (pronounced “taffy”) is a statewide cocurricular student organization that enables students to explore opportunities and careers in the teaching profession. It was created in 1984 to provide Texas high school and middle school students with the knowledge to make informed decisions about pursuing a career in education. It’s sponsored by the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals and governed by a board of directors composed of teachers, students and principals.
Tarleton State’s TAFE chapter formed in fall 2023 and hosted last year’s area competition.
Harris, Tarleton State TAFE chapter president and 2024-25 Educator’s Rising National President, delivered the keynote speech the morning of the competition, highlighting the positives she has experienced.
“As the national president, I have the opportunity to meet so many people and hear so many stories,” she said. “I am so inspired by all of the stories, and I love getting to listen to why students are on their way to becoming teachers.
“I was extremely proud of our competitors — they not only did very well in their competitions, but they were willing to help when we needed it,” Harris continued. “They were quick to volunteer when I expressed need for timekeepers, judges and helpers. They kept good spirits all day, remembering to be respectful and kind to all.
“I am excited to see what state and nationals hold for Tarleton TAFE.”
For more information on TAFE and the Area 10 Conference, visit www.tafeonline.org. For more information about the national competition, visit www.educatorsrising.org/conference-competitions/.
A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State University is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of approximately 18,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. For 125 years, Tarleton State has been committed to accessible higher education opportunities for all while helping students grow academically, socially and professionally through programs that emphasize real world learning and address regional, state and national needs.