Educators from Harris County Department of Education’s four Special Schools have spent the last two weeks participating in various team-building experiences, attending professional development seminars and collecting updated information on legal procedures.

Senior Director of Schools Dr. Charles Ned, Director of Curriculum and Special Programs Dr. Margaret Patton and campus principals welcomed more than a dozen new teachers to “The Connected Classroom” on Aug. 8. The boot camp provided insight into HCDE’s family-oriented climate and culture during the meet and greet icebreaker and games that followed. Assistant Superintendent for Academic and Support Services Jonathan Parker ushered the group into the fold and highlighted how individuals’ attitudes toward success can impact Harris County students.

New teachers had an opportunity to meet their colleagues earlier this week as each campus hosted team-bonding events across Houston. Principals Jatata Hutton and Mercedes Love encouraged their staff’s competitive spirits during a picnic at Adair Park. Academic and Behavior School West took on East in games like tug-of-war and potato sack race. Highpoint School employees, led by Principal Courtney Waters, also donned their game faces during a trip to Max Bowl. Educators were separated into four teams for the first activity in a teamwork competition where the top scorers took home a prize. Principal Travita Godfrey and the Fortis Academy staff showcased their passion for helping students with alcohol and substance abuse during a trip to Painting with a Twist.

Special Schools leaders led professional development seminars throughout the week, culminating in their annual division meeting on Aug. 16. Laughter and excitement filled the Irvington Conference Center as nearly 200 employees fully reunited to kick off another academic year.

Often hailed as a place of second chances for Harris County students, educators explored best practices for linking literacy and various skills acquired at HCDE to life after graduation. Keynote speaker and New York Times bestselling author Eric Litwin emphasized educators’ essential role in literacy, highlighting how music and repetition can bring words off the page. Staff were brought to their feet as Litwin led the group in a musical rendition of his book, “Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes.”

“It’s powerful to see our Special Schools division in one room,” Superintendent James Colbert Jr. said during opening remarks. “How this staff interacts with our students is special, its unique and I’m blessed to be the Superintendent for such a fine group of professionals.”   

Dr. Ned and Parker concluded the event by recognizing employees who have dedicated between five and 30 years of service to HCDE and presenting them with tokens of appreciation from the division.   

To learn more about HCDE’s Special Schools, visit hcde-texas.org/special-schools.