Our Special Schools are filled with passionate educators whose unique paths led them to Harris County Department of Education, where they realize that working with special populations of students is their reason to wake up each morning. 

Christina Aggison is one of those educators.  

In 2022, she joined Academic and Behavior School West as a relief teacher, assisting students with their daily assignments, leading classes when necessary and more. Aggison started to see her personal challenges and professional experiences collide and knew ABS West was where she needed to be.  

“I began learning so much about my kids, what they’ve gone through, who they are, and realized that I’m helping shape their future,” she said. “I’m doing my best to be a positive light in their life and I can see that makes them so happy.”  

With encouragement from Special Schools leaders, Aggison decided to take her career to the next level. She applied and was accepted to Teachers of Tomorrow, an alternative certification program that provides teachers comprehensive and innovative preparation to ensure success in their first year in the classroom.  

When the program opened scholarship applications, Aggison thought, “why not?” Penning an essay about her college best friend who struggled with mental health and ultimately passed away, Aggison detailed how she missed the signs of crisis behavior. It wasn’t until accepting the position at West that she witnessed those signs again in her life skills students and learned how to help them regulate their mental, emotional and social health.  

“I put my soul into that essay because I wanted to reach someone on the scholarship committee and make them feel my devastation,” Aggison said, getting emotional. “I wanted them to see how I’m making a difference now with the students we serve. I could have given in, dropped out of college and had a different life because I was so depressed by the death of someone I love. But I turn that pain around and use it as my daily drive to do right by my students and give them the love and support they need to succeed.”  

Aggison was one of 20 aspiring educators nationwide who received a full scholarship from Teachers of Tomorrow, valued at $6,000. The award covers enrollment, courses and personal fees incurred throughout the program.  

“This scholarship means everything to me and my family. I’m just screaming inside because after all I’ve been through, I’m here now and so close to my dream,” she said. “I’m so grateful because now the impact I can have on students will be endless, and that puts a smile on my face.”  

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