Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) leaders and representatives joined others across the state at this week’s Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) Midwinter Conference, held Jan. 26-29 in Austin. Event attendees were able to network with other state leaders, address similar administrative challenges and develop fresh insight and solutions. 

HCDE Superintendent James Colbert Jr. and members of the Executive Leadership Team were among those representing HCDE at the conference.

Team members from the Client Engagement and Choice Partners divisions manned HCDE’s trade show booth, answering questions about the national purchasing cooperative and providing information of the services provided by HCDE. 

HCDE staff also led three sessions at the conference. 

Highpoint School Principal Courtney Waters and Fortis Academy Principal Travita Godfrey joined Dr. Margaret Patton, director of curriculum and special services; Nkechinyere Washington, instructional coach; and Michelle Rayson, compliance and technical officer, in presenting on positive leadership practices and restoration for at-risk students. 

Center for Educator Success Senior Director Andrea Segraves, Secondary Education Officer Lesley Guilmart and Elementary Education Officer Johanna Sanchez presented a session entitled, “Grow Your Own: One District’s Journey to Solving Certification Shortage.” They were joined by Spring Independent School District’s Alex Gonzalez. 

Director of Communications and Creative Services Lindsey Sanders and Multimedia Production Coordinator Mitzi Loera led a session that provided districts with strategies to proactively communicate their culture and climate to their respective communities.