Building on the division’s recent successes, the Harris County Department of Education’s (HCDE) Center for Educator Success (CES) advanced its strategic vision for the 2026–2027 school year during a two‑day planning session. Led by Senior Director Andrea Segraves, CES reaffirmed its commitment to a Roadmap to Unrivaled Excellence, guided by the Spirit of the Giants theme introduced at Convocation 2026.

Staff engaged in collaborative exercises to connect their work across divisions, identify shared goals and define strategies. The planning emphasized measurable outcomes, strengthened alignment with HCDE’s strategic objectives and reinforced the division’s role as a leader in educator preparation and professional learning.

Key initiatives for the upcoming year include the 41st R.T. Garcia Early Childhood Winter Conference, Scholastic Art & Writing Awards and continued expansion of the Teacher Certification Program and Lead Strong Principal Academy. Each program underscores CES’s mission to prepare classroom ready educators and empower campus leaders to pursue excellence relentlessly.

Assistant Superintendent of Education and Enrichment Dr. CJ Rodgers addressed the team on the second day, emphasizing the lasting influence CES has on educators and students. His remarks highlighted the division’s belief that excellence is cultivated through purposeful relationships, meaningful engagement and sustained professional rigor.