The Brownwood High School (BHS) chapter of Texas Association of Future Educators (TAFE) attended the TAFE Teach Tomorrow Summit at the La Torretta Resort and Conference Center, in Montgomery, TX, and Sam Houston State University in Huntsville.

TAFE is a statewide co-curricular Career and Technical Student Organization created to allow young men and women an opportunity to explore the teaching profession. Attendees to this three-day conference included members of TAFE, which consisted of approximately 2,000 students interested in becoming educators. The conference gave these students the opportunity to meet others from around the state with the same interests, gain an understanding of what it takes to be a successful college student, and learn the skills necessary to become a successful educator. This was the third year the annual conference was held at a university. Having the conference on a university campus provides many more opportunities for student members. This year’s conference theme was “Love, Teaching, and Rock ‘N Roll!”

The students learned what it takes to Teach Like a Rockstar. Hal Bowman, teacher, presenter, and author of Teach Like a Rockstar, spoke about what it takes to grab students’ attention. He has uncovered a set of powerful strategies that drive people to perform at the most effective, and very highest, levels. As one of the most exciting speakers in education today, Mr. Bowman has the privilege of sharing his message with tens of thousands of people every year and we were fortunate enough to be among the groups he spoke to this year.

TAFE’s mission is to encourage students to learn about careers in education and assist them in exploring the teaching profession while promoting character, service, and leadership skills necessary to become effective educators. The meeting featured a series of breakout sessions and general sessions in which members had opportunities to develop these skills.

While at the conference, many of the members participated in competitive events. The competitive events are designed to offer future educators exciting, authentic opportunities to measure their creativity, skills, and initiative against high standards and against their peers from across the state.

Brownwood High School received 4-A Outstanding Chapter and members who received Blue Ribbons were:

BULLETIN BOARD – team members Torrey Miller & Quade Infinger, and Kristen Torres & Miranda Guerrero

PROFESSIONAL PORTFOLIO – Madison Burleson, Miranda Guerrero, Montana Gowin

Kaitlyn Davis was elected as President of Texas Association of Future Educators. “This is an amazing group of students,” stated Mitzi Cockerham, BHS TAFE Teacher Leader. “They all worked hard on their projects, juggling between jobs, sports and other activities they are involved in. Mrs. Hall, Mrs. Terrill and I are proud to be a part of such a wonderful organization. These students are learning all the ins and outs of being in the ‘education world’. Between their class time and TAFE they will be well-rounded individuals that will go far in life!”