The Texas OnCourse Educator Blog

Earlier this summer, we welcomed a new cohort of leader fellows into the ranks of Texas OnCourse. This is a group of movers and shakers in college and career readiness who demonstrate a commitment to their students and professional development every single day. We’d like you to meet a few of our Texas middle school counselors and educators who are making a difference in their educational communities.

It’s the first week back at school for many Texas educators and students. Who knew summer could fly by so fast? Now that you’re getting back in the swing of things, we want to make sure you have all the tools you need to help your middle schoolers succeed. College and career readiness starts early, and it’s never too soon for your students to start dreaming of a fruitful life after high school. 

When you ask educators why they decided to enter the field, you’re likely to hear something akin to the following: a love of children, a sense of helping others and doing good, a feeling of making a difference in the world. Among all of these answers, a common thread runs – relationships and building connections are important to educators, inspiring and animating them.

With back to school around the corner, we want to make sure that parents and guardians have all the resources they need to support their student’s success this academic year. This is an especially big year for students making the transition from grade school to middle school – there are so many changes! Lockers, more class periods, more demanding schedules, more emphasis on personal responsibility, new students and teachers – the list goes on and on. And even if it isn’t your student’s first year in middle school, each new year presents new challenges.

Once a year we open our leader fellowship to a new cohort of movers and shakers in college and career readiness. These Texas educators excel in their schools and communities. They represent a solid dedication to education, a commitment to their students, and a passion for continuous professional development.

Summertime is a great time to make (and fulfill) wish lists. In a perfect world, what are some things you wish you had the time or energy to do? For some, having a little more free time means considering how they can positively impact their communities. When you have extra, you might be more apt to consider sharing the extra that you have.