TABSE Tidbits
September 2020
President-Elect's Message
Greetings TABSE family and friends! I am Dr. Christopher Pichon, President-Elect of TABSE and chairperson of the 36th Annual State Conference. On behalf of the Executive Board and State Conference Planning Committee, we are pleased to announce TABSE will conduct an engaging, interactive, and fun-filled Virtual Conference on February 18-21, 2021. We seek your prayers, support, and participation with this amazing 2021 Virtual Conference experience!
TABSE remains committed to promoting and facilitating the education of all students, especially those of African descent. We continually seek opportunities to establish a coalition of educators directly involved in the educational process of African-American students and create a forum for the exchange of ideas and strategies to improve opportunities for people of African descent. The Virtual Conference will achieve these initiatives and more! Our keynote speakers, leadership institutes, professional development sessions, educational workshops, and entertainment activities inspire and empower conference participants to transform their learning communities. Although, more than 700 educators from across the state of Texas and beyond generally gather for the annual state conference, our goal for the 2021 Virtual Conference is to surpass 1,000 attendees.
Please visit the website @ www.tabse.net to learn more, view the Conference at a Glance, submit a proposal, and/or register for the 2021 Virtual Conference. We look forward to collaborating with you!
Chris Pichon Ed.D.
TABSE President-Elect
VIRTUAL SYMPOSIUM: Critical Conversations for P-20 Educators
TABSE COMMISSIONS
From the Desk of Dr. Spiller – TABSE Commission Chair
The TABSE Commission Chairs have been busy connecting with local affiliate liaisons and interested members organizing meaningful dialogue via zoom, GROUPME and other meeting platforms. If you have not joined one of the nine TABSE Commissions, we invite you to be connected. The TABSE Commissions flowchart protocol is created to ensure alignment from the state to the local affiliate level. If you have any questions, please contact me at 214-770-0456 – there is a place for EVERYONE to stay connected and be involved with “the work.”
From the Desk of Dr. Dana Arreola – Campus Based Leadership Chair
The Campus Based Leadership Commission provides a forum for information exchange and collaboration among current and aspiring campus leadership of public educational systems.
Sub-committees within the Campus Based Leadership Commission have been established to strengthen the alignment between local affiliates and TABSE Commissions, engage TABSE Commissions in cross-functional work and offer ongoing professional learning opportunities for TABSE and affiliate members.
The Principals’ Institute and Dr. Jay Cummings Demonstration Schools are sub-committees that function during the annual TABSE Conference.
We are excited to announce two additional sub-committees that will launch this year.
Monthly Moments with Mentors (MMM) will offer monthly professional learning opportunities on timely or current educational topics. The learning sessions will be led by experienced speakers and/or panelists. The first MMM learning session was held virtually Saturday, September 26, 2020 from 10:00-11:30 a.m.
Living the Life of Leadership (LLL) will engage TABSE and affiliate members in wellness and self-care. Virtual and/or face-to-face meetings will focus on establishing healthy habits and participating in group stress-relief activities. The first LLL session will be held virtually on Saturday, October 10, 2020 from 10:00-11:30 a.m. Affiliates will receive information regarding registration to share with their members.
A special thank you to Errica Dotson-Hooper our Monthly Moments with Mentors Chair and Demeka Simmons our Living the Life of Leadership Chair.
During our July 11, 2020 TABSE Symposium our Past Presidents and Founding Members shared impactful remarks regarding the need to improve “principal training”. Therefore, leadership development will become a key cornerstone of the work that we embark upon this year as a commission. We look forward to you being apart of this journey.
From the Desk of Derica Turner – Teacher Commission Chair
The Teacher Commission has concluded selections for the MAP program and prepared to host a Virtual Meet and Greet August 27, 2020 however due the hurricane we had to postpone. We are looking forward to hosting our Meet and Greet in the near future.
From the Desk of Dr. Darwin Spiller – Parent Commission Chair
The Parent Commission has teamed up with ParentCamp, which provides virtual learning sessions for parents. ParentCamp have participants from 36 states and 3 countries. 569 total participants, 294 unique. 90 facilitators from 18 states. ParentCamp has been consistently running rooms in Spanish and Arabic!
Virtual ParentCamp sessions revolve around topics that participants request each week. Participants are able to provide feedback regarding the topics they want to learn more about. The top three requested sessions are equity, mental wellness, and re-opening schools or what education is going to look like.
ParentCamp sessions are based upon three types – connecting, strengthening, and collaborating. The sessions naturally move along this progression when participants come back each week. Participants moved from wanting to talk about it to wanting to take action.
To register for ParentCamp – please go to www.parentcamp.org
TABSE PARTNERS
AMBA
On behalf of our Executive Board, and our partners at Association Member Benefits Advisors (AMBA), I am pleased to announce that an agreement has been met to provide our members with access to discounted travel rates, insurance plans, and other discounts at popular retailers and suppliers. In addition to providing access to their market place discounts, AMBA has committed over $205,000 worth of financial contributions and in-kind services to TABSE over the next five years.
Association Member Benefits Advisors (AMBA) is a nationwide full-service agency focused on plan design, negotiations, and implementation of benefits for Associations that represent Active and Retired Teachers, School Employees, State Employees, Firefighters, and more. We are a turnkey benefit provider with exclusive negotiated insurance benefits programs and discounts on travel, electronics, dining, and more!
For more information, please visit our member benefits section at www.tabse.net/membershipperks.
Jamal D. Robinson
Strategic Partnerships
Educate Texas
Educate Texas, Getting Smart and Altitude Learning have launched the Texas Learning Exchange, a new project to support school leaders on the path forward for the 2020-21 school year. The first resource (of many) is the School Operations Guide. This new tool aims to align with and extend districts’ strategic plans that were created prior to the pandemic, while also speaking to the triage maneuvers that have occurred since the spring to better deliver teaching and learning with equity. Texas Learning Exchange School Operations Guide - a resource serving school districts as they find the path forward for their schools and the unique needs of diverse learners in each community. https://bit.ly/3hhhx2
Affiliate Spotlight
RAABSE - Richardson Area Alliance of Black School Educators
This month’s Affiliate spotlight is on the Richardson Area Alliance of Black School Educators. Richardson Area is making many advances in the North Texas area. RAABSE offers monthly virtual meetings in the midst of this pandemic and constantly engaging the community in ways to get in “Good Trouble.” In addition, they have added weekly prayers as a staple in their calendar. Richardson Area also awarded multiple 2020 High school Seniors with computers and scholarships this year when everything is virtual and they are required for today’s learners. Currently, they are implementing a voters campaign on every social media platform to spread awareness amongst voters. Congratulations RAABSE on being trailblazers and your faithfulness to the organization.
Yumesha Mosley
Affiliate President Council Chair
Affiliate Announcements
Chaplain's Corner
Carla Mills Windfont TABSE Chaplain
Gracious Father, we thank you for technology allowing many students to continue their educations online. For virtual classrooms and technological resources. Thank You for every teacher and educator adjusting to their new normal. Comfort them as they miss interacting with their students in person. Equip them with energy and inspiration to come alongside their students in this challenging time of crisis. Protect their health, Father, both physically and mentally. Encourage them to use their gifts and talents to find new ways to reach students.
For the boards of trustees, principals and staff of our schools, we pray blessing over their lives and their livelihood. May the leaders of our schools be blessed with wisdom and energized to inspire their staff in this difficult time. May the needs of students be seen, and God we pray Your provision to meet those needs. We pray for the channels of communication to remain open amongst the staff of our school systems. Keep them connected, socially, and working together for the greater good of each student. Bless this organization as we strive to join together to provide our children with an educational environment that strengthens and nurtures them for the world’s society.
AMEN
TABSE CELEBRATES
The Power of a Past President
We often hear phrases like, “We stand on the shoulders of giants.” and “Respect your roots.” Our litany reminds us that, “We, the benefactors of many who shed blood and life years to bring us to this point, are grateful for our heritage and this opportunity to go forward with the unfinished legacy.” Are these just words that we recite at the beginning of our meetings or is it a belief that WE are truly benefiting from the work of past leaders? I wholeheartedly believe this is a foundational truth of our organization. Our leadership structures an immediately built-in role Past President exemplifies this truth. TABSE recognizes the value of a smooth transition as well as the sustainability of its programs and priorities. Immediate Past President, Dr. Kimberly McLeod’s work in TABSE strengthened the foundation, implemented new directions, generated new partnerships, and resurrected an alignment structure for our local affiliates. If you are not familiar with her work click HERE to see TABSE’s Journey under her leadership.
The purpose of this article is not to highlight her professional accomplishments, of which there are many, instead, I want to pay tribute to Dr. Kimberly McLeod. A leader who has impacted the lives of other "Immediate Past Presidents.”
SHE IS RESILIENT
When the Immediate Past President of FWAABSE needed a pick me up, Dr. McLeod sent her these words:
Are You Trying to Straighten What God’s Made Crooked?
Consider what God had done:
Who can straighten what he has made crooked?
When times are good, be happy;
But when times are bad, consider this:
God has made the one as well as the other.
Therefore, no one can discover anything about their future.
Dr. Washington was reminded to know your why…
Resiliency requires remembering your why…
When life gets you down, your why is how you stand up again.
When you train, train for the punch and the body check, and when you fall down, take time to listen. Listen for the count then when it’s time, stand up.
SHE ELEVATES
Dr. Tory Hill Immediate Past President of HAABSE reflects on the impact of Dr. McLeod’s influence:
Dr. McLeod’s leadership greatly elevated TABSE’s influence on state and local matters that impact students of color. I appreciate the intentional focus on policy and look forward to the residual effect of her leadership across the state.
SHE IS A MOTIVATOR
Immediate Past President of the Alamo ABSE Mae Olison holds tight to these words from Dr. McLeod’s address during the 2019 TABSE Conference:
“You are an eagle-you can fly.”
SHE IS A PHOENIX
James Andrew Keeton, NETABSE Immediate Past President, credits his affiliate’s ascension to the presidency leadership of Dr. McLeod:
Several years ago as I embarked upon establishing an Affiliate of the Texas Alliance of Black School Educators (TABSE) in the North East Area of the Great State of Texas, I consulted with then President of TABSE, John Washington. Through his leadership, we were organized, and along came Dr. Michael McFarland excelling NETABSE to greater heights. Then here comes Dr. Kimberly McLeod as President of TABSE. Under her leadership/guidance as President, our Organization Soared as Eagles. She took NETABSE to higher heights. Our membership grew to over 200 members, giving four scholarships to area students annually; hosting and being a keynote speaker to three Youth Symposiums for area students in Northeast Texas at Texas A&M University and Texarkana College. Through her leadership, our affiliate earned recognition not only statewide but nationally through NABSE. We were able to earn monetary support due to our activism etc. She is a Leaders Leader, always showing praise for others and accepting her failures as a stepping stone. A remarkable Individual, a person with a blessed and affectionate spirit. She’s always giving her all in all to what she believes in. This is the Dr. Kimberly McLeod I know.
SHE IS A GUIDING LIGHT
"A great leader rolls up her sleeve, works alongside, and guides them through her vision while listening along the way. A Team results." Mm
Good Morning Beautiful! Hello Queen! She greets you breathing life into your spirit. Uplifting you to levels that you didn't even know you could achieve. A final quote by Matshona Dhliwayo states that, “A tree's beauty lies in its branches, but its strength lies in its roots.” Dr. Kimberly McLeod and every individual who has held the office of President within TABSE has contributed to the strong roots of the organization. These collaborated root efforts throughout the years are establishing a foundation reaching deep and wide to secure and maintain a wealth of resources, wisdom, and reputation that future TABSE organizations may build upon, grow in, and leave a legacy.
Humbly assembled by Statia Paschel, Immediate Past President of GAABSE
Texas Alliance of Black School Educators
Email: info@tabse.net
Website: www.tabse.net
Location: P.O. Box 660 Houston TX 77001-0660
Phone: 937-617-1706
Facebook: facebook.com/TexasAllianceofBlackSchoolEducators
Twitter: @tabse_net