RAABSE News
Richardson Area Association of Black School Educators
President's Welcome
I feel humbled and honored for this opportunity to serve as president of the Richardson Area Alliance of Black School Educators. RAABSE is a local affiliate which is governed by our state affiliate – the Texas Alliance of Black School Educators (TABSE), and our national affiliate – the National Association of Black School Educators (NABSE). The focus of my priorities as president, along with my executive board, align with the mission and vision of TABSE/NABSE which is to:
A. Provide professional training opportunities
B. Host networking opportunities
C. Advocate and promote community and youth development
D. Recognize outstanding students and educators
Whether you are interested in strengthening your network, furthering your career or maybe just in need of a few more friends, RAABSE is a professional organization that is a great option for you. In addition to providing information about your chosen field, RAABSE can enhance your personal and professional development and provide endless networking opportunities.
We live in a day and age where establishing a presence in any given career field often demands working long hours in the office and bringing work home when the doors close. At the end of the day, you may have ideas for cultivating partnerships, yet not feel up to shouldering all the responsibility to organize them. As a member of RAABSE, you will have access to an established support system of experienced people who are motivated to get things done. The battle is half-won!
Learn to love what you do! You may not even know that you love something, but it’s important to be proactive about things you discover on the journey. I invite you to join RAABSE and discover something new TODAY!
If you any questions about RAABSE or interested in joining, let’s start a conversation by calling me at 214-770-0456. I look forward to hearing from you.
Darwin Prater Spiller
President of RAABSE
What is RAABSE?
The Richardson Area Association of Black School Educators (RAABSE) is an affiliate of the Texas Alliance of Black School Educators and is committed to personal and professional development; with a compelling spirit to give back to others.
The mission of RAABSE is to enhance and facilitate the education of African American people; and to:
- Establish a coalition of African American educators and others directly or indirectly involved in the educational process.
- Create a forum for the exchange of ideas and strategies to improve educational opportunities for African Americans.
- Identify and develop black professionals who will assume leadership positions in education.
- Influence public policy concerning the education of African American people.
RAABSE 2016-2017 Executive Board
Mr. Darwin Prater Spiller-President
Dr. Duana Kindle-Past President
Ms. Ishii Tavarez-Vice President
Mr. Michael Thomas-Treasurer
Mrs. Charis Hunt-Recording Secretary
Ms. Tara Eldridge-Chaplin
Mrs. Tamesia Chatman-Corresponding Secretary
Ms. Angela Guesby-Parliamentarian
Mrs. Fannie Albert-Financial Secretary
Mr. Walter Smith-Historian
TABSE Conference
The 2017 TABSE conference was a huge success! Our own President Mr. Spiller co-hosted the TABSE Gala Awards and it was a fun night to remember! We had a RAABSE student spotlight, Arthur Anderson III that was honored at the awards banquet. Mr. Anderson is a Lake Highlands High (Richardson ISD) Senior.
Keeping up with Legislation
Dr. LaRuth Gray, NABSE Governmental Relations and Legislative Liason to the Executive Board has announced that a NEPI (National Education Policy Institute) conference is being planned for May 4-5, 2017, in Washington D.C. The NEPI conference is not a large conference in attendance like NABSE or TABSE conferences, but it is designed to have D.C. legislative members discuss key topics with attendees and to visit Capitol Hill offices of representatives from the various states of conferees to present topics of importance to the organization.
It is my understanding that Thursday topics will include: 1. The status of Public Education: Alternative Facts and Reality, 2. Medicaid, 3. Higher Education re-authorization, 4. Student's civil rights and congressional legislation, 5. Immigration, 6. The history of state and local control within Public Education. Friday, May 5, 2017, will be arranged to visit Capitol Hill offices of our Texas Senators and Congress persons. During visits to offices, topics including Medicaid, Higher Education, Juvenile Justice and ESSA and Civil Rights will be discussed by the group. Talking points will be presented to attendees prior to office visits to help organize each (State) team making visits with their representatives.
Despite the dates of the conference and short notice, this "Hill" visit will be both informative and educational in nature for anyone who participates. Feel free to contact me or Dr. LaRuth Gray for additional information.
Melvin Guider
TABSE Legislative Chair
TABSE and NABSE
TABSE:Texas Alliance of Black School Educators is an affiliate of NABSE. TABSE is committed to improving the educational achievement of African-American students by increasing the participation and expansion of Texas affiliates. TABSE further believes in identifying and promoting those activities, which are designed to sensitize the public at-large and educators, specifically to the needs of African-American students in academic and non-academic areas of development.
NABSE:
The National Alliance of Black School Educators is the nation's premier non-profit organization devoted to furthering the academic success for the nation's children-particularly children of African descent. Now in its 46th year, NABSE boasts an outreach to more than 10,000 preeminent educators including teachers, administrators, superintendents as well as corporate and institutional members. Found in 1970, NABSE is dedicated to improving both the educational experiences and accomplishments of African American youth through the development and use of instructional and motivational methods that increase levels of inspiration, attendance and overall achievement.
Submission for Member News
Do you have any news that you'd like to share with the RAABSE organization? We'd love to hear about any future events, news or spotlights! Please submit them to
Ishii Tavarez by the end of each month.
