Aspiring school teachers from across the region will gather at the University of Houston-Victoria Sept. 25 for the Region 3 conference of the Texas Association of Future Educators.

TAFE is a statewide organization for high school students who want to go into the teaching profession.Clubs in nine area school districts have been invited to the event.

While at UHV for the half-day event, students will learn some of the finer points of teaching through workshops, compete in contests and get a tour of the UHV campus.

“We’re hoping to see many of these students join us in the School of Education & Human Development after high school,” said Sandy Hybner, senior recruitment coordinator for the school.

Mary Natividad

Students also will learn a few special lessons about education from keynote speaker Mary Natividad, associate dean of the UHV School of Education & Human Development.

“In addition to being a deeply rewarding career that lets you make a difference in the lives of students, teaching also pays many other benefits,” she said. “One of the biggest is that it’s a lot of fun. You really get to laugh and enjoy life with your students.”

It’s important for teachers to know about the many rewards of the profession, she said.

“There’s not enough money anywhere to pay a teacher for what they offer society,” Natividad said.

Students also will attend workshops to learn how to plan events, set budgets, raise funds and initiate TAFE projects, Hybner said.

The aspiring teachers will have the option to compete in speech and book writing contests.

In the speaking contest, competitors will have between 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 minutes to present a speech about the state theme “Make a splash into teaching.”

In the book design contest, students will present a book they have written and designed telling a story about the importance of a good character trait.

Lawrence F. Rossow

Winners of the regional conference will get to compete at the state convention later this year.   The group also will hold elections for new officers.

Invited school districts include Edna, Van Vleck, Columbus, Karnes City, Ganado, Palacios, Goliad, East Bernard and Industrial.

“I’m glad to see these area high school students coming to our campus to learn about and celebrate the noble profession of education,” said Lawrence F. Rossow, dean of the School of Education & Human Development. “We want this school to always be a part of the education community in this area and beyond.”

For more information about the UHV School of Education, visit www.uhv.edu/edu