Welcome to a new year in TESA!  I am excited to serve as the president of TESA for 2007-2008.  My theme for this year is TESA “Angels on Assignment” Empowering · Embracing · Educating.  I envision each of you as guiding influences, equipping yourselves and others with the ability to grow professionally and personally.

“Your” Executive Board and I recently met to formulate plans for an event-filled year.  We have dedicated ourselves to “member service” and are committed to working diligently for the betterment of TESA and its members.

I encourage you to act now and renew your TESA membership.  Our membership year runs from August 1 to July 31.  I am happy to announce that dues did not increase and remain at $25.  What a deal!  The Membership Committee is working on incentives for individual and group memberships.  Be sure to watch for upcoming information.

This year members will receive four printed issues of the award winning magazine, The TESA Connection.  Our members spoke, and your board members listened!  In order to accommodate you with four printed issues and still be economically feasible, several issues will have fewer pages and less color.

Several Area Workshops are already scheduled with more to come.  Continue to check the website, www.tesatexas.org, for updates.

TESA’s Fall Work Conference, “Mission Possible,” is right around the corner.  We will be traveling to Addison (near Dallas) November 9 – 11.  Information will be posted soon on the TESA website.

Mark your calendars!  Our Summer Work Conference will be held again this year in Houston at the Houston Marriott Westchase beginning Thursday, June 19, through Sunday, June 22, 2008.  Pre-conference STEM sessions will begin on Tuesday, June 17.

We can’t forget our “assignment” for educating.  STEM classes are constantly being scheduled for your benefit.  Each year our CEOP graduation participant numbers are increasing.  Attainment of the CEOP certification is a “huge” personal growth.

TESA also offers tailor-made sessions by qualified consultants through Affiliate Services.  Be sure to check out course offerings soon on the website.

Remember the many awards and scholarships available for individuals and affiliates.  Details and applications are available on the TESA website.

Finally, I need to address concerns with the TESA website.  We have experienced some difficulties in the past but I want to assure you that the Executive Board and I have made this a top priority.  Our goal is to have a top-notch, user-friendly website in place by the end of our term.  Your patience, support, and ideas are appreciated.

Also listed on the website is contact information for the Executive Board and Committees.  If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact one of us.

In Your Service,

Phyllis Hyden

phyden@galenaparkisd.com