Welcome to a new school year:

Let me introduce myself, I am Gerald Wharton, CEOP. I grew up in the central Texas area (Austin and Waco). I attended Southwest Texas State University; now called Texas State University - San Marcos. I have a bachelor's degree in Biology and served more than 20 years in the United States Air Force. I have been a TESA member for 16 years; since the first year I entered the public education field at Grapevine-Colleyville ISD, upon retiring from the Air Force.  I began my education career at the middle school, as an In-School Suspension Assistant.  I transitioned to the disciplinary alternative shcool, as a school secretary. I have been in my current job for the last 11 years, as the Administrative Assistant to the Executive Director of Special Services.

As a TESA member, I have served on various committees: such as Affiliate Services, Summer Work Conference - Social Chairman, Ad Manager for the TESA Connection, etc. My first position on the TESA executive board was as a Member-at-Large - Awards/Scholarships/Journalist.  Followed by: Member-at-Large - Nominations, 2nd Vice President - Member, Parliamentarian/Legislative Consultant (twice), President Elect and now President.

I have been fascinated with bees, since childhood.  Growing up on a farm, outside Waco, we had bees.  There was always a lot of activity near the bee hive and all over the farm.  They were interesting to observe.  Harvesting the honey was always exciting.  As a child, I never understood how a small amount of smoke would keep the bees clam, while harvesting the honey.  I did know that getting too near the hive without smoke could be very painful.  Bees are very protective and organized.  As I got older, I learned that bees woked cooperataively, communicate with each other by doing a "bee dance."  This dance tells all the other bees where to find flowers with good nectar.  Fossil of bees have been found dating back 180 million years.  Scientifically honeybees should not fly, but they do!

I have selected the honeybee as my symbol for the 2009-2010 year.  This tenacious insect represents an ability to survive, when other species have disappeared.  The bee has been a positive symbol throughout the ages in virtually all cultures around the world.  Bees are social, organized communities working harmoniously together for a common cause.  Our cause is TESA.

The honeybee symbolizes many things but I have selected three areas to focus: Renewal, Wisdon and Loyalty. We need to renew our enthusiasm for TESA and continue to grow our membership; as well as renew ourselves, our relationships, etc.  The honeybee constantly renews its hive. We need to increase our wisdom, daily.  This is accomplished through self-development by attending trainings, workshops and conferences; plus networking with co-workers, friends and family. Lastly, we need to remain loyal to each other, as TESA members; as well as our family and friends.  The honeybee has thrived while other species have faded away because they constantly renew the hive, they readily share their wisdom for the hive survival and they are loyal to each other. As TESA members our organizatin will flourish and grow if we follow the honeybee's example.

I look forward to serving TESA.  Along with the executive board we will be good stewards of our funds, steer the organization to increased membership and create an inviting, enthusiastic sprit for TESA's membership.

Best regards,

Gerald Wharton, CEOP
President 2009-2010