Welcome to All!

It is both an honor and a privilege to serve as the President of the Texas Educational Support Staff Association, Inc. (TESA) for the 2025-2026 term. TESA has played a pivotal role in my own personal and professional journey. From my very first experience with the association—through every training, workshop, and conference—it has consistently supported my growth. Now, I am excited to give back and contribute to your continued success.

As we embark on this new chapter together, I would like to share the guiding principles that will shape my presidency:

Empower. Engage. Enjoy.

Empower.

At TESA, our mission is to empower you—not only as professionals, but as individuals with immense potential. Through our TPEP courses and workshops, you have the opportunity to enhance your knowledge, refine your skills, and build the confidence that will unlock new opportunities for you.

Whether you are pursuing your CEOP certification for the first time or renewing it, now is the time to invest in your growth. As we invest in ourselves, we also raise the standards for everyone around us—our colleagues, campuses, and communities.

Engage.

True growth and progress comes from active engagement. This means committing to the work, whether that involves serving on a committee, stepping into a leadership role, or volunteering your time and talents to strengthen our community.

Engagement is about more than just participation—it’s about showing up, speaking up, and fostering relationships built around a shared vision and purpose. If you’ve ever wondered if your voice matters, I assure you: there is a seat for you at the table.

Enjoy.

Yes—enjoy! Amid the daily pressures of deadlines, calendars, and responsibilities, it’s crucial that we take time to connect, laugh, and celebrate the joy that comes from meaningful collaboration.

As we empower one another and deepen our engagement with TESA’s mission, we also get to embrace the best part of this experience: a strong, supportive community of paraprofessionals from across Texas, united in our efforts and friendships that extend far beyond the workplace.

This year, TESA will celebrate its 75th Anniversary—our Diamond Year! It is an exciting time for us to strengthen our membership base and provide more opportunities to engage in workshops, expand our knowledge, and network with paraprofessionals statewide.

As your President, I am committed to advocating for you. My priorities include expanding access to CEOP certification, elevating the essential role that paraprofessionals and support staff play in education, and fostering stronger connections across associations throughout Texas.

This year, we rise together.

Let us Empower. Let us Engage. Let us Enjoy. Together, we will make this a year of both personal and professional growth.

Sincerely,

Alicia Lopez, CEOP
TESA President
2025-2026