I can tell you from personal experience the benefits of membership provided by TCSA’s Quality Services Team.

Before joining the TCSA staff in September, I had the privilege of serving as superintendent of Pineywoods Community Academy in Lufkin for the previous six years. Operating a small, stand-alone open-enrollment charter school in deep East Texas, there would be times when I felt isolated from the mainstream, not only geographically but also in regards to the camaraderie of fellow charter operators. This is when I discovered the value of TCSA membership.

I discovered that many charter directors/CEOs/superintendents were dealing with the same challenges that I faced, whether it was issues with student enrollment, finances, facilities, curriculum and instruction, to name a few. Participating in member council meetings, annual conference, and various trainings sponsored by TCSA allowed me an opportunity to stay current in what was happening in the charter movement, both across the state as well as nationally.

One of the more recent additions to the TCSA Quality Services support repertoire are our regional charter leadership meetings, held quarterly across the state. These meetings allow leaders an opportunity to hear the most recent TEA updates, share ideas, challenges, and successes, as well as develop professional networks which are vital as we all strive to accomplish the same goal – provide students across the state of Texas a great charter school education.

Looking ahead, there are many exciting professional development opportunities planned for charter leaders. TCSA will host a CFO summit in February as well as principal and superintendent summits later this summer. Check out the TCSA website for more information about these and other great trainings, webinars, performance tools that are part of our Quality Framework, and other helpful supports all designed to benefit you as charter leaders.

If you haven’t renewed your annual membership with TCSA, please do so today during our annual membership drive. You don’t want to miss any of the great advantages that are available as a member of your charter school association!