The Texas A&M University–Central Texas chapter of the Texas Association of Future Educators (TAFE) is easing the transition from high school to college by inviting Copperas Cove High School and Killeen ISD TAFE chapters to campus.
“TAFE is a cocurricular student organization that we integrate to our training and education program. TAFE is the Texas Association of Future Educators and is the largest future teacher organization in the country,” said Theresa Morgan, Education and Training Pathway Teachers at Copperas Cove High School.
Established in 1984, TAFE (pronounced "taffy") is one of the nine Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) recognized by the Texas Education Agency.
TAFE was formed to educate middle and high school students about pursuing careers in education.
By inviting the high school TAFE chapters to campus, students gain insight to make informed decisions about their plans after high school and as future educators. Copperas Cove High School Senior Jasmine Hill plans to attend Central Texas College upon graduation and transfer to A&M–Central Texas.
“I was very excited. I was already thinking about coming here and so I wanted to see where I would go and what the teaching program would be,” said Hill on the campus visit.
With programs like “Grow Your Own” TAFE aims to prepare the next generation of educators to teach in their respective communities.
“All students that are going to become teachers have to have a college education. That is part of becoming a teacher. And this campus is the nearest university for most of our students so when they consider maybe living at home and saving money, this is a high probability of a place they can go,” said Morgan.
“We want them to know it is here, what they can offer, and take what they are doing in high school and seamlessly get a bachelor’s degree while still staying in the area. And hopefully growing our own teachers that will want to stay in the area and work for our local school districts.”
The visit consisted of a campus tour, collaborative activities, and lunch with TAMUCT faculty emphasizing collaboration and networking are key elements of teaching.
“Teaching is not a solo activity. Even though we are alone in the classroom, we need each other to be successful. So, teaching them how it is not so much a competition as it is building each other up,” said Morgan.
“So, events like this, where we have other campuses come together, and we can talk to teachers and students from other areas and see that we got a lot in common. It helps the community in general.”
