(This is an archive story, please refer to byline for authors name)
By: Arien Stehling
TAFE stands for Texas Association of Future educators. The organization allows students to explore the teaching profession through hands-on teaching experience
“I knew from the first meeting that this was something I wanted to be a part of,” President Felicity Carlson said. “I have always been adamant and passionate about a future career as a teacher, but being able to share that passion and excitement with a group of my peers was what convinced me to join.”
TAFE is new to BHS, this is its second year at the high school. They have meetings every Monday after school in F122 where they learn more about the association. Current members utilize this time to prepare for upcoming competitions.
“Preparation begins a few months before the competition, as information needs to be gathered, videos need to be filmed, posters need to be made, speeches need to be memorized and some projects online need to be submitted beforehand.” Member Alyssa Gavrel said.
TAFE has five different levels of competition: Middle School, Special Edition, Junior Varsity, Varsity, and Collegiate. There are five different category types to choose from, each having its own personalized events ranging from breakout sessions to visual projects. With this wide range of events being available to participants, they can choose categories in which they are most passionate about.
“Specifically, mine and my partner’s competition was in a video format, which we introduced when we walked in, then presented to the judges,” Gavrel said. “We open up for questions at the end, and then we’re released.”
Eight TAFE members recently advanced to state. These members are Felicity Carlson, DJ Keller, Rebekah Bright, Alyssa Gavrel, Andrew Poff, Kailyn Flores, Grayson Peterman and Haliee Deter.
“I think the main attribute that can lead anyone to advancing in any competition is confidence,” Peterman said. “We walked in the room to compete with lots of confidence from practicing so much before, and that led us to do great.”
Peterman and Flores will go on to compete at nationals in Orlando, Florida alongside fellow TAFE members Gavrel and Poff. Peterman and Flores compete in the “Lesson Planning and Delivery” in the arts division.
“When competing, you’re usually in a room with three judges; all have some sort of education degree,” Peterman said. “Depending on the competition, the point system can vary. In my competition, ‘Lesson Planning and Delivery,’ the judges look at my lesson plan, then [film] me teaching my lesson. After completing this, I have a conference period where the judges talk about my faults and the good things I did in the video.”
TAFE is a student-led organization,with this being said, it still requires an advisor.
“Mrs. Howard aids us in getting approval for events and projects,” Carlson said. “Because TAFE is a student-[run] organization, she guides us on how to be the best leaders.”
TAFE provides multiple opportunities for aspiring students.
“TAFE is giving me real life experiences and knowledge about the teaching profession,” Carlson said. “It is educating me on the school system and showing me the realness of the school system. It is also providing me with a sense of community with people who are interested in the same things as I am.”
Carlson has been a part of TAFE since the association started at BHS last year. She works closely with Howard to plan and prepare upcoming meetings and events.
“I want people to know that TAFE is so much more than competing,” Carlson said.
“We really are like a family at our meetings and even when all of the work is overwhelming, I know that in the long run, the community TAFE provides me with is worth all the trouble. I truly believe TAFE has helped me grow as a person and an aspiring educator.”