TFTA's 2007-08 Theme
“Behind Every Great Student Stands a Great Teacher"

Overview: The 2007 Leadership Summit
This year’s conference highlighted inspirational speakers; Mercedes Fuller, who was the keynote for the 2007 State Convention, Bruce Banner and Reagan Hawkins.  These gentlemen gave insight for what it takes to establish roots and grow as a leader in every journey traveled.

The students were encouraged to use the skills and talents of each member to make a strong Chapter.  Successful Chapters are built by leaders who recognize and utilize these strengths to reach out to their schools and communities.  Advisors and students alike went home with much enthusiasm about TFTA.  All were sharing ideas of future fundraisers and outings.  Thanks to the Advisors for supporting TFTA and its members.

The Executive Committee met on October 6, 2007.  Introduction and welcome was made for the new TSTA Liaison, Janna Connolly, and the TFTA Headquarters Support Staff.  The upcoming 2008 State Convention was the main topic.  Discussions included: delegating duties and committees, contest clarification and judges, the new contest category, the dance theme and ideas for different workshops.  The TSTA staff shared purchases and ideas for new promotional items.  Overall, the meeting was successful and productive.

TFTA/TSTA is very excited about the 2008 State Convention.  TFTA changes are occurring and happening fast, put your seat belts on and enjoy the ride! 

Hope to see you at State on February 8-9, 2008!!

Keep your eye out for your TFTA State President, Stasha Haynes’ update about current happenings across Texas.

Important Dates!

• Executive Committee Meeting -- October 6, 2007, Hilton Austin Airport, Austin TX

• Leadership Summit -- October 7-8, 2007, Hilton Austin Airport, Austin TX

• Executive Committee Meeting -- February 7, 2008, Hilton Austin Airport, Austin TX

• State Convention -- February 8-9, 2008, Hilton Austin Airport, Austin TX

If you have any questions or need directions you can contact the Hilton Austin Airport at 512-385-6767 or email www.austinairport.hilton.com.

For further information you may contact Rosie Castillo at www.rosiec@tsta.org or call 800-324-5355, ext. 1427.

Background on TFTA
From the creative mind of Joy Elmer Morgan, editor of the NEA Journal in 1929, came the dreams of an organization to be known as Future Teachers of America. In 1937, the NEA Representative Assembly at Detroit voted to sponsor the FTA movement. Dr. Morgan was the developer of ideas and the moving spirit behind the Future Teachers of America program until his retirement in 1954. During this period FTA grew from one high school club with 72 members to 2,441 high school clubs with 62,134 members and 562 college chapters with 29,504 members. Prior to 1947, the Division of Publications chartered clubs and chapters, but by 1950-51 all state education associations had agreed to charter them jointly.

Goals of TFTA:

• To interest young men and women in teaching as a career.

• To provide its members with experiences to develop the qualities and aptitudes basic to successful teaching.

• To impart an understanding of the development and purpose of our public schools.

• To assist in gaining an appreciation of the contributions that the public schools have made to our democratic society.

• To aid in self-evaluation.

• To provide participation and understanding of the democratic process at the local, district, and state levels.

• To provide information and experiences which enable the student to explore and develop his/her vocation pursuant to a career in education.

If you have questions about TFTA or want to get involved, please email Rosie Castillo or call her toll free at
877-ASK-TSTA.

TSTA/NEA: FIGHTING FOR TEXAS PUBLIC SCHOOLS SINCE 1880

316 West 12th Street, Austin, TX 78701 * 877-ASK-TSTA * ©2007 Texas State Teachers Association