Region 7 ESC Employee Spotlight
At Region 7 ESC, we're proud to shine a light on the incredible individuals who dedicate their lives to making a difference in education. Our biweekly Employee Spotlight highlights team members whose passion and commitment help shape the future of our students. Through their hard work and expertise, they support both teachers and students across the region. This week, we're excited to introduce three standout employees who exemplify what it means to lead with heart.
"I got into education because I wanted to help families and students in need."
Jackie is the Director of Head Start and has been in education for 29 years.
"I’ve always loved Early Childhood and knew I wanted to be a teacher from a very young age. In fact, I thought I’d work my entire career and retire as a teacher but God had different plans for me. I started at the Service Center 20 years ago as an Early Childhood coach and haven’t looked back since. I’ve been blessed to work around the best of the best! I love to play tennis, puzzle, read and work with you all every day!"
Dee is the ELA Specialist in Curriculum Services and has been in education for 35 years.
"I have often said over the years that being a teacher isn’t a job – it’s a calling! Becoming a teacher was a God thing...at each step of my journey as an educator, God has sent along a messenger. I was tutoring someone in high school when one of the girls asked me if I planned to become a teacher. This got me thinking....hmm, maybe. This started me on my journey and led me to teach middle school, high school, and college classes. I had been teaching for many years, when another administrator asked me, "Why haven't you gone to school to be an administrator yourself? You would be good at it." I had never considered it before, but I enrolled in school the very next semester. I had just completed my principalship and was looking for a position when I attended a summer workshop at the Region 7 ESC. The specialist at the time told everyone goodbye at the end of the session because she was getting married, leaving Region 7, and moving to Houston. She encouraged us to consider applying for her position. This is a pathway I had never considered. I applied, attended the interview, and realized Region 7 was a perfect fit for me. I was hired, and here I am today. At every step, God sent someone my way who said, "Follow this path...". My Region 7 journey continues, and I LOVE what I do. I LOVE the learning I get to do on a daily basis to grow myself, I LOVE helping teachers, I LOVE hearing the stories from teachers of the successes they have had, and I LOVE and value the friendships I have made at Region 7 - they are more than friends - they are FAMILY.”