Two of the biggest needs that humans have are to be part of a community and to be engaged in something bigger than themselves. For those who attended the 2025 TASA Midwinter Conference, my hope is that you got to feel both in a big way.
At the conference in January, a TASA corporate partner who travels the United States and the world to various educational conferences said to me, “There is no place in the world that has as strong a sense of community and professionalism as TASA [Midwinter Conference]. I don’t think people realize just how special you have it here in Texas. The bonds we see among leaders are the strongest I have ever seen. It is my team’s favorite event every year because people are so kind and welcoming and inspiring.”
Being part of a community of learners is so important to all of us in our professional lives. The saying “iron sharpens iron” rings true. The quality of leaders, learning and relationships make all the difference, especially when you are seeking innovation during challenging times. Relationships and community matter a lot, and we are all so fortunate to be in this unique community.
Celebrating TASA’s centennial, as we plan to do all year long in 2025, is so important for so many reasons. It reminds us that we stand on the shoulders of the leaders who came before us. We are the recipients of a strong organization that took decades to build. We can see the difference TASA has made over the past century for both the public school leaders in our state and the children we serve. (Don’t miss this video on TASA’s history that we debuted at the conference.)
Also, with the fulfillment of the TASA Strategic Framework, we are reminded that each of us is both a contributor and a beneficiary of TASA’s work. In a special video we produced that focuses on the framework’s fulfillment, TASA Executive Committee Member Carnelius Gilder says, “We came running, not just with ‘I’m hungry or I’m thirsty for the new knowledge,’ but so many people came to the table ready to share.”
Each of you who are engaged in TASA are contributing not only to our current success but also to that of future generations of leaders. You are the difference makers, and while you may benefit during your career, you are also ensuring that TASA thrives for another century.
Thank you all for your friendship and support, for your servant hearts, and for your mission-driven leadership. And thank you for the strong bonds of community and the inspiration of being part of something bigger than ourselves
-TASA Executive Director Kevin Brown, Ed.D.
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