Texas A&M University-Central Texas Aspiring Educators Chapter Plans Literacy Project
By Demetra Paizanis,
Enrollment Marketing and Communications Manager –
A new aspiring educators chapter at Texas A&M University-Central Texas is developing literacy boxes for elementary students and their families.
The Texas State Teachers Association (TSTA) Aspiring Educators and Texas Association of Future Educators (TAFE) chapter plans to pair books with educational activities families can use at home, including during extended school breaks. Its six-member leadership team is also preparing campus outreach and fundraising for a possible education conference in early 2027.
“We wanted to create an opportunity for teacher candidates and students interested in education to connect, share ideas, and turn their passion into meaningful experiences for themselves and the community,” said Katlynn Berndt, chapter president and an elementary education student in the class of 2027.
Judy Schaffer serves as the chapter’s faculty advisors. Members do not need to be pursuing an education degree or have decided to become a teacher.
“I was really drawn to the idea of helping build a chapter that reflects the reality of today’s classrooms, especially for bilingual and multicultural students,” said Dayanara Salazar, chapter vice president. “So many future teachers come from diverse backgrounds, speak more than one language, or grew up navigating two cultures, and I wanted the chapter to be a place where that identity is seen as a strength.”
The chapter plans to host a table at the university’s Warrior Leadership Challenge on Oct. 24, using an activity and conversations with visiting Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps students to introduce education as a possible career.
Meetings are held from 4:45 to 5:45 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of each month in Warrior Hall, Room 304, with a Microsoft Teams option. For information or virtual meeting access, contact Berndt at [email protected].
