TCTA - Texas Classroom Teachers Association

02/10/2026 | Press release | Archived content

Delegates elect new state leaders at TCTA's 2026 Convention

Delegates to TCTA's 2026 Convention in Austin elected new statewide leaders Feb. 7 as President Vivian Burleson of Northside CTA presided over the Representative Assembly meetings.

Elected to the TCTA Board of Directors for terms beginning June 1 are:

  • President-elect: Thomas Evans of Abilene
  • Budget Director: Angela Reyes of Muleshoe
  • Curriculum & Instruction Director: Melanie Hoyt of Pottsboro
  • Teacher Personal Services Director; Omar Esson of Killeen
Meet TCTA's 2026-27 Board of Directors, from left, Erick Hurtado of Edcouch-Elsa, Velma Sanchez of PSJA, Omar Esson of Killeen, Brec Espinoza of Brownwood, Cristal Isaacks of Levelland, Thomas Evans of Abilene, Melanie Hoyt of Pottsboro, Vivian Burleson of Northside, Sharron Wood of Deweyville and Angela Reyes of Muleshoe.

Elected or reelected to TCTA's Advisory Council for terms starting June 1 are:

  • District 4 Councilmember: Tammy Miller-Keckler of Lamar
  • District 8 Councilmember: Beth Worthey of Paris
  • District 10 Councilmember: Stephanie Daniel of Denison
  • District 12 Councilmember: Sherry Miller of Killeen
  • District 15 Councilmember: Leslie Boothe of Brownwood
  • District 16 Councilmember: Myra Borchers of Amarillo
  • District 17 Councilmember: Maria Lara of Lubbock
  • District 20 Councilmember: Elizabeth Ruiz of North East
  • Councilmember-at-Large: Samuel Sepulveda of Edinburg
  • Councilmember-at-Large: Rebekah Gonzalez of PSJA

Delegates and guests at TCTA's 2026 Convention also earned continuing professional education credits during five sessions and a keynote address by Texas 2026 Secondary Teacher of the Year Tim Fails of Lewisville ISD.

Fails, a social studies teacher at Flower Mound 9th Grade Campus, shared his thoughts on teaching. Rather than focusing on why you teach, Fails said, what matters more is "whether the student in front of you feels seen."

"Show up fully present, fully you and that is more than enough," he said.

Videos from convention will be available by Feb. 27 for online viewing and CPE credit for those unable to attend.

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