Class of 2024-2025

The TAGT Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) is designed to provide new (3 years or less) district G/T coordinators with the knowledge and skills needed to work effectively with school staff, parents, students, and the community to positively impact the development of appropriate educational services for G/T students in the district.

Congratulations to the 2024 - 2025 cohort of the Emerging Leaders Program!

	Eva Baker, M.Ed. District G/T Teacher & Elementary Robotics Coordinator, Splendora Independent School District Eva Baker, M.Ed. C&I/Psych, B.A. Creative Writing, is a district GT/Robotics educator for Splendora ISD. In 2016, she began her career in education after working in editorial & PR, where she published her first book, H is for Howdy, And Other Lone Star Letters.
	Meagan Bassano G/T Lead Specialist, RLA Specialist, Region 3 Education Service Center Meagan Bassano is a new G/T Specialist for Region 3 as well as an RLA specialist. In the classroom, she taught secondary RLA, and every year she had G/T students. She transitioned to the G/T role about 10 months ago and is eager to learn more.
	Mirinda Coleman Director, San Antonio Independent School District Mirinda Coleman has a lifetime of experience as a gifted student and has spent over 15 years in education. Prior to her career in education, she earned a B.B.A. from Baylor University and an M.B.A. from Texas A&M. Mirinda serves as the Director of Gifted and Talented Education in San Antonio ISD.
	Sarah Escandon, M.S. Facilitator Gifted and Talented, El Paso Independent School District Sarah Escandon is a driven and dedicated educator with over 18 years of experience in providing specialized education. She is skilled in nurturing the unique abilities of gifted learners, creating engaging and challenging curricula, and collaborating with teachers, leaders, and parents to ensure academic success and foster a positive learning environment.
	Kevin Garcia, M.Ed. Director of Advanced Academic Services, Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District Kevin Garcia is in his sixteenth year of education and continuously builds his leadership through meaningful experiences. He has served students as a substitute, mathematics teacher, assistant principal, principal, district director of professional development, and director of advanced academic services. However, his most important role is that of a learner.
	Elizabeth Marquez, M.Ed. G/T Specialist, Lake Worth Independent School District Elizabeth Marquez is a bilingual EC-6th teacher who taught 4th and 3rd grade bilingual for 4 years. She has also served 2 years as an interventionist and 2 years as a G/T teacher/specialist for grades 2nd-5th.
	Sara Marquez, M.Ed. Elementary Advanced Academics Facilitator, Plainview Independent School District Sara Marquez has 19 years of experience teaching elementary students. This is her first year serving as the Elementary Advanced Academics Facilitator working with gifted students from kindergarten through 5th grade, their teachers, and families. She loves spending time with her husband and 3 sons traveling on new adventures.
	Kaylie Massie Curriculum and Instruction Specialist, ESC 16 Kaylie Massie serves as the Curriculum and Instruction specialist at Region 16, aiming to blend professionalism with a hint of fun. She specializes in crafting innovative teaching strategies and fostering collaborative learning environments. Committed to empowering educators and shaping the future of learning, she invites collaboration to enhance education together.
	Grace Anne McKay, M.S. Director of Advanced Academics, Denton Independent School District Grace Anne McKay is brand new to the role of Director of Advanced Academics in Denton ISD after serving for 17 years in Denton as the Secondary Mathematics Coordinator and 5 years as a teacher. She enjoys learning, laughing, and adventures.
	Jennifer Williams Advanced Learning Coordinator, Humble Independent School District Jennifer Williams is in her 24th year working in education. She has taught at multiple levels and contents and has also served as an instructional coach, AP, principal, and now an Advanced Learning Coordinator. She is the mother of twin sons who mean the world to her.