The Teacher Incentive Program aims to recruit, support, and retain highly effective teachers across all schools. (Jennifer Scott/Tyler Morning Telegraph File)

On Friday morning, Tyler ISD administrators, faculty, and staff convened at Green Acres Baptist Church for their annual district convocation. The event provided a platform for the entire school community to come together, celebrate achievements, and receive motivational talks as they prepared for the upcoming school year. It was an opportunity to foster unity and set the tone for a successful year ahead.

“It’s a chance to get all of our staff together under one roof (and) talk about the year that we had last year and the year we’re gonna have,” said superintendent Dr. Marty Crawford. “It’s always about continuous improvement, successful student outcomes … just trying to get better every day.”

Packed inside the Worship Center were more than 2,000 members of Tyler ISD representing each campus. The convocation acts as a ‘pep rally’ to kick off the new school year, to celebrate achievements and discuss any opportunities for improvement.

Crawford emphasized the fact the district doesn’t have construction to work with as a good start of a successful school year, especially with the completion of Early College High School and Hubbard Middle School campuses.

“It’s good being able to focus on teaching and learning in less-than-20-year-old buildings is an incredible attitude to Tyler, Texas, and the community should be proud of itself,” he said.

Crawford presented the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) scores, highlighting the significant progress many campuses made, noting that while some schools saw modest increases, others achieved substantial gains in their STAAR results from the previous year. His praise acknowledged the hard work and dedication that led to these impressive improvements.

“We had some campuses that surprised us and knocked it out of the park and that’s encouraging because some of those campuses have traditionally struggled … it’s where a lot of our high-risk loads exist as far as student demographics go in our district,” he said.

While pleased with last year’s results, Crawford believes there is always room for advancement. He acknowledges that the previous year was strong but is confident this year holds even greater potential. Compared to many other school systems across the state that are similar to theirs, Crawford is optimistic Tyler ISD can position itself in the top 25 percent. His perspective reflects a dedication to striving for excellence and achieving higher benchmarks in the future.

“We did have a good year (but) we’re not satisfied,” Crawford said. “I don’t think we’ll ever be satisfied until we can get every kid across the finish line.”

During his presentation, Crawford also made sure to recognize everyone from the maintenance crews and bus drivers to teachers’ aides and special education teachers. Crawford provided a gentle reminder of the daily upkeep of campuses and classrooms.

County Judge Neal Franklin stopped by the convocation to present a proclamation to dedicate Aug. 9, 2024 as Tyler ISD Employee Appreciation Day.

“As a graduate of (Tyler ISD) … I’m excited to be here,” he said. “We’re proud of Tyler Independent School District … y’all do so much.”

Board of Trustees President Wade Washmon spoke of his appreciation for all of the teachers and staff in Tyler ISD.

“Thank you for your continual service to Tyler, Texas and its future,” he said. “I say service because what you do day in and day out … it’s more than just a job. I’d argue it’s the most noble and impactful profession on the planet.”

He spoke of the importance of being there for the students, highlighting how every role contributes in creating a supportive environment that nurtures their potential. He said each gesture of kindness helps build a foundation of hope and joy in their lives.

“They’re coming from all sorts of backgrounds … and to have a teacher, to have a bus driver, to have somebody serving food … to have somebody just plant a little bit of joy in their life … it’s a service,” he said. “I want to encourage you to stand in truth and stand in love for these children.”

The keynote speaker was U.S. Rep. Nathaniel Moran, who represents Tyler and the First District in Congress. The congressman wanted to make sure he delivered messages of appreciation and encouragement ahead of the new year.

“To all the classroom teachers in here, to all the staff members and to all the people that have been recognized up and down the board, it doesn’t matter what your role is,” he said. “You play such a critical role here and I don’t think you get told ‘thank you’ enough.”

Moran wanted educators and staff to leave with a appreciation for their impact on students. While preparing his speech, he was inspired by the image of a lighthouse, symbolizing how teachers and staff provide essential guidance and support. He said much like a lighthouse guiding ships through darkness, their dedication helps steer students toward success and enlightenment.

“You’re the lighthouse in this pathway, these little ships that parents sit on their journey in this life, they’re gonna pass a lot of lighthouses in this lifetime,” Moran said. “But you are one of the most important lighthouses you keep them from the dangers of this world. You help direct them and get them in the right coordinates that they’re supposed to be going in. You keep them away from the rocky cliffs, you give them hope.”

Cameio Grounds, a fourth grade reading teacher at Jones Elementary School, said she feels fired up and ready to start the new year.

“I feel like this is going to be my best year,” she said. “We have new teachers and they already feel like they’re part of the family. It’s going to be great for our students to make these connections and continue to grow.”

Grounds believes setting a welcoming and supportive tone from the very beginning is crucial for fostering a successful and engaging learning environment throughout the year.

“I know I just teach fourth grade but I think I’m able to make an impact on my students,” she said. “Everybody’s nervous (on their first day of school) and it’s OK to be … exactly who you are. Everybody is going to accept you and we’re going to work together to have a great year.”