SEVENTEEN ZERO-YEAR TEACHERS in the area were invited to complete a grant in aid application by the Tau Chapter, including (left-right) Angela Simpson of McBay Elementary School in Mexia and Leanne Payne of Fairfield Intermediate School.

Tau Chapter was honored to host applicants for the Carolina C. Forsyth Grant in Aid and award three $100.00 checks to beginning teachers attending our meeting from our local school districts.  This year seventeen “0” year teachers were invited to complete our grant in aid applications and attend our October meeting for the presentation.  The meeting started with refreshments and a chance to visit with the applicants about their first six weeks at school. We heard some stories of these teachers in their new class and profession. Attending the meeting was beginning teachers from Fairfield ISD and Mexia ISD. The meeting was called to order by Belinda Cotton, acting president. The applicants were introduced to our members and each got to tell a little about themselves. Pictures were taken to commemorate this year’s winners of our Caroline C. Forsythe Grant- in-Aid.
Angela Simpson is the beginning teacher of 3rd and 4th grade Life Skills at McBay Elementary School in Mexia. She is married to Professor Lynn Simpson at Navarro College. She moved to Mexia from Vicksburg Mississippi. She loves and enjoys her students smiles and achievements.

Leanne Payne teaches 4th grade Science and Social Studies at Fairfield Intermediate School. She is a graduate of Southwestern Assemblies of God University with a bachelor degree in Education with a minor in Psychology and Associated in Bible. She and her husband of 14 years, Kyle, have two children Kynzee and Korbyn.

WELCOMED TO THE TEACHING PROFESSION by the Tau Chapter is first year Fairfield Elementary teacher, Misty Smith. (Submitted Photos)

Misty Smith is a 2017 graduate of A&M Commerce. She teaches 1st grade at Fairfield Elementary School. Misty is married and has 3 children.  She loves reading and seeing her students little faces when they are learning new information. Each “0” Year Teacher received a “Welcome to our Profession“ gift bag full of snacks and teacher supplies to take back to school with them.

Tau Chapters, ongoing , award winning projects , “Holliday Tray Greetings” to our local nursing and rehabilitation centers, homemade Christmas Stockings given to our Freestone and Limestone counties CPS board to help support our local at -risk students and Navarro College’s international students continue to uplift our local communities.

Tracey Keele, Directer of “Gear Up” at Mexia ISD, presented a program to our attendees about information on the  wonderful grant program through Region 12 Service Center that is helping Mexia Students make informed decisions on their educational future.

Tau members that are teaching at one of our local school districts each took several gift bags to give to early career teachers to brighten their day.

Tau Chapter is key women educators making a difference in education in our communities as well as education worldwide. Our next meeting will be 5:00 pm on November 14 at Gibbs Library in Mexia.

For more information please contact Belinda Cotton at bcotton@mexiaisd.net or Alicia Smith at als75840@yahoo.com