This month Ink International is privileged to honor the work of Dr. Tanya Monroe, Brownsville (TX) ISD Superintendent.
Dr. Monroe has worked in public education for the past 30 years and has served as the superintendent of schools in two school districts in Texas for the past nine years. Prior to serving as superintendent, she was a director of curriculum and instruction, an elementary principal, and an elementary assistant principal, having begun her career as an elementary teacher for twelve years. She earned a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, and a doctorate degree all from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas.
Noted for her work in turning around failing schools, in 2013 Dr. Monroe took over the superintendency in Brownfield ISD, a school-wide Title I district, in Brownfield, Texas, one of the lowest ranked school districts in ESC Region 17, ranked in the lowest 5% in the state of Texas, and the recipient of a Texas Education Agency performance monitoring site visit. After one year, all campuses Met Standard, an accomplishment not achieved in the last five years and not since the new accountability standards of Texas had been implemented.
Ink International engaged Dr. Monroe in a short Q&A, below.
Can you talk about what prompted you to have Manny speak to your students this fall? Can you also talk about the reaction at the school after his visit?
My leadership team had the opportunity to listen to Manny Scott speak at the Fall 2014 AIE conference in Austin, Texas. Throughout my educational career, I have heard many motivational speakers, but the story of Manny Scott touched my heart and soul like no other and I was convinced that his message was vital to the students, staff, and community of Brownfield ISD. During Manny’s presentation, our staff and community members were amazed at the rapt attention and outpouring of response of our students. He was able to make connections with our students that many did not think possible. Our staff and community learned much about the lives and (often) anguish that many of our students face on a daily basis. Manny was able to frame his personal experiences in a message of hope that inspired our students and the adults who are charged with making a difference in their lives.
Talk about why you are so passionate about reaching and teaching kids.
The Lord has blessed me with a passion and a true belief that all children should be educated. My life’s work has led me to schools with high poverty rates, large percentages of minority students, and historically low academic achievement. As a change agent, I tell people, “All kids need an advocate, but there are some kids in which WE are the only advocates.” For many of our students, school is the best place in their lives and it is our responsibility to serve these students in a way that will enrich their lives. Every student needs to believe that the educators who are entrusted with their well-being care about them no matter what challenges are being faced by the students. Along with that loving, trusting relationship, needs to come the expectation that again, no matter what challenges are being faced, our students can and will learn. Everyone knows this is frequently a struggle...our kids are worth the fight!
What do you think is most important for people to understand today about reaching students today, not only in Texas, but also across America? What do you think is most important for people to understand about the work Manny is doing as part of Ink International?
To me, the work that Manny Scott does is and should be an extension of the message which should be, but is not always happening in our schools today. Manny possesses a gift that is incredible to behold and I truly believe changes the lives of the people he encounters. His influence will be timeless. There will be no end to his impact. His testimony and work will influence generations to come. And, at the end of the day, is there anything more beautiful than to be able to say, “my life’s work has been devoted to helping children—all children—even those children that many did not deem worthy?” No matter how difficult the journey, this is the mission I have been given, and for me, it is a life well spent.
“Dr. Monroe is one of the most competent and compassionate leaders I’ve met. It is clear that she has a gift to connect with people, young and seasoned, from all walks of life, and help them grow into who they were created to be. It was truly an honor to work with her and her fantastic staff and students. I’ll never forget the people I met in Brownfield.” - Manny Scott