Texas Association of Future Educators (TAFE)

TAFE is one of the nine Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSO) recognized by the Texas Education Agency. TAFE is proud to be the newest CTSO recognized in Texas. This recognition has not been granted to a student organization in Texas in the past 20 years!

National Affiliate

TAFE proudly supports the work of Educators Rising, and each year, a delegation of TAFE's top student leaders attend the National Conference to represent the Lone Star state.

Membership Benefits for Educators Rising (National Affiliate)

• Eligible to advance to the National Conference
• Scholarships
• Educators Rising National Honor Society
• Student Representation at the National Level
• Student Leadership
• For more information, please visit the Educators Rising Website

TAFE History

Founding Member of the Texas Association of Future Educators
Dr. Carroll Thomas

While serving as principal of Estacado High School in Lubbock in the 1980s, Dr. Carrol A. Thomas was among several TASSP executive officers who recognized the need to educate students on the benefits of choosing teaching as a profession. Dr. Thomas and other officers met with TASSP President E. Don Brown and other educators from across the state and established the Texas Association of Future Educators (TAFE) in order to provide students with the necessary knowledge to make informed decisions about pursuing careers in education.

Dr. Thomas was excited at how the organization continued to expand throughout the years. He continued his involvement with TAFE when he became Superintendent of North Forest ISD in 1989. His involvement in the organization continued when Dr. Thomas was named Superintendent of Beaumont ISD in 1996.

"I’m so proud to see the excitement that our young people have about education as a career. It is such a rewarding profession. I remember my days as a classroom teacher and coach fondly,” Dr. Thomas said. Not only does teaching directly impact the life of a young person, but it also opens doors for upward mobility for those who might wish to become counselors, assistant principals, principals, central office administrators, or even superintendents."