Vol. 2, Iss. 6 | February 2021

On February 11th, several Valley school districts came together to participate in the annual RGV Academy Leaders’ Coalition meeting. The coalition consists of regional education and workforce leaders collaborating to learn about and implement new research-based best practices. Its focus is on the National Standards of Practice for Career Academies, specifically integrating more work-based learning initiatives. Participants were privileged to listen to guest speakers from various business sectors. Dr. Norma Salaiz, RGV LEAD Board member, and Contractor encouraged attendees to network and collaborate with other regional leaders with a common interest.

Dr. Salaiz went on to say that each district should strive to become the career academy expert in their district, learn about and implement new research-based best practices that engage students, teachers, and employers, and lead the district in becoming an “Academy Showcase” for others to visit. 

High lighting the coalition meeting was an industrial panel discussion with three specific career pathways. The pathways Business, Health Sciences, and Law. RGV LEAD wishes to thank the following panelists who participated in the RGV Academy Leaders’ Coalition meeting: Frank Acevedo, Chief Nursing Officer, Valley Regional Medical Center; Lizzy de la Garza, Account Executive, Schneider Electric; and Ryan Solis, Law Office of Ryan C. Solis, P.L.L.C.  Also, pictured are Dr. Salaiz and Janie Johnston Lopez who served as moderators for the event.