Message from the TAAE President

JumanaMills
Dear TAAE Members and Future Trailblazers,
Welcome to the Texas Association for Alternative Education. It is both an honor and a privilege to serve as your President as we continue to elevate and expand the movement that defines who we are. TAAE is more than an organization; it is a collective of passionate educators, leaders, and advocates who believe in the power of second chances and the boundless potential within every student we serve.
In alternative education, we are not simply changing lives; we are changing trajectories. The work we do is transformational, and it takes heart, courage, and relentless belief. Across Texas, our campuses serve as beacons of hope for students who have been counted out by others. Where the system may have said no, we find a way to say yes. Our classrooms, counseling offices, and hallways remind students daily that they are seen, valued, and capable of success.
As we move into the 36th year of TAAE, my presidential focus is clear: to grow our membership and to amplify our collective voice. With more members, we expand not only our reach but our impact, creating more opportunities to collaborate, share best practices, and celebrate the incredible work happening across our state. Each summer, our annual conference brings together educators from every corner of Texas to recharge, reimagine, and recommit to our purpose. It is a space of energy, innovation, and belonging because together, we are the movement.
I invite you to join us, connect with others, and contribute your ideas, your expertise, and your passion to this mission. Whether it is through membership, serving on a committee, or presenting at the conference, your voice matters. The strength of TAAE lies in its people, and that means you.
To those who attended our summer conference in Houston, thank you for showing up, for pouring into others, and for reminding us all that every child is worth it. The work continues, and together, we will keep pushing forward.
Here is to the 36th year of TAAE, where the vision continues, the legacy grows, and the movement lives on.
With gratitude and purpose,
Jumana Mills, M.Ed.
President, Texas Association for Alternative Education