Personal Background

• Severita Sanchez:

  • Ph.D. from Texas A&M University.

  • Born and raised in Laredo, Texas.

  • Educational scholarship support from Laredo ISD called GED to PhD.

  • Progressed from teacher aide to principal, and eventually superintendent of schools.

Educational and Professional Journey

• Career Timeline:

  • Teacher aide at Santo Nino Elementary School.

  • Secretary for the Department of Special Education in Laredo ISD.

  • Became a teacher in 1980, specializing in special education at Martin High School.

  • Worked multiple jobs while pursuing education.

  • Held various positions including counselor, assistant principal, and principal at several schools.

Key Experiences as Principal

• Graduation Practices:

  • Implemented outdoor graduations at Kruger Field.

  • Notable incident: during graduation practice, a tragic boating accident resulted in the death of a student.

  • Lesson: Life is unpredictable, and one should take every day seriously.

• Method for Success:

  • Developed an effective strategy for improving test scores.

  • Tailored schedules and partnered students with varying levels of academic ability to foster success.

Superintendent Role

• Wet Consolidated ISD:

  • Transitioned from school principal to superintendent.

  • Faced financial challenges due to the Robin Hood funding formula in Texas.

Personal Challenges and Growth

• Caregiving Role:

  • After retirement, prioritized caring for her ill husband.

• Children's Advocacy Center:

  • Currently works with the Children's Advocacy Center, focusing on child abuse prevention and recovery.

  • Developed an understanding of the emotional aspects of child well-being, emphasizing the importance of addressing mental health alongside academic performance.

Mission of Children's Advocacy Center

• Objective:

  • Break the cycle of child abuse through education, prevention, and healing.

  • Provide support for abused children and their families.

• Reporting Abuse:

  • As mandatory reporters, professionals in education and psychology must report any suspicions of child abuse.

  • Importance of involving law enforcement and child protective services in investigations.

The Story of Elvira Gonzales

• Background:

  • Notable case of a student-athlete who faced significant adversities, including family dysfunction and abuse.

  • Overcame obstacles, including kidnapping of her mother, to try and provide help.

  • Developed a trusting relationship with a coach, which led to exploitation.

• Consequences:

  • Relationship with the coach led to issues of mental health and ultimately resulted in her losing her way academically due to unaddressed trauma.

  • Highlighted importance of support systems for students experiencing trauma.

Conclusion

• Reflections:

  • Emphasized the need for greater awareness and action against child abuse within educational settings.

  • Open invitation to future discussions and presentations on child advocacy and mental health at educational events.