San Antonio, Texas — Texas A&M University–San Antonio will host its ninth Best of Both Worlds symposium on Wednesday, Nov. 5, featuring a panel of education experts and community leaders who will discuss strategies to address teacher recruitment and retention.

The event will take place from 6:30–8 p.m. in the Vista Room (4th floor, Central Academic Building) on the A&M–San Antonio campus, One University Way, San Antonio, TX 78224.

Ongoing teacher shortages continue to challenge schools across San Antonio and throughout Texas, with many districts reporting increased vacancy rates and rising post-pandemic attrition. The symposium will explore the causes of these trends and highlight solutions to strengthen the educator workforce pipeline.

“We’ve assembled principals from a variety of K–12 districts, along with community leaders, to discuss how we can strengthen the teacher pipeline in Texas,” said Dr. Lawrence Scott, associate professor in the Department of Educator and Leadership Preparation and symposium moderator. “It’s important that we come together through events like this to build partnerships and initiatives that improve the educational landscape for those who need it most.”

Scott will co-moderate the discussion with Dr. W. Sean Kearny, professor in the Department of Educator and Leadership Preparation. Associate Professor Dr. Elisabeth M. Krimbill helped plan and organize the symposium, which is presented by the College of Education and Human Development. The annual series addresses a variety of critical issues affecting the region and state.

As part of its commitment to strengthening the teacher pipeline, A&M–San Antonio launched the Texas Teacher Residency Preparation Route (TTRPR) this fall. The yearlong residency provides teacher candidates with hands-on classroom experience, professional mentorship, and integrated coursework—leading to an Enhanced Standard Certificate from the Texas Education Agency (TEA).

Best of Both Worlds Panelists include:

• Lorena Jasso, Principal, Gillette Elementary, Harlandale ISD
• Tina Curtis, Principal Emeritus, Barbara Jordan Intermediate, Schertz-Cibolo ISD
• Angelica Guzman-Jeffery, Principal, Judson Early College Academy, Judson ISD
• Dr. Shari Albright, President, Charles Butt Foundation
• Dr. Jeff Goldhorn, Executive Director, Education Service Center, Region 20 

About Texas A&M University-San Antonio

Texas A&M University-San Antonio is a leading comprehensive public university, deeply rooted in the vibrant South San Antonio culture. Spanning almost 700 acres, the University serves with over 7,600 students with 39 undergraduate and 23 graduate degree options. Noteworthy centers include the Henry G. Cisneros Institute for Emerging Leaders, the Cyber Engineering Technology/Cyber Security Research Center, and the Mays Center for Experiential Learning and Community Engagement.