Gardens Elementary School Principal Celia Layton was installed as the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association’s (TEPSA) president at the organization’s 2007 conference in Austin recently.

“Representing my peers as the 2007-2008 president is a true honor,” said Layton. “Under my leadership, I hope to continue the visions and goals of the association and provide leadership that enhances the great things TEPSA is doing. I hope to be an advocate for all children.”

Some of Layton’s responsibilities as president will include general supervision of the affairs of the organization, signing official documents, appointing committee chairpersons, and attending all board, executive and association meetings.

At the conference, Layton discussed her theme for the organization for this year, which is “Serving the Whole Child.”

“I appreciate our school leaders who work diligently to provide every child in the state of Texas with the knowledge and skills to reach their full potential,” she said. “I thank all principals and teachers who instilled in me the drive to succeed when I was in elementary school. It would not have been possible without all educators believing in me and pushing me to succeed. I want the same thing for every child. Love them, nurture them and feed them emotionally at all times.”

A member of TEPSA since 1986, Layton has held many other roles in the organization. She served as a Standing Committee member as well as chairman of the Organizational Affairs Committee in 1995. Layton also co-chaired the Local Arrangements Committee for the 1992 conference, served as District 4 president in 2002-2003 and participated in Academy III. She is also a past recipient of the District 4 TEPSAN of the Year award.

Layton said her involvement in the organization has helped her grow tremendously as an educator.

“Being part of such a sophisticated organization has driven me to continue to learn and grow,” she said. “The presenters, speakers, staff and executive committee promote a learning community, and I am always looking for ways to grow and be on the cutting edge.”

Layton also said her leadership roles in TEPSA have reflected on her leadership abilities within her own school.

“It validates that our school district is moving along with the newest and innovative ways to reach every child,” she said. “I am proud to work in Pasadena and bring new ideas to my campus and school district. I love to brag on my teachers, staff, parents and students. That is what drives me to love what I do, which is serving the whole child.”

Layton has served in Pasadena ISD for 29 years with 21 of those years spent at Gardens. Under her direction, Gardens has been named a Texas Recognized Campus and a Texas Successful School.

Since 1917, TEPSA has served Texas principals and supervisors and has more than 5,300 members today. These administrators supervise more than 150,000 teachers who direct the activities of more than 2.5 million students.

“As all of our administrators do, Celia is constantly putting the needs of her students first,” said Pasadena ISD Superintendent Kirk Lewis. “It’s educators like her that help make our students as successful as they are. We are proud of her accomplishments and know she will be a tremendous asset to TEPSA.”