The Doug Rogers Campus Representative of the Year Award acknowledges those special ATPE volunteers who are fundamental to the continued growth and development of our grassroots organization. This year’s winners were honored during the 2021 ATPE Virtual Summit. 

ATPE member Elizabeth Bitar of Kennedale ISD was presented with the Campus Rep of the Year Award for Local Units with 1–200 Members. Liz is an art teacher and eCoach at James A. Arthur Intermediate and is starting her third year there. Previously, she worked as an art teacher in Fort Worth ISD for 14 years. Liz joined ATPE in spring 2018 and became a campus rep by fall 2018—and she’s already recruited a few members for the 2021-22 school year! 

ATPE spoke to Liz to find out how a photo shoot led her to getting a teaching certificate, as well as about her time as a coach at Texas Christian University. 

What made you want to be an educator?
I was managing and working as a photographer for a photo agency. While on set, I was talking to some teenagers about their plans for the future. That conversation sparked something in me. I went back to school to become a certified art teacher. I have not looked back. Friends and family say I was meant to be an art teacher. 

What is your favorite part of your job?
I love watching my students discover their creative side, use their artistic license, and use art to express themselves. I like learning about the history of art. It’s been wonderful to see how students have been receptive to me sharing my art history knowledge. I’ve had students who have had their artwork published in books and calendars as well received awards from the mayor of Fort Worth. Those honors meant a lot to those students and their families. I was blessed to have had a hand in making those special moments happen for them. 

What’s your favorite Texas vacation?
I value the time I spend with my daughter. It doesn’t matter if we travel out of town or stay at home. That mother-daughter bonding time is priceless and worth every second we spend together. 

Share something fun about yourself.
I was a student athlete at TCU. In my early teaching days as an elementary art teacher, I was asked to be an assistant coach at TCU. During my time as a TCU coach, our team won an NCAA national championship and hosted several NCAA Championship tournaments. That was a special time in my life.