In honor of Women’s History Month, ATPE Regional Membership Specialist Cynthia Villlalovos asked our members in Regions 3 and 4 to share stories of the women who have most impacted their lives in a personal and professional way. She received a flood of powerful and heartfelt responses from educators, and though we would love to share them all, we would like to highlight one today that focuses on the professional relationships that helped mold a successful career in education.

Rebecca Lacquey, who teaches at Katy High School in Katy ISD, had this to say:

“There are several women that I can thank for impacting my life and career. Those women are my early mentors: Mary Borland, Martha Startzman, and Penny Rosas. Although I have lost touch with all but one of them, their influence will never be forgotten.

“All of these women helped shape me as a young teacher. It was more than their willingness to share resources; it was the time and attention they gave me when I needed it most.

“In addition to being kind and generous with their time, these women also held high standards for their students and worked continuously to improve their teaching by attending and presenting at professional development workshops. Often, they transferred their training to helping other teachers within the district.

“They are much of the reason why I have spent my 20-plus year career excited to continually improve my craft and share my knowledge and lessons with both my students and other teachers.”

Like Lacquey, we have all had women in our lives who have made us better people and better educators. Whether it be a family member, a friend, a boss, or a co-worker, join us in remembering them and the importance of those relationships in honor of Women’s History Month.