Since 2012, the College of Education at Tarleton State University has presented an annual award to honor educators who have made a positive impact on the lives of students in the Tarleton Teacher Education Program. This year, ATPE’s very own Regional Membership Specialist Diane Pokluda was recognized for her contributions and support with a nomination to join the Tarleton Crystal Apple Society.

ATPE sat down with Pokluda to talk about her journey, what motivates and inspires her, and what it means to her to be recognized with this prestigious award.

Tell us about yourself.
I live in Crowley, Texas, and I taught in Crowley ISD for 27 years before leaving the classroom. I actually taught a total of 34 years, all in Region 11. I have been very involved with ATPE from the very beginning. I was recruited around 43 years ago by ATPE Past State President Shari Emmons as a campus rep. She knew the family and said, “Oh, by the way—you’re going to be a campus rep.” So, I was. And I always say I was “voluntold” and so glad she did. We're still good friends to this day.

I was always a volunteer and very active as I came up through the region officer corps to become a director from 2007 to 2011. Then I left the classroom after 34 years, and in 2012, I got this amazing opportunity to come to work for ATPE. It helped that I knew about ATPE and what we stand for before I came to work here. I really love working with members and finding ways to support them.

My husband is also a career educator of 33 years, so I think it’s great that we both have education as our passion. We're also active with the retired teacher association.

What does this nomination mean to you?
Dr. Roberta Pate is the sponsor at Tarleton and an ATPE member before that. She and the officers nominated me because of the support they feel that I give them. Dr. Pate is not only an amazing person, but also she has become a friend. She dedicates a lot of time to the students and the education department, and she takes it very seriously. You know, sometimes we just don't realize the impact we have. It makes me kind of sit back and reflect on where I need to do a better job, and sometimes we just don't hear these things. We tend to hear negative things. And so, it was a blessing to me. And it really kind of recharged me for what we're doing, because, as you know, educators are feeling beat down. We have fewer going into education, and to hear that they feel that I support them in what I do with them for ATPE makes my heart happy.

In your nomination video, you are described as a “rock star” in the education community. What can others learn from you and what you have accomplished?
I don't know. I think that Victoria Payne—the current Tarleton president who recorded the video—and the students this year who nominated me for this are giving me a little bit too much credit. I just think I want to stay busy and work with educators, and this job is a great platform to allow me to do that. Also, some of the musicians that I like listening to are in their 60s and 70s, so hopefully I've got some good years left in me as well. Because no matter what comes, I know I'm still going to be staying connected to education.

You are obviously an inspiration to many in the education field. Who inspires you?
First, my husband, because he is constantly telling me that I'm doing a good job and asking what he can do to assist me—he does a lot of things. Also, my family, for sure. My daughter is raising four young children, from the age of 12 down to six, and just watching their journey through public schools motivates me every day. I am also inspired so much when I see the educators who are sticking it out and choosing to stay in the profession because things are so challenging right now.

Describe a day in the life of an ATPE regional membership specialist.
Well, it's looking at a lot of emails and reading up on current educational issues. I try to keep up with what's going on in the legislative session. And I constantly reach out to members to answer their questions and direct them to the correct spot. Some of our members think that I'm an attorney and can give legal advice, and I have to tell them, “Thank you for contacting me, but you need to get in touch with our legal department.”

It's mostly just trying to make connections. I am not here to replace you as an officer or campus representative, but what can I do to assist you? I feel like the university is just the beginning of that, and hopefully we can keep them connected.

What have you learned from your personal journey in the world of education?
My work ethic was instilled in me by my parents. They were always volunteering, from the fire department to the Lions Club, to the PTA, to the women's group at church. My parents were constantly involved in things, and they just taught my siblings and me that you don't just take, you also give. So I have always been committed to volunteering my time. When I hear people say that they don’t have time, I just personally have a hard time understanding that because I think you have time for the things that you see are important. And I just can't sit still. I'm constantly working on something.

I think that being a member of ATPE before coming into this position and believing wholeheartedly in what ATPE stands for has really helped me understand my role. And I want to encourage young educators to feel comfortable entering the field of education. I want them to know that it is not just a job but a calling. And if it isn’t that for you, then you need to find something that you are passionate about. Life is too short to do something that you don't enjoy.

What is next for you?
I'm just very satisfied right now with what I'm doing. I'm constantly looking for new ways to improve connecting with universities, colleges, and potential members, as well as keeping our current members engaged. I went straight from the classroom, 34 years, and I was off six weeks before I started this job. So I've never really had any off time. This job has allowed me to take some vacations when the kids are in school, which has been good. But I spend so much time working on what we're trying to do that I have yet to give the future the thought it deserves.

Congratulations, Diane, on receiving this amazing award!