DPES’ Tammy Sebesta Named TEPSA Region 4 Assistant Principal of the Year

TOMBALL –  For her commitment to serving education and her dedication to students and staff, Tomball ISD and current Decker Prairie Elementary School Assistant Principal Tammy Sebesta has been recognized as the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TEPSA) Region 4 Assistant Principal of the Year.

Sebesta has dedicated 25 years to education and 10 years in Tomball ISD. She brings classroom experience to this administrative role and has served as an Assistant Principal in TISD for six years (2 - DPES, 4 at Wildwood Elementary).

“Tammy Sebesta has been the epitome of modeling hard work, relentless dedication, and determination for students to succeed in their progress, all while holding the hearts of those she serves very delicately in her daily walk,” said TISD School Support Officer for Elementary Schools, Crystal Romero-Mueller. “She is proactive and continually works to be ahead of the curve and out in front of any campus, staff, or student needs.  Her intrinsic motivation to learn any time she can lead to her ongoing self-improvement and excellence in all she accomplishes. We are so excited to see her honored as an exemplar in the elementary assistant principal role for TEPSA!”

What does it mean to be named TEPSA Region 4 Assistant Principal of the Year?
“It is an honor and a privilege to be named Region 4 AP of the Year. As assistant principals we are charged not only with instructional leadership, but more importantly the safety of staff and students on our campuses daily. I know how hard my colleagues and I work to balance these responsibilities, and it means so much to be recognized for the effort and dedication that we put in daily.”

Why is being an Assistant Principal so rewarding?
“Administrators are teachers at their core. I was so afraid when I moved from the classroom into the assistant principal role that I would lose that connection with students. I look back on that now and laugh. As an assistant principal I not only still get to support children, but I also get to support the teachers who change students' lives daily. Being a liaison between the campus and our community is also very rewarding. I love collaborating with our parents and building relationships with them through their support of our campus. Even on the hardest day, it is the absolute best job ever,  the hugs and smiles from students are the cherry on top!” 

Why Tomball ISD? 
“I started in Tomball as a teacher at TES. My administrators saw leadership skills in me, and through support and opportunities I found my passion as an instructional leader. Tomball ISD provided a strong foundation through their leadership cohort, and continued support after I became an assistant principal in the district. I have been a part of some amazing opportunities such as the Raising Blended Learners grant through Raise Your Hand Texas, and The Impact Cycle by Jim Knight instructional coaching training. Tomball ISD has continued to grow and invest in me as a campus leader.  My husband is a proud graduate of Tomball High School and my son graduated from Tomball Memorial High School. I live and serve in the Tomball community and cannot imagine working anywhere else.”

The Region Assistant Principal of the Year award recognizes assistant principals for their commitment to student learning as evidenced by exceptional school leadership. Each of the twenty Texas Education Agency regions may recognize a Region Assistant Principal of the Year. The recipient must be in at least their second year as a TEPSA member and as an assistant principal and hold a principal certificate. 

Each of the Texas Education Agency regions may recognize a Region Assistant Principal of the Year. Of the twenty Region Assistant Principals of the Year, one assistant principal will be selected as the 2023 National Assistant Principal of the Year for Texas. 

The national award recognizes leaders who are committed to excellence through programs designed to meet the academic and social needs of all students; have firmly established community ties with parents and local business organizations; show strong educational leadership by setting high expectations for school staff and students; and exhibit exceptional leadership in a particular school program. 

ABOUT TEPSA
The Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TEPSA), whose hallmark is educational leaders learning with and from each other, has served Texas PK-8 school leaders since 1917. Member owned and member governed, TEPSA has more than 6000+ members who direct the activities of 3 million PK-8 school children. TEPSA is divided into 20 regions which correspond with the Region ESCs. Each TEPSA region is led by a locally elected group of region officers.

ABOUT TOMBALL ISD
Tomball ISD educates students to become responsible, productive citizens by providing innovative, individually rigorous, and personally valuable educational experiences. Founded in 1908, Tomball ISD now encompasses 83 square miles in northwest Harris County and southwest Montgomery County, and is located approximately 30 miles from downtown Houston. The district currently educates nearly 22,000 students at 22 campuses.