Meet TASPA’s District IV Representative

THERESA BURKHALTER

TASPA DISTRICT IV REPRESENTATIVE

Theresa Burkhalter is in her 26th year in education. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics Education from Texas Woman’s University and a Master of Education in Administration degree from Lamar University. She is currently working towards a Ph.D. in Education, Leadership, and Organization at Texas Woman’s University. She served as a Family and Consumer Sciences teacher for 12 years, a Technology Coach for 3 years in nearby districts. She began her administrative career in Waxahachie ISD with 5 years of service as an assistant principal, 3 years as principal of A-rated Shackelford Elementary, and is currently entering her 4th year as Director of Human Resources.

Theresa has served as a Family & Consumer Sciences textbook reviewer and TEA Technology Applications TEKS Review Committee member. She has served TASPA as a facilitator at conferences, she wrote a newsletter article about Vaccination Protocols during Covid, and has presented about Waxahachie ISD’s one year transition to a fully digital platform. During her first year in the Director of HR role, she obtained the professional Human Capital Leader certification through AASPA. Theresa lives with Chris, her husband Chris of 29 years, in Waxahachie, TX. They have two sons, Sam who attends the University of North Texas, and Stephen who attends junior high school in Waxahachie ISD.

ADVICE TO THOSE NEW TO HR?

I am currently entering my 4th years as a Director of Human Resources in Waxahachie ISD and have found that I have a passion for working with and mentoring other leaders. I love the challenge that every day brings to the HR department! My advice to those new to HR coming from the education world is to give yourself time and grace because the move from educator to HR professional is a career change that challenges you to think in new and innovative ways. There is a lot to learn, but the network of HR professionals is an amazing group of people with whom to learn! I am always willing to talk through new ideas or share how I have worked through a problem with a colleague.

CURRENT CHALLENGES IN YOUR DISTRICT?

Waxahachie ISD is currently growing by leaps and bounds! We face the challenge of making sure that we have high quality staff fill our vacancies. Our district, like many others, faces a shortage of high quality applicants. We work closely with our principals and certification specialist to not only help fill these vacancies but to retain the high quality staff we already have.

HOW HAS TASPA BENEFITED YOU?

TASPA has been an invaluable resource to me while I grow as an HR professional. It helps so much to be a part of the robust network of other professionals in TASPA who are fantastic leaders and mentors. The conferences, newsletters, and other information help me make sure that I am staying up to date and not missing anything. I would recommend becoming active in TASPA by facilitating sessions at conference or volunteering to share information about your areas of expertise in a presentation to newsletter.