HOUSTON, TX (Nov. 7, 2025) — More than 600 middle and high school students from across Southeast Texas will converge at Lone Star College–University Park on Nov. 14 for the Texas Association of Future Educators (TAFE) Area 4 Fall Conference, a dynamic day of workshops, breakout sessions, and activities designed to inspire the next generation of teachers.
“Partnering with TAFE gives us a wonderful opportunity to support students who are passionate about teaching,” said David Gaer, dean of behavioral and social sciences at LSC–University Park. “By bringing together schools from across the region, we’re helping future educators see the impact they can have right here in their own communities.”
The upcoming event follows the success of September’s TAFE Fall Workshop, when LSC–University Park first welcomed students from Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, and Waller counties for sessions led by TAFE student officers. The event drew hundreds of students eager to explore careers in education through hands-on training and mentorship.
“Area 4 TAFE is so excited to be partnering with LSC-UP. We see this partnership continually to grow in the future in our efforts to support future educators,” said Connie Thornell, coordinator of Area 4 TAFE.
In addition to a full day of learning and leadership, participating students will also give back to the community through a service project benefiting the LSC–University Park Care Center. Each attending school will bring donations to help stock the center’s shelves, reinforcing the students’ dedication to supporting their peers and fostering a culture of care on campus.
LSC–University Park’s partnership with TAFE reflects the college’s ongoing commitment to developing future educators and strengthening the teaching profession across Texas.
To learn more about the Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT) degree program visit, https://www.lonestar.edu/education-dept-up.htm or to donate to the LSC–University Park Care Center visit, https://www.lonestar.edu/upcare.htm
About LSC-University Park
LSC-University Park offers more than 70 programs of study, including credit and non-credit courses, workforce training, and continuing education classes. Classes are available during the day, evenings, and weekends in traditional, online, and hybrid formats. For more information about LSC-University Park classes or to register online, visit www.lonestar.edu/upstudentsupport, call 281-290-2600, or email UPAdvising@LoneStar.edu.
Established in 2012, Lone Star College-University Park has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing and most innovative higher education institutions in the country. The college, led by President Matthew Dempsey, Ed.D., is devoted to impacting the community's prosperity and upward mobility through student success. LSC-University Park’s expert and compassionate faculty and staff provide students with holistic and immersive education and training in disciplines and industries that meet current and future workforce needs.
Located on the grounds of the former Compaq Computer Corporation and Hewlett Packard's world headquarters, LSC-University Park's facilities include the Visual and Performing Arts Building, the Center for Science & Innovation, the Energy & Manufacturing Institute, Learning Innovation Labs, and the Geology Rock Wall. It is also home to the University of Houston-NW Downtown, Lone Star Corporate College, and iSchool.
About Lone Star College System
Lone Star College System enrolls over 90,000 students each semester, providing high-quality, low-cost academic transfer and career training education. LSCS is training tomorrow’s workforce today and redefining the community college experience to support student success. Mario K. Castillo, J.D., serves as Chancellor of LSCS, the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area. LSCS has been named a 2025 Great Colleges to Work For® institution by the Chronicle of Higher Education. LSCS consists of eight colleges, seven centers, eight Workforce Centers of Excellence and Lone Star Corporate College. To learn more, visit LoneStar.edu.