Decades of Dedication

By Leslie Cranford, section manager

When Brenda Shupe began working for Texas Tech K-12 (then TTUISD) in 2013, some courses, mostly elementary, were still handled with pencil and paper through snail mail. Most high school courses were online, but exams were not.

In her 49 years in education, she could never have seen the multitude of changes coming in the industry, including a completely online school like Texas Tech K-12.

Brenda taught in public education for 31 years; after her retirement she went to work as a college adviser at Wayland Baptist University for seven years before coming to Texas Tech. She wanted to find a way to get back into K through 12 education and she did.

Reflecting on her years at Texas Tech K-12, Brenda notes many changes in both content and delivery systems. For content, she lists the addition of Advanced Placement (AP) classes and expanded electives as two that stand out most.

“Slowly moving to completely online functionality, we transitioned to an online proctoring system, which was a drastic change,” she recalled. “Prior to that, exams required an actual proctor the student was required to find, either at a testing center or a certified teacher who we had to approve. We would mail the exams to testing centers where students would have to go – sometimes quite long drives – and proctors would have to mail the graded tests back. There was quite a time delay for the students.”

Changes over the years, no matter how helpful in the long run, brought growing pains. Adding the tuition-free program in the fall of 2021 added different elements to the program, including doubling the number of students and requiring many student services that weren’t offered previously. As the lead counselor, Brenda hired more advisers to handle the extra load while still giving the students personalized service.

But, she said, one challenge of an online school never changes: that of not having face-to-face contact with the students

“That’s what I miss the most, is not having that with my students and parents. That’s why I love graduation so much, because you get to meet and interact with them,” Brenda said, referring to the school’s annual onsite spring commencement.

Brenda has always been a proponent of finding ways for the school’s online students to meet and collaborate with each other. Having a Texas Tech K-12 Student Council and National Honor Society were organizations she pushed for to bring students together, which are thriving in the online space.

“Those student organizations are a way for the students to interact among themselves,” Brenda said. “Hopefully, we’ll be able to expand those opportunities, now that we’re doing some science camps and things in the DFW area. We’re providing more options for our students to interact with teachers and advisers as well.”

Another challenge Brenda says has turned into a success is administering the end-of-year STAAR tests. Rather than students trying to navigate a testing center, school administrators now travel across the state, giving the tests in conference centers and banquet halls at centrally located sites. Brenda reiterated how that gives students another opportunity to meet other students, their teachers and support staff.

The biggest joy, though, of her time at Texas Tech K-12 will always be seeing students who may have struggled in a traditional setting be able to complete graduation requirements and earn diplomas.

“I’ve always loved helping those students earn their high school diplomas but still pursue their goals, dreams and aspirations, whether it’s a student who’s been bullied or students chasing a professional career like singing, gymnastics, ice dancing, acting – we’ve even had a finalist and a winner on ‘The Voice.’ They used to say I was the ‘Counselor to the Stars’ because they always seemed to fall in my alphabet,” Brenda chuckled.

Cari Moye, principal of Texas Tech K-12, said Brenda always went above and beyond, never hesitating to lend a helping hand or provide guidance when needed.

“Brenda has added so much value to our school, and her departure is deeply felt by everyone. Her knowledge, professionalism and caring spirit have made a lasting impact on our school,” Moye added, with a note of sadness in her voice. “Her commitment to excellence was evident in everything she did. Her dedication to her work and her unwavering support for her colleagues made her a cherished member of our team. We were incredibly fortunate to have Brenda as part of our team. Her contributions have left an indelible mark.”

Even though Brenda is looking forward to spending more time with grandkids and traveling, she says it’s still difficult to leave.

“Cari is wonderful to work for. There are staff who have been here a long time, who are marvelous,” Brenda said quietly, her eyes welling up. “It’s been a wonderful experience, and I’m really going to miss it. It’s hard to leave. I’ve had 49 years in education. But it’s time.”