Region 8 ESC Mount Pleasant, TX

10/30/2026

Throughout October, our ESC8 family and community came together in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We sincerely appreciate our generous sponsors, community partners, and everyone who donated, volunteered, or participated in this month's activities.

ESC8 is proud to share that proceeds from this month's activities will be divided equally between Omaha Cares and My Faulty Gene, two organizations dedicated to supporting individuals and families impacted by cancer and advancing awareness and prevention efforts in Northeast Texas.

A special thank you to the following sponsors and community partners for their generous contributions:

Brookshires Pittsburg
Burger Haus
Chick-Fil-A, Mount Pleasant
Firmins
Herschel's
Lauras Cheesecake
Mt Pleasant Country Club
Outlaws Bar-B-Que
Princedale Country Club
Stansell Construction
Starbucks Mount Pleasant
Scrubbies Pittsburg
Rancho Seco

Your generosity reflects the incredible spirit of giving in our community. Thank you for helping us make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by cancer!

10/28/2026

Learning, Innovation, and Connection at the L.I.T.E. Conference

Yesterday, ESC8 welcomed librarians and educators from across Region 8 for the L.I.T.E. Conference (Library & Instructional Technology Education).

The day was filled with engaging sessions, fresh ideas, and valuable resources focused on strengthening school libraries, integrating technology, exploring artificial intelligence, and inspiring student learning.

A special thank you to our keynote speakers, author Katie Burnett and Discovery Education, for sharing their expertise, inspiration, and innovative ideas with our educators!

We also would like to thank our presenters and vendors, including Follett, TexQuest, Discovery Education, Padlet, Perma-Bound, ClassLink, Bound to Stay Bound, Lerner/Rosen/Crabtree, and Literacy for Texas, for sharing valuable resources, practical strategies, and tools to support teaching and learning.

A special thank you to Herbie Thorpe with MACKIN for generously providing lunch for our attendees. We appreciate your support and partnership in making the conference a success.

Thank you to all the dedicated educators who joined us. Your passion for learning, innovation, and student success continues to make a difference in schools across Region 8.

10/27/2026

Opening Doors to Opportunity: Inclusive CTE Classrooms

Every student deserves the opportunity to explore career pathways, develop valuable skills, and prepare for a successful future!

Yesterday, ESC8 welcomed guest speaker Brynn Biggs for a professional learning session focused on creating inclusive Career and Technical Education (CTE) classrooms. Participants explored strategies to remove barriers, increase access, and connect inclusive education with workforce readiness.

Ethan Parsons and Sonia White with Texas Workforce, along with community partner Ken Stansbury of NXG Truck Bodies, shared valuable perspectives on creating inclusive employment opportunities.

A special thank you to Jenni Lewis with Paxton/Patterson Labs for sponsoring a delicious Chick-fil-A lunch and introducing their innovative Future Ready Labs.

ESC8 is proud to bring educators and industry partners together to strengthen career pathways and create meaningful opportunities for students of all abilities!

10/23/2026

EB CON 2026: Weaving Language and Content

ESC8 was excited to welcome educators from across the region for the 2026 EBCON, a day of professional learning focused on supporting emergent bilingual students and strengthening instruction across content areas.

Today’s sessions include valuable insights into English Language Proficiency Standards (ELPS), TELPAS, and instructional strategies for math, science, reading language arts, and gifted education.

A special thank you to Mary Castanuela from Region 15 ESC for sharing her expertise, and to the Harts Bluff Mariachi Band and Choir for providing entertainment, and to Rancho Seco Steakhouse for catering lunch.

We appreciate everyone who dedicated their time to creating meaningful learning opportunities helps ensure emergent bilingual students have the support they need to succeed!

10/22/2026

From Scrubs to Schools: Exploring Careers in Healthcare

ESC8 was excited to welcome students from six schools across Region 8 for School to Scrubs, an event designed to introduce middle school students from rural communities to the many career opportunities available in healthcare.

Through engaging activities and conversations with healthcare professionals, students gained valuable insight into the medical field and explored potential pathways for their futures.

A special thank you to Texas A&M University Naresh K. Vashisht College of Medicine, Carol Brewer, and Zoha Sultan for helping provide this opportunity to inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals.

10/22/2026

ESC8 appreciated the opportunity to welcome Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath and engage in meaningful conversations about education and the continued success of students and schools across Region 8.

***Important Pirate News***

Pittsburg ISD hosted the Region 8 Service Center, Texas Education Agency, and the Commissioner of Education, Mike Morath, yesterday!

Commissioner Morath, his team, and Region 8 staff toured Pittsburg Intermediate School. They were in town to see what makes Pittsburg ISD an "A" rated school district. Principal Todd Newman and his administration team took them into classrooms where they experienced the excellence of our staff. The district was proud to show them around and demonstrate why everyday is "A Great Day to be Pirate!"

10/20/2026

Building Strong Leaders, One Brick at a Time!

ESC8 was proud to welcome campus leaders from across Region 8 for the Fall 2026 Campus Leadership Summit. Today's sessions focused on strengthening leadership, building positive school cultures, and making a lasting impact on students and staff.

A special thank you to Dr. Todd Whitaker for sharing his expertise, encouragement, and practical strategies for effective leadership. We also appreciate Terre Gaston-The Horace Mann Companies and Micah Devendorf, and Sami Devendorf for generously sponsoring lunch.

Thank you to all the dedicated campus leaders who joined us! Your commitment to growing as leaders and supporting your schools makes a difference every day.

Together, we are building stronger leaders, stronger schools, and brighter futures for students across Region 8!

10/14/2026

NTIS Day 2!

ESC8 enjoyed welcoming educators from across Region 8 for our New Teacher Institute for Success (NTIS). The day was filled with valuable professional learning, collaboration, and opportunities to share ideas and build connections that will support teachers throughout the school year.

A special thank you to Taste This Catering for providing a delicious lunch and adding a little something extra to our day!

We appreciate the enthusiasm and dedication these educators bring to their classrooms and look forward to supporting them as they continue to grow and succeed!

10/12/2026

What a great day celebrating Dyslexia Awareness!

Last week ESC8 welcomed students with dyslexia and their families from across the region for a day filled with learning, encouragement, and fun! The event focused on building confidence and helping students develop the skills to advocate for themselves.

A special thank you to Bridget Ivory and a team of dyslexia therapists from Texarkana ISD, along with Sheila Eddy from Northeast Texas Community College (NTCC), for sharing valuable information and resources with parents. We also appreciate Izzy Jeter and Kaylee Rosewell for sharing their personal experiences navigating school and college, along with Savanah Heady for speaking with our 6th–9th grade students about the importance of self-advocacy.

Reading was also a big part of the fun! ESC8 staff dressed as characters from the books they read aloud to students, bringing stories to life and adding a little extra excitement to the day.

We are grateful for the many volunteers who gave their time to make this event a success and for everyone who helped make the day special for our students and families.

ESC8 is proud to continue building awareness and supporting advocacy for students, teachers, and families throughout Region 8!

10/05/2026

October is Principal Appreciation Month, and we are grateful for the incredible principals serving schools across Region 8.

Every day, these leaders support students, encourage teachers and staff, and help create campuses where students can thrive. We appreciate the leadership and dedication they bring to the schools and communities they serve.

Take a moment to thank a principal who has made an impact in your life and let them know they are appreciated!