Aspiring Educators – Is that You?

Karina Martinez, Student Reporter • March 16, 2026

PASADENA — San Jac College will host the district 3 Area TSTA–Aspiring Educators Conference on Saturday, March 28.

The event runs from 9 a.m. to noon in Building 16, Conference Room 1013, at the Central Campus. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.

The Texas State Teachers Association–Aspiring Educators chapter at San Jac College organizes the conference for college and university students interested in careers in Education.

Dr. Stephanie Plain Potter, professor of English at San Jacinto College Online and TSTA–AE adviser, said the event introduces students to different careers in education.

“Participants will take part in activities and learn about many opportunities in education,” says Potter.

Donna Shanklin, educational coordinator for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Houston, will deliver the keynote address. Representatives from several school districts and
education organizations will also attend and share information with students.

Potter said the conference welcomes students who are unsure about becoming teachers.

“This is a must for anyone who cares about education,” says Potter , “students may discover a different path in education.”

The conference gives students a chance to network with professionals, ask questions and learn about certification and career options in education.

For more information, contact Potter at [email protected]

About the Contributor

Karina Martinez, Student Reporter

Karina Martinez is a contributor for the San Jac Times and a communications student at San Jacinto College. She will receive her Associate’s degree in Communications this coming May and plans to continue her education at the University of Houston Clear Lake, where she intends to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Communications.

Karina has been part of the San Jac community since 2021, when she began her academic journey in communications. Alongside her studies, she has built an extensive professional background in the financial services industry. She is currently employed at Community Resource Credit Union, where she has worked as a loan officer since April 2025. Prior to that, she spent five years at TDECU as a loan officer and three years at Texas Bay, where she advanced from teller to loan officer. Through these roles, she has gained experience in consumer lending, including home equity loans. In her free time, Karina enjoys reading nonfiction, drama, and suspense novels. She also likes watching television shows such as The Office and Stranger Things. She also enjoys pop, 2000s, and classical music. In her free time, she enjoys working out. Karina aspires to become a writer and producer, with a passion for creating suspenseful, dramatic, and psychological stories. She hopes to one day write television scripts, books, and compelling narratives that captivate audiences.

San Jacinto Times

San Jacinto Times

San Jacinto Times

Aspiring Educators – Is that You?

San Jacinto Times

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