ATPE highlights Nacogdoches as Region 7 Local Unit of the Year

The Association of Texas Professional Educators (ATPE) recently recognized the local unit in Nacogdoches as its Region 7 Local Unit of the Year.

Roya Dinbali, a forensic science teacher at Nacogdoches High School, serves as the president of the Nacogdoches Local Unit, according to a news release from the ATPE.

The ATPE interviewed Dinbali about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on her school system.

"With the pandemic, my local unit officers and I have had to develop new, innovative ways to reach out to old members and to try to recruit new ones," Dinbalia was quoted as saying in the release. "As for myself, I am better at speaking to individuals in person because I am able to connect and explain in detail how ATPE is the best and clear choice. Also, I can share stories and have a Q&A session. Typically, my officers would have helped with signing up people as I spoke. But this year was definitely different, so we evolved."

Yet, while so much of her focus is now on growing the association rather than being an educator, Dinbali did say that she still values the success of her students.

"I love seeing them succeed, grow, learn, and overcome their challenges. No matter what they have been enduring or have endured in their past, I see them trying to be successful," Dinbali was quoted as saying in the release.

One of the things she enjoys most is seeing the willingness of students to explore concepts and open their minds, she said.

"I love when they come back to visit and tell me their stories. I also love how they keep in touch with me and how we’ve made a bond. This allows me to keep encouraging them throughout their journey of life," Dinbali was quoted as saying in the release. "That’s when I know I’ve made a difference, not only academically, but also as someone who will continue to cheer them along the way."