TPED MEMBERS SPEAK OUT!                                                                                                                                                                           

 As members stopped by the TPED table at the TEDA Conference last year, they were encouraged to
answer the simple question, “What does being a Texas Registered Professional Educational
Diagnostician mean to you?” A few of the responses were as follows:

“Being a member of TPED is an indication of being a part of a professional community.”


“I feel meeting Registry standards is an indication of a higher overall standard of
performance/excellence. I am proud to sign reports with RPED!”

“TPED takes professionalism to a whole ‘nother level!”


“As a member of TPED, I am recognized as a professional with expertise in my field. TPED allows me
to keep up with current changes and information as I continue to grow as a diagnostician.”

“This is a group I always trust to ask the hard questions.”


“Being a member of of TPED means that I take my profession very seriously and that I strive at all
times to be the best diagnostician I can be while continuing to grow through professional
development.”

“Being a TPED member is an indication of professional recognition and facilitates contact with
peers in the field of assessment.”
“It means I place value in my profession by seeking further credentials and learning.”

MENTORING the NEW DIAGNOSTICIAN

Educational Diagnosticians in Texas are a special breed of educator. We’re determined and
dedicated, our backgrounds are diverse and our experiences broad. We’re scattered in districts
large and small, co-ops, and charters, private practice and beyond. Our goal is the same. To
conduct sound and meaningful evaluation, plan and collaborate with others in providing appropriate
programming for children with disabilities.

Each year will bring its own unique challenges and obstacles, but nothing compares to the demands
of the first year. If you’re a mentor of a new diagnostician, knowing the unique stages they may
experience is vital in ensuring a successful first year.

Stage 1- ANTICIPATION (August-September) –The new diagnosticians are excited about their role and
often set lofty goals to accomplish. Don’t squelch their dreams but be realistic in your guidance.

Stage 2-SURVIVAL (September-December) The demands of the job may become overwhelming at this stage.
Added encouragement and support is vital.

Stage 3-DISILLUSIONMENT (October-March) New diagnosticians may become very overwhelmed at this
phase. Even though they’re working many hours, they still don’t have a handle on all of the
demands. Increasing support will make a difference. Chocolate helps too.

Stage 4-REJUVENATION- (March-May) Spring Break can help revitalize the overwhelmed and
disillusioned new diagnostician. Confidence is growing and a sense of accomplishment is becoming
more evident. Support doesn’t stop but may be decreased.

Stage 5-REFLECTION-The end of the school year is near and the new diagnostician begins to make
plans for the next school year. Your mentoring support has paid off!

Stage 6 ANTICIPATION-The first year is over. Just one more year and the new diagnostician can begin
the application process for taking the Registry Exam! Your support as a mentor
has made a difference!

TPED Members:

Our Board members are: 

Chairperson                                               Kaye Allen, Sherman

Vice-Chair                                                  Virginia Duran, El Paso

Secretary                                                   Lisa Horton, Lewisville

Treasurer/Professional Visability       Jeanna Miller, Pampa

Credentials                                                Dee Brown, (Texas Tech University) Lubbock

Continuing Education                              Debbie Payne, Clifton

Regional Representatives                     Georgene Moon, Dallas

Legislative                                                  Georgene Moon, Dallas

Administrative Assistant                       Deb Hawkins, Idalou