Houston Daily

Governor Greg Abbott has made new appointments to the State Board for Educator Certification. Adam Booth and Tara Turk-Zaafran have been appointed, while Wanda “Jean” Streepey has been reappointed. Their terms are set to expire on February 1, 2031. Additionally, Latisha Andrews joins the board with her term ending on February 1, 2029.

The board is responsible for developing certification, continuing education requirements, and standards of conduct for public school teachers.

Adam Booth, from Leander, is a third-grade teacher at Valor Education with experience as an English teacher overseas and a software developer. He holds a degree in Political Economy from Hillsdale College.

Tara Turk-Zaafran, hailing from Houston, is the former vice principal of ILM Academy. She also worked on the interfaith program connecting students from various religious schools in the Houston area. Turk-Zaafran's background includes teaching chemistry and biology. Her degrees include one in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of Miami Coral Gables, a Master of Education from the University of Houston, and she is pursuing a Master of Arts in Religious Education at the Chicago Theological Seminary.

From Dallas, Wanda “Jean” Streepey is a high school business teacher at Highland Park Independent School District. Her 16 years of experience includes teaching middle school math and STEM. She has been recognized as a Presidential Awardee for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. Streepey has several educational qualifications including a Bachelor of Business Administration from Southern Methodist University, a Master of Business Administration from Louisiana State University in Shreveport, and a Master of Educational Leadership and Policy from the University of Texas at Arlington.

Latisha Andrews, based in Houston, is the founder, CEO, and superintendent of Beta Academy Charter School. She also serves in board roles at the Texas Business Hall of Fame and Houston Christian University. Andrews holds degrees in Theology from Texas Bible College, Psychology and Women’s Studies from the University of Maryland, and a Master of Business Administration in Marketing from Capella University.

All appointments are subject to confirmation by the Senate.