North Area Representative Candidates
Rachael Berhe
My name is Rachael Berhe, and I am honored to run for the position of North Regional Representative with the Texas Association for Literacy and Adult Education (TALAE). My educational background includes a Bachelor's in Social Work from Metropolitan State University and a Master's in Science in Organizational Leadership from Regis University. I have dedicated my career to enhancing and expanding adult education and workforce development.
My experience in adult education began in 2004 when I worked as a GED instructor with Dallas ISD. In 2005, I created the adult education program at the Wilkinson Center, a community-based organization. My responsibilities included curriculum development and program management, which gave me a deep understanding of adult educational needs.
Over the years, I have accumulated five years of direct management experience in adult education programs and an additional twelve years overseeing economic mobility programs, including adult education and literacy. Since 2014, I have been a part of the Dallas Adult Education and Literacy Consortium, where I have worked to strengthen the program and expand adult education offerings in Dallas County.
In 2016, I completed the Leadership Excellence Academies in Program Improvement, which enhanced my program management and quality enhancement skills. In 2023, I became the Workforce Education and Literacy Manager for Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas, where I oversee the consortium's grant. This role has equipped me with critical insights into integrating workforce training with adult literacy and education, furthering my belief that education is crucial for economic empowerment and breaking the cycle of poverty.
I am committed to advancing TALAE's mission by fostering educational opportunities that enhance economic mobility and the lives of individuals and their families through literacy. My background in leading, designing, and managing adult education programs positions me to contribute effectively as your North Regional Representative. I look forward to working with all stakeholders to promote literacy and lifelong learning across our region.
My experience in adult education began in 2004 when I worked as a GED instructor with Dallas ISD. In 2005, I created the adult education program at the Wilkinson Center, a community-based organization. My responsibilities included curriculum development and program management, which gave me a deep understanding of adult educational needs.
Over the years, I have accumulated five years of direct management experience in adult education programs and an additional twelve years overseeing economic mobility programs, including adult education and literacy. Since 2014, I have been a part of the Dallas Adult Education and Literacy Consortium, where I have worked to strengthen the program and expand adult education offerings in Dallas County.
In 2016, I completed the Leadership Excellence Academies in Program Improvement, which enhanced my program management and quality enhancement skills. In 2023, I became the Workforce Education and Literacy Manager for Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas, where I oversee the consortium's grant. This role has equipped me with critical insights into integrating workforce training with adult literacy and education, furthering my belief that education is crucial for economic empowerment and breaking the cycle of poverty.
I am committed to advancing TALAE's mission by fostering educational opportunities that enhance economic mobility and the lives of individuals and their families through literacy. My background in leading, designing, and managing adult education programs positions me to contribute effectively as your North Regional Representative. I look forward to working with all stakeholders to promote literacy and lifelong learning across our region.
Paula Giron
Paula Giron serves as a Title I ESL specialist in Arlington ISD coordinating and
supervising the Family Literacy Program. This program assists parents of students in
Title I schools by offering ESL classes. Ms. Giron has been an educator for 24 years.
Prior to this, she worked at LaVega ISD as their district literacy coordinator and as
bilingual dyslexia interventionist in Dallas ISD. She has also taught ELAR/Language
Arts in grades 5th, 7th and 8th in Georgia and Tennessee. Other positions include
teaching ESL K-12th, RETELL specialist at the Department of Education in
Massachusetts and being an English Language Fellow for the English Language Fellow
Program in the Republic of Georgia. Ms.Giron holds a Bachelor’s in Elementary
Education from Lee University and a Masters in TESOL from New York University.
Being a former ESL student, Ms. Giron is passionate about supporting both teachers
and students in the areas of ESL and Bilingual Education.
supervising the Family Literacy Program. This program assists parents of students in
Title I schools by offering ESL classes. Ms. Giron has been an educator for 24 years.
Prior to this, she worked at LaVega ISD as their district literacy coordinator and as
bilingual dyslexia interventionist in Dallas ISD. She has also taught ELAR/Language
Arts in grades 5th, 7th and 8th in Georgia and Tennessee. Other positions include
teaching ESL K-12th, RETELL specialist at the Department of Education in
Massachusetts and being an English Language Fellow for the English Language Fellow
Program in the Republic of Georgia. Ms.Giron holds a Bachelor’s in Elementary
Education from Lee University and a Masters in TESOL from New York University.
Being a former ESL student, Ms. Giron is passionate about supporting both teachers
and students in the areas of ESL and Bilingual Education.