Being an educator does not always mean standing in front of a class and giving out homework. To have a great school district, you need not only great teachers, but amazing people in every room in the building. However, if you happen to be in the building and then get lucky, you can experience the joy of working directly with the students anyway. That is what happened at Hooks ISD with Lisa Tullis.
Lisa began her career in education at Hooks in 2008 and is now in her 17th year as the HR and Payroll Specialist. Little did she know that the walk to her office would lead her right to the students. Of course, she might not have been surprised, as one of her favorite quotes is “Opportunities don’t happen, you create them.” Lisa says, “In February of 2021 I had the opportunity to become the high school cheer sponsor. In the beginning I was hesitant because I was not very knowledgeable of the cheer program, but I have been able to work with some of the best students and administrators from HISD and absolutely love my cheerleading role. When I was in college, I actually thought about being a volleyball or softball coach, but I talked myself out of it! Now even though I am coaching a sport that I wasn’t very familiar with, it’s working with the students that makes it so rewarding. The relationships I have developed with them, as well as their families, will now be lifelong friendships. I always felt like I would enjoy working with students and I am so glad that I got the opportunity.”
She has certainly made the most of that opportunity, leading the cheer program at Hooks to success, including one of her favorite memories as an educator.
