East Texas A&M University welcomed educators from across Northeast Texas on June 10 for a free UIL Academics Workshop designed to help rural school districts strengthen their academic competition programs and better engage students.

Hosted by the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, the workshop brought together teachers from eight school districts competing in Class 1A and 2A University Interscholastic League competitions. Faculty members Dr. Julie Mills, Dr. Lindsay Morgan and Elizabeth Joslin organized the event in response to a growing need among educators seeking guidance on building and sustaining successful UIL academic teams.

Participants heard from retired educator and UIL District Meet Coordinator Lynda Williams, as well as Sulphur Springs ISD UIL coaches Gail Herman, a two-time East Texas A&M alumna, and Madison Millsap, an East Texas A&M graduate. Sessions focused on practical strategies for recruiting students, creating team culture, navigating UIL rules and using artificial intelligence tools to develop study materials and prepare for competitions.

“Ms. Herman and Ms. Millsap provided much needed expert advice on building a successful UIL academic program that students want to be a part of,” Mills said. “Teachers walked away with ideas to implement this fall to help build their programs.”

Mills said rural schools often face unique challenges, including limited funding, fewer coaching resources and students balancing multiple extracurricular activities. By offering the workshop at no cost, the university aimed to provide meaningful professional development while supporting the region’s educators.

The organizers hope to expand the workshop in the future by inviting teachers to present their own successful coaching strategies and opening participation to additional school districts.

East Texas A&M’s Department of Curriculum and Instruction prepares current and future educators through undergraduate and graduate programs, including bachelor’s degrees leading to teacher certification, master’s degrees in education, alternative certification pathways and doctoral programs focused on educational leadership and practice. Through outreach opportunities like the UIL Academics Workshop, the department continues to strengthen K-12 education across Northeast Texas.