Sponsor for the 2023 Key Communicator Award

Each year, TSPRA honors someone who has contributed significantly to the field of public school communications with the association’s Key Communicator Award. The recipient may be a legislator, superintendent, or professional in any field who has improved school communications or a member of TSPRA who has contributed outstanding service to the profession of public school communications.

TSPRA Names Dr. Brian Woods as 2023 Key Communicator

The Texas School Public Relations Association (TSPRA) recognizes the value of his communication efforts and the commitment he has made to public education in Texas, naming Dr. Brian Woods the 2023 TSPRA Key Communicator. The award is sponsored by CESO, crafting a vision of creative and comprehensive support for school operations, including communications, technology, finance, and HR support.

Early on in his career as a teacher, Woods’ mentors saw him as an individual who had a steadfast commitment to placing students at the center of every decision. He never set out to be an administrator or ever saw himself in the role of Superintendent. He was happy being a classroom teacher. His mentors saw something special and encouraged him to pursue a different path.

Throughout his career, he has consistently advocated for the individual needs and well-being of every student and staff member, and that commitment only grew as his career advanced.

Dr. Brian Woods has demonstrated his commitment to promoting the values and importance of public education by consistently and intentionally communicating it with parents, staff and community members.

As the former superintendent of Northside ISD (NISD), one of the largest districts in the State of Texas, Dr. Woods maximized his influence to educate not only the stakeholders in the NISD community but on a larger scale to include unwavering efforts to prioritize public education in the Texas Legislature. He has been actively engaged in advocating for policies and funding that benefit students and educators across the state. His ability to navigate the complexities of the legislative process and his courageous advocacy make him an invaluable asset to the future of public education.

“Dr. Woods’ outspokenness on behalf of the students and educators of Texas sets him apart,” shared TSPRA San Antonio Area Vice-President Kim Cathey. “He fearlessly addresses critical issues, challenges the status quo, and champions positive change. His passion for ensuring that every child has access to quality education is evident in his tireless work,” continued Cathey.

He has served as President of the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) and the Texas School Alliance (TSA). He is well known at the Texas Capitol for his advocacy efforts on behalf of Texas public schools, students, and staff. In fact, he is often called upon by state officials to testify before legislators and the State Board of Education in Austin about the impact laws would have on districts across the state.

His work has been recognized across Texas. Woods was named the Texas Superintendent of the Year in 2018, becoming a finalist for the 2019 National Superintendent of the Year. In 2022 he earned the Golden Deeds for Education Award, a coveted award for distinguished service to education in the state. TASA and the Texas A&M University Department of Educational Administration and Human Resource (EAHR) Development co-present the Golden Deeds Award each year to an individual from any profession who has, through actions and deeds, improved the educational system in Texas to enrich the lives of all Texas public school students.

Woods serves beyond his district and greater community, extending his reach and leadership to the American Association of School Administrators (AASA), the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA), the National Association of Secondary Principals (NASP), and the Texas Association of Secondary Principals (TASP). He has provided dedicated service on the Steering Committee for the Go Public campaign, as a member of the Board of Directors for the P-16 Council of Bexar County, as a member of the Fast Growth Schools Coalition Steering Committee, and as a member of the Great Chamber of Commerce Education and Legislative Committees, among other distinctions. Woods has shared his knowledge and experience with the Holdsworth Center through his membership on the Superintendent’s Advisory Center.

After serving for 31 years at NISD, he decided to retire and immediately began serving full-time with the Texas Association of School Administrators as the Deputy Executive Director of Advocacy. In his words, “There are so many stories to tell. I will continue to tell the positive stories of our teachers, students, and school districts, but now I get to do it statewide!”

His commitment to public education and the ability to communicate, motivate, collaborate, advocate, and inspire will reach an even larger audience in his new role.

Dr. Kevin Brown, Executive Director for TASA, shares, “Dr. Woods has been a champion for public education for more than three decades and is one of the most respected leaders in Texas. I have known Dr. Woods for close to 20 years, working alongside him as neighboring superintendents, as members of the Steering Committee for Go Public, and in various capacities with TASA. Through all of those collaborations, I witnessed his leadership and articulate, courageous voice for all schools in San Antonio. I am ecstatic that he now serves as a voice for all Texas public schools in his new role at TASA. Dr. Woods remains the model of professionalism, grace, courage, integrity, and commitment to public education and to our profession as educators. It is my honor to know him, to work with him, and to call him my friend and colleague.”

TSPRA President Megan Overman, APR, CPC, and CESO representative Julie Thannum, APR, will present Dr. Brian Woods with the Key Communicator award during the txEDCON23 Convention, September 30 – October 1, 2023, in Dallas. Woods will also be honored by TSPRA during their annual conference in February 2024.

The Texas School Public Relations Association (TSPRA) is a nonprofit, professional organization dedicated to promoting public schools through effective communications. TSPRA, an award-winning chapter of the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA), was chartered in 1962 and incorporated in 1977. With more than 1,150 members, TSPRA is comprised primarily of public information and communications professionals who serve the public school districts and education organizations of Texas. The membership also includes superintendents, administrators, principals, web/technology/ electronic media and graphic design professionals, education foundation executive directors and their boards, association executive directors, school consultants, vendors and others who support public education in the state. TSPRA provides professional development, resources and networking opportunities for members and others in the education community.

For additional information contact the TSPRA state office at 512-474-9107; info@tspra.org.