Performance manager began 15 year journey as elementary school teacher

Sheila Mason is beginning her 40th year of service in education this year. For the past 15 years, she has served in various roles at the HISD central office, including as an instructional supervisor, project manager, content specialist, and most recently as a performance and continual improvement manager. However, Mason’s service to HISD surpasses the 15 year mark as she began her journey in HISD as an elementary school teacher at Wesley ES from 1975-1985.

“I had the best mentor and principal at the time, Thaddeus Lott, who taught me all children could learn – even those from disadvantaged backgrounds. To me, some of my fondest memories are from working with the students that I taught at Wesley. I still have old pictures that I look at and reminisce.”

In her current position as a performance and continual improvement manager in the department of Human Capital Accountability, Mason is responsible for administrative support for all of HISD’s appraisal and development systems, visiting campuses to help administrators with appraisals, write policy related to appraisal systems, and providing appraiser certification training.

“I think teaching was my niche but my other niche – I really enjoy being a support person to administrators. It’s very rewarding to help them to do their best so we serve our children in the best way. It’s always about the children. And when you can help the adults do their job, then you’re doing what’s best for the kids.”

Mason officially marks her 15th anniversary with the district on July 27, but several other employees are also marking theirs this week (July 21–27).
See if you know anyone on this list:

40 years

• Alice McKinney, teacher, Bellaire HS

25 years

• Janis Norman, teacher, Henderson ES
• Irma Solis, student information rep, Scarborough ES

20 years

• Enid Cross, custodian, Bellaire HS
• Maria Gonzalez, attendant, Food Services
• Avian Hogan, attendant, Food Services
• Barbara Jedkins, attendant, Food Services
• Cathy Jones, attendant, Food Services
• Khalilah Moore, attendant, Food Services
• Leticia Moreno, plant operator, Pilgrim Academy
• Alma Navarrete, attendant, Food Services
• Janice Odie, clerk, Austin High School
• Tanquelyn Sumler, manager, Food Services
• Sandra Terrell, attendant, Food Services
• Diane Young, attendant, Food Services

15 years

• Sheila Mason, manager, Human Capital Accountability
• Nora Rubalcava, instructional coordinator, Coop ES

10 years

• Carmelita Anderson, teacher, Williams MS
• Vincent Egbuchulam, teacher, Shearn Elementary
• Jacqueline Moore, teacher, Windsor Village ES
• Tamina O’Banner, clerk, Lamar HS
• Cynthia Sawyer, business analyst, IT Customer Service
• Tina Smith, teacher, Halpin ECC
• Harold Snowton, teaching assistant, Cullen MS
• Eric Thompson, associate teacher, Associate Teachers
• Christine Walton, associate teacher, Associate Teachers
• Bennie Wilson, teaching assistant, Pin Oak MS

5 years

• Stephen Pinkney, data processing, Lamar HS
• Chad Scholz, teacher, Lamar HS
• Lakisa Stewart, custodian, High School Ahead Academy

Check back next Friday for more July Milestones. Leave a comment below if you’d like to congratulate any of the above employees.