Candidates for Member At-Large
Christy Watley
Elodia Witterstaetter
Candidate for Vice President
Jaci Underwood
Candidate for NAESP Representative
Lorena Carrasco
TEPSA Election – Christy Watley
Candidate for TEPSA Member At-Large
Christy Watley
Midway ISD
Region 12
Present Position
Principal, Hewitt Elementary, Midway ISD, Region 12, Pk3-5th
Formal Education
- Tarleton State University- M.Ed. Educational Leadership 2009
- Baylor University – Bachelor of Science in Education 2003
- McLennan Community College- Associates of Applied Science – Child Development 1999
Educational Leadership
- 2016 TEPSA Presentation Making the Move: Improvement Required to Met Standard with Distinctions
- 2017- TEPSA Presentation Scholastic Book Fair – Family Engagement
- 2018- TEPSA Presentation: Game Changer: Bringing Independent Reading Alive
- 2021 National Association of Professional Development Schools Presentation-Redesigning Early Field Experiences During COVID-19
- 2021-Presentation at National Association of Professional Development Schools- Finding the Perfect Match
- 2022-National Association of Professional Development Schools- Presenter
- 2023 Principal Leadership Institute – Region 12
TEPSA Leadership/Involvement/Awards
- TEPSA Member since 2012
- 2022-2023 Advocacy Committee
- 2021-2023 Board of Directors
- 2016-2023 Standing Committees
- 2021-2023 Nominating Committee
- 2019-2021 Programs & Services Committee
- 2019-2024 Region 12 TEPSA Board
- 2016 TEPSA Assistant Principal of the Year
- 2021-2022 TEPSAN of The Year
School Honors/Accomplishments
- 2023-Educational Results Partnership Honor Roll List – Outstanding Achievement
- 2023 Leader In Me Campus
Community Involvement
- Baylor Professional Development School Partnership – Host of Intern Teaching Candidates, Teaching Associates, and Novice Teachers
- Hewitt Third Graders Participation in the Annual Veteran’s Day Parade
- Campus Summer Feeding Program
- Mentor Alliance Summer Program
- Kids Hope Mentoring partnership with First Baptist Hewitt
- School Community Relationship with Hewitt Police and Fire Department
- Hewitt Trunk or Treat 2022-2024
- MELA- Math and Early Learners Academy Baylor University 2023-2024
- Hewitt WHObilation Community Holiday Drive Thru- 2019-2022
- Campus Host for Food Distribution during COVID
Other Professional Networks
- 2023 Speaker at Hispanic Leadership Network Luncheon – Trust the Process
- 2021- Leadership Plenty Institute
Personal Information
My husband, Derrick, and I have been happily married for 20 years. We are blessed with three wonderful children: Miquel, Isaiah, and Mireya. All three of our children attended the elementary schools where I worked, creating a meaningful connection between my professional and personal life. In addition to our children, we have a one-year-old dog named Carmello.
Spending time with my family is one of my greatest joys. I am passionate about helping others discover their potential and purpose, empowering them to lead and positively impact their realm of influence.
Platform Statement
As a member of TEPSA for the past twelve years, I have come to understand the importance of connecting with others. Being a principal can sometimes feel lonely, and the challenges of being an administrator—a principal, assistant principal, or supervisor—have increased significantly. The expectations and demands on administrators are higher than ever before. We face growing pressures from state education requirements and assessments, concerns over the mental health of students and staff, a teacher shortage, and a lack of funding for our schools, teachers, and staff. All while job demands continue to rise, it is difficult to focus on what is truly essential: our students, staff, and families.If you have worked as an administrator or in any leadership position before COVID-19, you know the previous norms have changed. These times have required resilience, adaptability, and, above all, the support of a robust professional network. For me, TEPSA has provided that network—a source of encouragement, guidance, and inspiration as we navigated these uncharted waters together. We have had to adjust and pivot to establish new leadership norms while discovering innovative ways to lead others. Reflecting on my journey, I realize my passion for serving Texas principals and administrators has only grown. I am eager to give back to the community that has supported me, advocate for our profession, amplify the voices of our leaders, and celebrate the remarkable work happening in public schools.
Helping our third graders lead our community Veterans Day Parade.
Dress up days are the best especially when we match with our students.
My family is my greatest joy. Celebrating our daughter’s fifteenth birthday with a family cruise.
I love working alongside my fellow MISD administrators and attending TEPSA Summer Conference together.
