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The application deadline for TALL Texans 2025 has ended. Thank you to those that applied.

The TALL Texans program has been revitalized for 2025 and will be held in person over the course of three days November 20-22 at a new location, the Sheraton Georgetown Hotel and Conference Center, north of Austin, Texas.

Congratulations to the TALL Texans Class of 2025!

  • Brook Amen, The University of North Texas Health Science Center 
  • Treva Anderson, Houston Community College 
  • Chris Arrowood, Bellaire City Library 
  • Kayla Bartley, Lewisville ISD 
  • Lindsey Brewer-Munoz, Stafford Municipal School District 
  • Jermaine Bryant, The University of North Texas  
  • Andrea Cabrera, Plano Public Library System 
  • Kaitlyn Carpenter, Houston ISD 
  • Amanda Chacon, Sheldon ISD 
  • Jaclyn Chirinos, Harlingen CISD 
  • Erica Esqueda, Mission CISD 
  • Liz Fambrough, Brazosport ISD 
  • Megan Fischer, Bee Cave Public Library 
  • Rebeca Fox, Northside ISD 
  • Amanda Galliton, Burkburnett ISD 
  • Matthew Glaser, Hewitt Public Library 
  • Erick Ibarra, Fort Worth Public Library 
  • Erin Jewell, Lewisville ISD 
  • Margaret Lange, Georgetown Public Library 
  • Laura Larregui, Fort Bend County Libraries 
  • Celeste Lopez, McAllen ISD 
  • Buffie Massey, Mesquite ISD 
  • Katelyn Patterson, Texas State Library and Archives Commission 
  • Rayanne Polm, Killeen ISD 
  • Kalena Powell, Georgetown Public Library 
  • Elsie Purcell, Hondo Public Library 
  • Jessica Rico, Plano Public Library System 
  • Linda Sanchez, Community ISD 
  • William Schaller, Aldine ISD 
  • Elizabeth Speer, The University of North Texas Health Science Center 
  • Christalyn Stansell, Cleveland ISD 
  • Heather Swanner, Alvin ISD 
  • Laura Thomas, Garland ISD 
  • Jaime Tijerina, Palmview Municipal Library 
  • Heather Torres, Plano Public Library System 
  • Charlotte Vandervoort, The University of North Texas Health Science Center 
  • Maricela Verastiqui, Dallas ISD 
  • Anna Waugh, Mesquite ISD 
  • Sharla Wilkinson, Hutto ISD 
  • Zoe Williams, University Park Public Library 
  • Morgen Wilson, Eanes ISD 
  • Pamela Wright, Irving ISD 

Requirements

  • Five (5) years of experience working in libraries; MLS not required; experience need not be continuous
  • Current Texas Library Association membership
  • Ability to turn training into action
  • Desire to improve yourself, libraries and communities
  • Registration fee of $1200

Many of TLA’s districts, divisions, and round tables budget to help fund their members’ participation in TALL Texans. TALL participants should reach out to the current chair of the units they are a member of to determine if a stipend for TALL is available. If a TALL participant requires financial assistance and their units do not have funds for that purpose, TLA has limited funds available from the June Kahler Berry Endowment Fund.

While the use of AI tools to assist in crafting your application responses is not prohibited, the selection committee strongly encourages applicants to rely on their own words and perspectives. Authenticity and a genuine personal voice are highly valued in the application process, as they allow the committee to better understand your unique experiences and potential.

Hear from TALL Texans Graduates

If you’re considering applying for The TALL Texans Leadership Development Institute, this video features three TALL Texans graduates who share their journeys, including why they applied for the program, their favorite parts, and how it has positively impacted their lives and careers. Watch here.

Want tips on applying to TALL Texans and hearing what it’s really like? Check out our podcast episode, TALL Texans and What It Can Do For You. 

In the podcast, you’ll hear from a panel of TALL Texans alumni about how to successfully apply, find scholarships to pay your fee and how it benefited their careers.

Brandi Dawson, past-chair of the TALL Texans Round Table, hosts this podcast episode, which covers applying, attending, and what happens after the week of learning. Guests on the panel are Heather Hornor, Library & Information Tech Specialist at Richardson Independent School District; Dawn Wilbert, Youth Services Manager at Decatur Public Library; Lamoya Burks, Head Librarian at Texarkana College and Valerie Prilop, Senior Librarian at MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Listen here.

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