By Julie Tomascik
Editor

The Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association of Texas (VATAT) named Ray Pieniazek as the new executive director effective Sept. 1.

“Serving in this role allows me to lead an association that has given much to me during my teaching career,” Pieniazek said. “I’m excited to tackle the challenges facing agricultural science teachers in Texas and to lead the association to a bright future.”

Pieniazek brings 30 years of educational and leadership experience to the association.

Prior to this position, Pieniazek taught agricultural science at Poth High School, Clear Lake High School and East Central High School.

He has been a member of the National FFA Food Science and Technology CDE Revision Committee, Texas Animal Industries Poultry Sub Species Committee and the State Career Development Event Committee. He has also served as a mentor to Texas student teachers.

Pieniazek’s leadership roles include former VATAT president and chairman of the Texas FFA Association board of directors. He has also served as a board member of the Texas FFA Foundation, Texas FFA Association and VATAT Credit Union.

Pieniazek is a graduate of Texas A&M University. He and his wife, Gail, have two children, Jared and Johnna.

“As a teacher, my main priority was my students,” Pieniazek said. “Now, in this role, my focus will shift to the teachers. I hope to provide more professional development, make this position more visible by attending FFA events and stock shows and help answer any questions teachers might have.”

VATAT was established to promote and advance agricultural education in Texas. The organization was established in 1940 and informs agricultural science teachers about the latest agricultural education practices and encourages higher standards of teaching agriculture.

The association hosts an annual professional development conference for agricultural science teachers each summer. Texas Farm Bureau has participated in the conference by hosting workshops and exhibiting a booth in the trade show.

Pieniazek succeeds Barney McClure, who retired Aug. 31, after serving as the association’s executive director for eight years.