Leonard Beles named AMET Administrator of the Year
Leonard Beles, director of state and federal programs for Region 8 schools, has been named Association for Migrant Education of Texas' (AMET) Administrator of the year.
AMET presents service awards to Educators who provide distinguished service and outstanding support in Migrant Education through their active participation, leadership, and commitment.
Mr. Beles started his journey with the migrant world as a migratory student at Como-Pickton CISD. After high school graduation, he attended Texas A&M Commerce, earning his bachelor’s degree. After teaching for several years, Mr. Beles joined Region 8 ESC as the Bilingual/ESL/Migrant Consultant. He now serves as Director of State and Federal Programs at Region 8 ESC.
Even after becoming a federal programs director, he continues to work with migratory families. In addition to his role of director, he maintains a special connection to the Migrant Education Program through managing the Region 8 ESC MEP SSA districts, serving as the AMET Regional Director, sharing his expertise on various TEA focus groups, and presenting at the state level about the importance of literacy in the home. He is a lifelong learner and always has a book at hand. A co-worker remembers fondly when he visited individually with a migratory student who was at risk of dropping out of school. The administrator from the school district contacted Region 8 to highlight the impact Mr. Beles had on that student. Eventually, the student graduated from high school and even participated in the ESC’s MEP Close Up trip to Washington, D.C.
Mr. Beles is well liked and respected across Texas, but his largest impact is in his area of Texas where he grew up as a migratory child, recruited for the migrant education program, and became a MEP consultant and later a Federal Programs Director. It is here that he made his home, invested in his community, and, along with his wife Eva, raise their two daughters. His co-workers and staff value his opinion, insights, and his sharp sense of humor (he is so punny!) while mentioning his love for data.