At Frenship ISD, the annual Central Office Chili Cook-Off serves up more than just warm bowls of chili; it’s a tradition that wraps new teachers in the spirit of community and care. The goal is to treat first-year educators who participate in the monthly First Year Teacher Academy meetings with a tasty meal.
First-Year Teacher Coordinator Malli Travis is passionate about this event, where a dozen departments battle for the best chili while supporting new educators in their journey.
“My favorite part is the service aspect,” said Travis. “Central Office personnel come together to create a home-cooked meal for these new teachers. On cooler days, that warm bowl of chili can make the most challenging day feel worth it.”
Travis remembers her experience as a first-year teacher, exhausted by the end of the day and grateful for any meal she didn’t have to prepare herself.
"To have a home-cooked meal waiting for you on a cool fall day is something special,” said Travis. “Plus, adding the competition to the Central Office departments is always exciting. It is always fun to see who battles it out to have the best pot of chili!”
Beyond the delicious food, Frenship’s chili cook-off is part of a larger support system provided to first-year teachers.
“Teachers provide support systems for their students, and we should do the same for our teachers,” said Travis. “These new educators are juggling classroom management, curriculum, campus and district expectations, family life, and so much more. Knowing they’re not alone helps them navigate the ups and downs of this profession.”
Frenship’s First Year Teacher Academy (FYT) offers targeted guidance and opportunities to connect with fellow educators. This program aims to provide tools and resources to be successful during their first year in the classroom.
“The FYT Academy gives them a space to ask questions, network, and learn from each other. I’ve seen teachers go from nervous in the summer to confident classroom leaders by the year’s end. Watching that transformation is a privilege,” said Travis.
Travis believes that the First Year Teacher Academy is crucial for equipping new educators with the tools and support they need to thrive in their first year.
“The FYT Academy is impactful because we hope to provide more targeted guidance in all the areas that teachers need to be successful in their first year as a teacher,” said Travis. “Plus, the Academy provides an opportunity for the FYTs to network with each other, ask questions and learn from each other, and build relationships upon a shared set of circumstances.”
Having a strong foundation can make the biggest difference.
“It takes a village to raise a child and providing the support systems for our new hires is important in building a strong foundation in our district and maintaining fantastic teachers in our classrooms and in the profession.”
If she could give any advice to new educators, it would be to be bold and ask questions.
“There are no dumb questions, and you can always ask the same question again. It is so important to make sure to get the right information than to have to go back and fix the mistakes because questions were not asked,” said Travis. “Ask for help. We’ve all been in situations where the workload was too much. An extra pair of hands can sometimes be the answer between a complete meltdown and a perfect lesson.”
Travis also encourages first year teachers to prioritize preparation and continual learning.
“Read, research, and practice your curriculum and lessons. I used to practice my lessons while getting ready every morning. It drove my husband crazy! However, going into a lesson prepared is so much easier and alleviates a lot of stress,” said Travis.
Overall, Travis feels grateful to watch these new educators blossom and grow.
“Our campuses and students are truly fortunate to have these dedicated new educators, and it’s exciting to be part of their journey.”
This year’s winners of the Chili Cook-Off are:
- 1st place – Rhonda Dillard, Human Resources
- 2nd place – Cindi Cobb, Curriculum and Instruction
- 3rd place – Dale Floresca, IT
Congratulations, winners! Your chili goes a long way!