From a district officer in Texas FFA Area X to career and technical education (CTE) coordinator for the Gonzales Independent School District, Jennifer Ervin has been an example of “Living to Serve” throughout her time in education. Ervin is one of the biggest advocates for CTE, and her passion for providing students with an education beyond classroom instruction is truly inspiring.
The Value of Career and Technical Education
In today’s world, CTE is a lot more valuable than you might think. Programs of study include trades; family and consumer sciences; health science; and, of course, agriculture, food and natural resources. These programs allow students to learn life and career skills in class, but what about extracurriculars?
CTE provides plenty of extracurricular activities through Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSO). Ervin oversees all of the CTSOs at Gonzales High School, ensuring that students can participate as much as possible and empowering their success within their future career fields. Some examples of CTSOs at Gonzales High School include HOSA-Future Health Professionals, Skills USA, Family Career and Community Leaders of America, and FFA. Each of these organizations aligns with specific programs of study and provides unique learning experiences.
Time in FFA
Ervin (then Jennifer Mathis) was a member of the Pleasanton FFA Chapter in Texas. She competed in milk quality products and senior chapter conducting; she competed at the state level for both. Coming from a long line of swine showmen, she also competed in the Atascosa County Swine Show. Pigs were her true passion, but so were leadership and service. That is why she served the Wintergarden District of Area X as a district officer. Her dedication to FFA continues as an alumnus through her work at Gonzales High School.
Impact Through Service
Ervin’s selflessness and leadership are shown throughout her time at Gonzales High School. She is always looking to bring new programs of study, such as health science, which began in 2024. Her service and dedication also go beyond CTE. She has served as the Gonzales High School Leos Club sponsor for years. The Leos Club is the student version of the Lions Club International. Ervin has helped plan dozens of service projects, has helped her members become Texas Leos Council Officers, and won the MD2/Texas Leos Club Advisor of the Year Award in 2019. She works to provide a high-quality curriculum within CTE classes and provides students with opportunities to earn industry-based certifications.
Ervin’s story beyond the blue jacket is still being written. Today, she continues to improve CTE at Gonzales Independent School District and the state of Texas. As her son, I can tell you that she is always in some sort of meeting and never stops working to provide her students with the best education possible. Seeing someone like Ervin truly “Living to Serve” is amazing, and I am incredibly grateful to call her mom!
