Starkey spoke about what led her to the role and what the future looks like for The DEN, which refers to MISD’s CTE and agricultural science centers. The following interview has been edited for length and clarity.
How did you get into education?
My path into education started in the Texas Army National Guard and a plan to work in [the] industry after earning my English degree. Along the way, I was mentored by incredible teachers and professors whose impact was life-changing. They inspired me to shift gears and pursue a calling, not just a career, in education. I discovered my true passion was in teaching, connecting with students, and helping them realize their potential.
What made you want to be MISD’s new CTE director, and what experience do you have that will help you in this role?
I’m beyond excited to serve as MISD’s next CTE director because CTE quite literally changed my life. As a nontraditional student, I experienced firsthand the power of hands-on, real-world learning and it lit a fire in me.
From my early days as a high school English teacher to leadership roles as an assistant principal and most recently in CTE coordination and program direction, I’ve always been focused on supporting teachers and empowering students.
I also want to give credit where it’s due. The previous director and team built something truly special. I’m honored to pick up the torch and build on that momentum, expanding opportunities, growing programs and continuing to make CTE a game-changer for our students.
In this role, what will your responsibilities include?
I have the privilege of wearing two hats in this role, district CTE director and principal of the new CTE center. At the district level, I focus on program development, teacher support and ensuring our offerings align with both industry needs and state standards.
At the campus level, I manage day-to-day operations of the CTE center, leading our staff, supporting our students and fostering a dynamic, safe and industry-driven learning environment.
What do you hope to accomplish in your first year as CTE director?
This year is all about building on our strong foundation and showcasing the incredible opportunities MISD CTE provides. With the launch of The DEN, our new CTE and agricultural science complex, we’ve got a one-of-a-kind platform to shine.
Programs like automotive, welding, construction and agricultural mechanics are already thriving, and I want the community to see just how impactful these programs are. My focus is on building stronger industry partnerships, increasing student engagement and creating more visibility for CTE so every student knows the doors it can open for their future.
Why are CTE programs important for students?
CTE programs bring learning to life. They connect the dots between classroom instruction and the real world, preparing students for high-wage, high-demand careers and postsecondary success.
They also help students explore career paths early, which can save time and money down the road. Whether it’s discovering a passion for healthcare or realizing that maybe that field isn’t the right fit, these programs are critical for helping students make informed decisions about their futures.
MISD’s new CTE and agricultural science centers opened this school year. How excited are you about that and how does that set the tone for these programs going forward?
We are absolutely thrilled to open The DEN, short for “discover,” “explore” and “navigate.” This new complex has been years in the making and truly sets the gold standard for CTE and agricultural education in Texas.
These state-of-the-art facilities aren’t just buildings. They are launchpads. They send a powerful message that MISD is all-in on preparing students for life after high school. Whether that means college, career or military, our students will be equipped with the skills, experience and confidence to succeed.
I understand that the CTE center will eventually have a bistro, a salon and an auto shop that the public will be able to utilize. Can you speak more about that and the timelines for when these will be officially up and running?
One of the most exciting parts of The DEN is how it connects classroom learning with the community. Soon, you’ll be able to visit Café at the DEN, bring your car in for basic automotive services, book appointments at our salon, and even have your pet groomed by our vet tech students.
While we don’t have official launch dates yet, our students and teachers are hard at work getting everything ready. These experiences give students real-world practice while serving our community in meaningful ways. Stay tuned.
What do you want parents and students to know about the district’s CTE programs?
CTE in MISD isn’t just an elective. It’s a launchpad. These programs are designed to help students find their passion, explore career options and gain real-world skills that give them a competitive edge.
Whether a student is college-bound, workforce-ready or military-committed, we want them to graduate with confidence and options. Industry certifications, hands-on learning, leadership opportunities—CTE equips students for success in every sense of the word.
Is there anything else you’d like me to know or anything else to add?
The DEN is more than just a facility—it’s a vision brought to life. This project has been four years in the making, and it reflects the hard work, collaboration and belief of so many across our district and community.
We are especially grateful for our community’s support of the 2022 bond, which made this vision a reality. We want our community to feel a deep sense of pride in this investment, and we’re committed to making sure The DEN lives up to its name as the crown jewel of Montgomery ISD.
We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve built and even more excited about where we’re headed. On behalf of the entire CTE team, thank you to everyone who played a part in turning this dream into reality. Now, it’s our turn to make it shine for our students, our families and our future.
