Q & A Meet Janet Crock, TSPRA

Janet Crock Programs Manager TSPRA

In 2022, Janet Crock, programs manager for TSPRA, steps into her 29th year with the organization. Janet is an integral part of all things TSPRA and has had a hand in all TSPRA’s benefits of memberships. Her dedication, experience and talent enrich anything she touches.

TSPRA Executive Director Linsae Snider says, “Janet is literally a master of all trades. I don’t know that members realize the tremendous undertaking involved in overseeing the Star Awards Program. Her eyes look at every single entry before assigning them to more than 100 judges that she must solicit each year, in addition to coordinating the awards themselves. Just a few other ongoing tasks Janet juggles include office manager, CFO, IT expert, historian and fixer of all things that break. We took advantage of her vocal degree and asked her to sing the “Star Spangled Banner” acappella at the 2016 Star Awards Banquet. For nearly 30 years, Janet has been ‘hands on deck’ working behind the scenes and knowing most every tenured and rookie member by name. Janet’s faith inspires me personally. Witnessing her love for family and dogs makes my heart flutter. Her dedication to TSPRA for the past three decades is appreciated more than words can articulate. TSPRA is grateful to Janet.“

How long have you worked for TSPRA?

In the Fall of 1993 I was hired by Annell Todd Communications to work for Annell's magazine “Texas School Business” and to do contract labor for TSPRA. She had a contract with TSPRA to serve as executive director and to manage the association’s operations. We were not employees of TSPRA at the time. We changed from contract labor to part-time employees, 210 days a year, in July 1997. I’ve worked with three executive directors and 29 presidents (coming up on 30 in February).

What different job titles have you had?

I never had a title until Judi Farmer became executive director and she gave me the title Programs Manager because I managed and coordinated the various programs of TSPRA (Star Awards, Chapter Awards, Scholarships, etc.). I’m still Programs Manager although that title does not encompass what I do now.

What did you do before joining the TSPRA staff?

I was a freelance musician, private music teacher and church choir director in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania from 1973 to November 1985. Then, I moved to Austin, Texas. Since moving to Texas, I’ve continued to be a musician, church music director as well as youth and Christian education coordinator, as well as working for IRS and the A+ Federal Credit Union for a while. I breed Slovensky Cuvac dogs, too, and I’m the only breeder in the USA.

What was TSPRA like when you began?

When I came to work for Annell Todd, TSPRA had 367 members. My first conference was in February 1994 at the Omni Hotel on San Jacinto Street in Austin when Chuck Hornung was the outgoing president and Dorian Martin was incoming. Obviously, the conferences back then were much smaller and focused on sessions and networking and not a lot of focus was put on a theme. They actually judged non-print Star Award entries at the start of the conference and had time to prepare the PowerPoint show for the winners’ banquet. It was a much simpler conference.

How have you seen the organization and its members evolve during your time?

I’ve been with TSPRA for the computerization of records and programs; growth from 367 members to now 1,200; the start of the first website and the ones that came after; going from printed newsletters to emailed news; the increase to 1,662 Star Award entries from just about 100; the addition of more video and EMP members as well as education foundation directors and website managers; the start of the Document Vault; to the end of our involvement in Texas Public Schools Week kits. A lot of growth and change, but change is what keeps an association relevant to its membership.

What is a special memory you have about working at TSPRA?

I guess my most special memory was being awarded Most Valuable Member in 2002. It was such an honor and I was amazed they were able to keep it a secret from me until the presentation. I didn’t even realize they were calling my name out to come up to the stage or that my daughter and best friend were there to see me be honored.

What do you hope for the future of TSPRA?

My hope for TSPRA is that it will continue to grow and develop programs that will meet the needs of its members for many years to come. Professional development and support for all our members should be our focus but always looking to whom we serve - our communities and the school children of Texas.