TAMIU's Leyendecker Selected Vice President Elect for Teacher Excellence Organization

Through the years, she has taught hundreds of dancers graceful steps. Now, Bede Leyendecker, assistant professor of dance at Texas A&M International University, is taking some high steps of her own after having been selected to serve as the vice president elect representing dance for the Texas Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (TAHPERD).

Leyendecker's term will end in 2005.

The state-wide organization, which promotes excellence in teaching in these four areas, consists of educators from grades K-12 and post secondary education.

The organization recently had its 80th Convention in Galveston and Leyendecker's students performed six Dance On the Spot slots in the Dance Division's 'Kaleidoscope' concert and were one of three groups asked to perform at the second general session for almost 3,000 educators. The students received a standing ovation for their performance.

Student performers included Alexandria Cárdenas, Alejandra González, Janie González, Aladdin Hall, Claudia Hernández, Karina Mendoza, Jessica Ramon-Hall, Tanya Ramírez, Rosaura Ruíz, and Laura Sánchez.
Leyendecker joined the TAMIU faculty in the Fall of 1998.

A Laredo native, she holds both a B.S. and M.S. in Education from the University of Houston. Prior to joining TAMIU, she was a longtime dance instructor at Laredo Community College.

In 2000, TAHPERD named Leyendecker its 2000 College/University Dance Educator of the Year.
Leyendecker was one of seven state-wide recipients to receive the award.

For further information, please contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at 326-2180.
University offices will be closed Tuesday, Dec. 23 through Sunday, Jan. 4 for the holidays. Offices will resume regular working hours at 8 a.m. Monday, Jan. 5.