Title: Retired Project Manager of Inclusion
Company: Education Service Center Region XIX
Location: El Paso, Texas, United States
Bernice A. Garcia, Retired Project Manager of Inclusion at the Education Service Center, Region XIX, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Educators for dedication, achievements and leadership in Special Education.
Ms. Garcia, a distinguished expert in special education, has dedicated nearly four decades to advancing inclusive practices and supporting students with diverse learning needs. Throughout her career, she has established a reputation characterized by leadership, innovation and a steadfast commitment to educational excellence.
Most recently, Ms. Garcia served as a project manager of inclusion at Education Service Center, Region XIX, from 2011 to 2023. In this capacity, she was responsible for serving multiple counties, conducting trainings within assigned school districts and reporting outcomes to the central office. Ms. Garcia’s role required her to write detailed reports following each training session, ensuring that best practices were communicated and implemented across the region. Her efforts contributed significantly to the advancement of inclusive education throughout West Texas.
Before her tenure in this capacity, Ms. Garcia was an instructional specialist at the Education Service Center, Region XIX, for over five years. In this role, she provided direct support to educators and administrators, helping them develop effective strategies to improve student outcomes.
Ms. Garcia also contributed her skills to the Inclusion Project at the Texas Education Agency for more than a decade and was a liaison for the Inclusion Project for an additional two years. The Agency focuses on promoting equitable access to and high-quality education, thereby enhancing the educational opportunities of students with disabilities. Ms. Garcia played a significant role in shaping policies and initiatives aimed at fostering greater inclusion within public schools.
Earlier in her career, Ms. Garcia worked at Montwood High School within the Socorro Independent School District, where she spent over five years in the classroom as a special education teacher focusing on students with autism at the middle school level. Her hands-on experience in classroom settings provided her with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by both students and educators, informing her later work at the regional and state levels.
Ms. Garcia’s academic background laid a strong foundation for her professional achievements. She completed a bachelor’s degree in education at the University of Texas at El Paso in 1986. That same year, she obtained certification in special education on campus, equipping her with specialized knowledge that would define her career trajectory. In 2004, Ms. Garcia received a master’s degree in education with a specialty in diverse learning from the University of Phoenix.
Ms. Garcia’s contributions extend beyond her professional roles into civic engagement and scholarship. She has volunteered with Special Olympics, where she was recognized as the Coach of the Year, a testament to her dedication to empowering individuals with disabilities both inside and outside the classroom.
Crediting her success to a robust work ethic and an ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, Ms. Garcia rarely declined challenging assignments and consistently demonstrated determination and resourcefulness when faced with new responsibilities. Attributing much of her drive to her father’s emphasis on the value of education, she also acknowledges the unwavering support of her husband as vital to her accomplishments.
A highlight of Ms. Garcia’s career was her co-authorship of a chapter titled ‘Teaching Executive Functions: Modeling Independence from Cradles to College for Success’ in “Promoting Higher Order Skills and Global Competencies in Life and Work,” published by the University of Idaho. This chapter addresses the challenges college students face in maintaining employment after their first year post-graduation, with a focus on executive function within secondary education.
Looking ahead, Ms. Garcia aspires to return to her previous role on a part-time basis once she regains her health, continuing her lifelong mission of supporting inclusive education and student achievement. Her legacy is defined by expertise in special education, unwavering dedication to students and colleagues, and meaningful contributions that have shaped educational practice across Texas.
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