The Texas State Public Relations Association (TSPRA) announces Tami Sophia, BISD District Communications Coordinator, as one of its newest members to be Accredited in Public Relations (APR) at their annual conference this past month. Accreditation in Public Relations is the hallmark of achievement in the public relations field. In receiving the designation, Sophia joins professionals nationally that represent a group of public relations professionals committed to practicing with high ethical standards. The accreditation asserts professional competence, communicates professional expertise, personal and professional dedication and values, and reflects progressive public relations industry practices.
“Tami Sophia is an outstanding member of BISD’s communications team,” stated Superintendent Danny Massey. “In achieving this milestone, Tami raises the bar for others in her field and sets the standard of public relations excellence in BISD as well as across the state of Texas.”
The process of earning the APR distinction takes understanding and implementation cuttingâedge strategies and practices, assessing individual skills to identify strengths and opportunities for growth, and demonstrating personal and professional commitment to excellence. The accreditation process has two main components:
Panel Presentation: The Panel Presentation comprises a written Questionnaire and an in-person portfolio presentation with three panelists who are accredited members of the TSPRA organization. Computer-based Exam: An extensive computer-based exam is administered to assess professionalism, the tools and the knowledge to articulate the depth and breadth of skills necessary to communicate successfully.
“This accreditation process has already helped me become a better practitioner and mentor. By honing my skill set to think more strategically and with intention gives me the ability to better serve our students, staff and community,” said Sophia, who was honored with her APR pin at the TSPRA Opening General Session of the 2020 TSPRA Annual Conference.
For more than two decades, Sophia has used her expertise in communications and public relations to strategically increase the awareness of the many outstanding learning opportunities offered on every campus within BISD. Over the course of her career in the district, Tami has spearheaded communication strategies for successful BISD bonds along with communicating and marketing the accomplishments, achievements and successes of BISD’s students and staff.
Tami Sophia is one of only 33 accredited APR professionals in the TSPRA organization to attain the APR distinction credential.