Educators explore scholastic Esports at Region One Summit

EDINBURG — Region One Education Service Center gathered the growing scholastic esports community for its third annual Esports Summit on Sept. 20, sharing strategies for schools to start and develop competitive gaming teams.

As a pioneer for esports in education, Region One is bringing school systems together to establish a network and space for students interested in gaming. Since the initiative launched, the scholastic esports scene has grown remarkably through Region One-led tournaments and professional development. Through the Esports Summit, educators are learning how they can leverage esports to develop their students interpersonal abilities and academics.

Region One Distance Learning Specialist David Rivera said scholastic esports goes beyond gaming.

“Scholastic esports allows students to build skills that can easily translate into interpersonal development and new opportunities, such as careers,” Rivera said. “Esports teams need marketing, commentators, managers, graphic designers and other forms of support. Esports provides a space for students, often those not involved in traditional extracurriculars, to develop leadership, communication and technical skills while contributing in various roles like marketing, commentary and team management.”

During a panel presentation, Weslaco ISD educators Moses Castillo and Veronica Galvan and Eric Madera of Club Esports at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley discussed how schools can develop student skills through scholastic esports.

“I was not the best gamer,” Madera said. “But scholastic esports helped me discover other strengths, like commentating. Schools can use esports to help students become proficient in communication, teamwork, content creation and design. Esports gives students a platform to explore different roles and build a diverse set of skills that can lead to future opportunities.”

Nadia Claudia, a sophomore at South Texas ISD, said gaming has transformed in the region since Region One began its initiative.

“When I was in middle school, there were not a lot of schools to compete against,” Claudia said. “We would just play against other schools in our district. Now, we compete all throughout the region. I love that esports is everywhere now.”

The gamer said she plans to continue her passion through high school and university.

“It is amazing to be a part of this community,” Claudia said. “I have made so many friends, and I already know that I want to participate in esports when I am in college.”

Region One is hosting its first middle school esports tournament on Oct. 26. For more information about Region One’s esports initiative, visit www.esc1.net/esports.

Story Courtesy
Region One