The life and career of Mr. George E. Moore reflect an enduring devotion to others, first to his students, then to his community, and now to his fellow retired educators. His path affirms his conviction that teaching is both a calling and a lifelong commitment, and the Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA) is honored to share his inspiring journey with other members.
Raised in a farming family in Marshall, Texas, Mr. Moore learned early the values of hard work and perseverance, principles that would carry him through a remarkable career in education. Over the years, he served as a biology teacher, Assistant Principal at Westlawn Elementary, and Principal at 15th Street Elementary, Pine Street Middle School, and Texas Middle School. His leadership later extended to the district level as Assistant Superintendent for Campus Operations and Assistant Superintendent for Alternative Education in Texarkana ISD.
In recognition of his significant impact on students, teachers, and the broader community, Mr. Moore was inducted into the Texarkana ISD Hall of Fame in 2020. His professional accolades are extensive, including honors such as the Wilbur Award for Outstanding Work in Education (1994), ATPE Award for Outstanding Leadership (1998), TASSP Texas Principal of the Year (2005), and finalist for the NASSP National Middle School Principal of the Year (2006). Beyond education, his civic service has been recognized by organizations including the NAACP, City of Texarkana, and Texas A&M University–Texarkana.
Answering the Call to Advocacy
When reflecting on how his experiences in education and the challenges he faced along the way influenced his dedication to TRTA, Mr. Moore admits his introduction to TRTA was unexpected. “I wish I could say my teaching career naturally led me to TRTA,” he reveals. “But the truth is, I didn’t even know the local chapter existed until my wife, Carolyn, joined.”
Carolyn quickly became active in the Texarkana-Bowie County Retired Teachers Association, eventually serving as president. When she needed a second vice president, she turned to her husband. “I told her, ‘Don’t look at me; I already have too much on my plate,’” he jokes. “But after a little arm-twisting, I found myself elected—unopposed, of course!”
What began as a small role grew into a passionate commitment to advocacy. After attending meetings and hearing TRTA Executive Director Tim Lee speak, he realized the profound need for legislative action on behalf of retired educators. “Learning that so many retired teachers live on less than $20,000 a year—and are denied Social Security benefits due to WEP—was eye-opening,” he says. “A legislative trip to Austin made it clear: this is about standing up for those who spent their lives shaping minds and now need a voice.”
Today, Mr. Moore serves as Chairman of the Children’s Book Committee for the local chapter, continues to secure community sponsorships for TRTA initiatives, and was recently appointed to the TRTA State Legislative Committee.
Lessons for a New Generation
Reflecting on his career, he shares timeless wisdom for both new and retired educators. “To new teachers, I always said, every student you teach has a story. Show them you care. Students never forget what you do to them or what you do for them,” he emphasizes.
He encouraged his faculty to be present, kind, and real. “Teaching is both a science and an art,” he says. “I can teach you the science, but not the art. The art is about fairness, kindness, and a smile that tells a student you notice their effort. Students don’t care how smart you are—they care that you care.”
And to those entering retirement, his advice is just as powerful: “Don’t retire to do nothing. Use your experience and wisdom to mentor young teachers, recruit students into education, volunteer, and enjoy life—preferably with a lunch that wasn’t prepared in the school cafeteria.”
A Retirement Redefined
When asked how retirement is treating him, Mr. Moore shares, “I didn’t retire—I simply redirected my focus.”
His community involvement since retirement reflects the same dedication that defined his career in education. A former member of the Texarkana Crime Stoppers Board, he continues to play an active role in local initiatives, including the Project 2026 Committee, which helped pass a $180 million bond for Texarkana ISD—an effort he supported by producing a radio advertisement promoting the bond election.
Mr. Moore currently serves his seventh year on the Texarkana College Board of Trustees and continues to mentor students through the college’s A.C.T.I.V.A.T.E. Program (Achieving Completion Through Innovation, Vision, and Team Engagement), which supports first-generation and economically disadvantaged students.
A proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., he also mentors young men through the fraternity’s Guide Right Program. In addition, he is co-authoring a book, And Still We Rise, which documents the history of ten Black elementary schools in Marshall, Texas, that fed into H.B. Pemberton High School.
Mr. Moore is frequently invited to share his experiences and insights as a guest speaker at community and educational events, including PREMIER High School’s graduation, Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church’s graduation, and Canaan Baptist Church’s 150th Anniversary celebration in Marshall, Texas.
Finding Peace and Purpose
Away from the boardroom and community events, Mr. Moore finds peace at his 17-acre farm in Marshall. “Our cabin sits by a two-and-a-half-acre pond. I love riding my Kubota tractor, taking the side-by-side for a spin, fishing, and spending time with our miniature donkey, Mini,” he shares.
Still, his greatest joy comes from family. “The most meaningful part of my life is spending time with my wife, Carolyn, and our son, Chad. Their presence makes every day richer. Whether we’re working, playing, or simply enjoying the quiet, those moments are what I treasure most.”
A Legacy That Inspires
Through every chapter of his journey, from classroom to community, from teacher to advocate, Mr. Moore embodies the heart of what it means to be an educator. His story reminds us all that the work of teaching doesn’t end at retirement; it simply takes on new forms of service, leadership, and love for others.
“When you dedicate your life to education,” he says, “you never stop teaching—you just change the classroom.”
