At 95 years young, Ms. Helen Tanner still radiates the unmistakable glow of a teacher whose legacy reaches far beyond her classroom. Retired since 1984, Ms. Tanner continues to represent the spirit of service, advocacy, and community that strengthens the Texas Retired Teachers Association.
Her life—and story—offers a powerful reminder of the lasting influence one educator can have.
“We didn’t have computers… we didn’t even have air conditioning.”
When Ms. Tanner began teaching, classrooms looked very different. Overcrowded rooms, no technological tools, and long days relied heavily on resourcefulness and creativity.
“You can imagine, when I started, we had no computers, no air conditioning—not a lot of things they have nowadays,” she said with a soft laugh. “But we still managed to turn out well-educated kids.”
She was known for weaving fun, music, and singing into her classroom to break up the day and spark joy. Her philosophy was beautifully simple: children should have a happy year, do their best, and love learning. Homework was minimal—only when truly necessary—and reading was always encouraged. “There’s no such thing as too much reading,” she added.
Her heart found its home in third grade, where she spent 29 of her 30 teaching years. The eight- and nine-year-olds she taught were lively, curious, and full of possibility. “I just loved that age group,” she said. “It kept things interesting. There were always new things to introduce, new skills to learn.”
Her dedication extended to her own family, too. When her daughter reached third grade and would have been assigned to her class, Ms. Tanner traded teaching levels with a colleague to give her child a fair experience. “It wouldn’t have been fair to her,” she said with a smile.
A Calling Rooted in Curiosity
Interestingly, Ms. Tanner’s journey into education wasn’t sparked by one defining moment. “I’m not really sure when I first decided that’s what I wanted to do,” she reflected. She loved plants, so she chose science as a minor and earned a permanent high school teaching certificate—yet third grade ultimately captured her heart. One year of student teaching with that age group changed her path forever.
A Life Rich with Family, Faith, and Community
Retirement did not slow Ms. Tanner—it simply opened new avenues for growth and joy.
After she and her late husband, Bill—a retired principal—left the classroom, they traveled extensively across the United States and built a home together in the Texas Hill Country. “Floating the Frio River was always one of our favorite family activities,” she recalled fondly.
Today, Ms. Tanner stays active in her church through Bible study, sewing guilds, and volunteering to provide snacks and baked goods for Sunday gatherings. Recently, her congregation celebrated her 95th birthday with a full party, complete with a humorous game called “Was This Before or After Helen Was Born?” Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren all joined in the celebration. “I live a happy life. I am so fortunate,” she said. “My family takes very good care of me.”
Even while recovering from a recent wrist injury, Ms. Tanner maintains her optimism: “I always try to look on the brightest side I can.”
A lifelong gardener, she continues to enjoy flowers with the help of her son, grandson, and great-grandson. And though she recently retired fully from teaching Sunday school, her years of service within her faith community remain a cherished part of her identity.
A Heart for Advocacy: Why TRTA Matters
For Ms. Tanner, membership in TRTA was a seamless extension of her commitment to educators. “I’m always going to advocate for teachers,” she said. “Just knowing you’re helping your fellow educators—that’s the best part.”
She and her husband were long-time members of the local chapter, Corpus Christi Area Retired Teachers Association, before she moved to be closer to family. After his passing, a dear friend brought her to a Fort Bend–Harris RE meeting, and she moved her membership there. Today, she continues attending chapter gatherings whenever she can—often catching a ride with her neighbor, Chapter President Cathy Duvall.
Ms. Tanner is deeply aware of the challenges facing retirees, especially those who stopped teaching decades ago. “When we retired, we didn’t make very much,” she explained. “Helping others who need it—it’s just the right thing to do.”
Her commitment to advocacy reflects TRTA’s mission: being part of a larger voice to protect and enhance retirement benefits for those who dedicated their lives to educating children.
A Mentor’s Legacy: Words From a Dear Friend
A longtime colleague and friend, Melanie Everson, shared a touching tribute that perfectly captures Ms. Tanner’s impact: ‘Being a first-year teacher in 1965 at Calk Elementary in Corpus Christi, TX., I want to say, Helen, your mentorship meant a lot to me. You always had a smile on your face (still do) and you were there to always answer my questions. I know it was your ‘quiet confidence’ that kept me going and to realize that I was right where I belonged… in the teaching profession! Looking back, we had a fun four years together. Thank you, Helen, for always being there to support and guide me.’ — Melanie Everson
A Legacy That Continues to Inspire
Ms. Tanner’s decades of dedication—to her students, her colleagues, her family, her church, her garden, and her fellow retirees—shine as a testament to the profound impact of a life lived with kindness and purpose.
Her story encourages all TRTA members, and all Texas public school retirees, to stay involved, stay connected, and keep advocating. Through collective action and shared passion, the educator community can continue making meaningful change.
As Ms. Tanner reminds us: “We just want to help them if they need help.”
It is a simple message—but one rooted in a lifetime of service, and one that carries the full weight of her gentle wisdom.
