Ella Gauthier, TRTA President – Honoring a Lifetime of Service to Students and Retired Educators
During Black History Month, the Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA) is proud to spotlight Ella Gauthier, a longstanding member whose life and leadership exemplify the enduring power of education and advocacy. Serving as President of the Board of Directors, Ella holds the historic distinction of being the first and only African American woman to serve […]
A Different Path, Perfectly Timed
For Marla Chavez, retirement was never supposed to come early. Her plan was clear and steady: continue working well into her seventies, just like the remarkable women she admired in her Katy book club and at Katy ISD—educators and professionals in their eighties who showed her that passion doesn’t have an expiration date. Marla loved […]
The Heart of a Teacher: Inspiring Growth, Laughter, and Lifelong Learning
For Ligia Floyd, who teaches English at Walsh Middle School in Round Rock, Texas, teaching has always been more than a profession—it’s a calling rooted in curiosity, connection, and joy. “I’ve always loved learning, sharing ideas, and connecting with people,” she says. “The classroom felt like the perfect place for all of that to come […]
Voter Registration Deadline is Monday, Feb. 2!
The Texas voter registration deadline is Monday, Feb. 2. The March 2026 Primary Elections are fast approaching and will determine which candidates advance to the November ballot—candidates who will influence teacher retirement security, school funding, and the future of Texas and Texas classrooms. Your vote is your voice. And in a primary election, that voice […]
New TRTA Live Series Starts This Friday!
The Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA) is launching a new series of live events on Facebook and YouTube. Titled TRTA 101, the series will highlight TRTA’s mission to protect the Teacher Retirement System (TRS) for all retired and pre-retired Texas public school employees. The first live event airs Friday, Jan. 30, at 2 p.m. Central. […]
TRTA Is Thinking of You During the Winter Storm
As winter weather moves across Texas, please know that the Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA) is keeping our members front and center. Your safety and well-being matter to us, and we are closely monitoring conditions as this storm develops. In addition, the Texas Retired Teachers Foundation (TRTF) is watching the situation carefully and stands ready […]
Building Community One Book at a Time: How Patricia Veale Brings Purpose to Retirement Through TRTA’s Children’s Book Project
For Patricia Veale, retirement has never meant stepping away, it has meant stepping forward. As Local Chapter Second Vice-President for Communications with the Harlandale–S Bexar County Educational Retirees Association, Patricia continues to live out her lifelong commitment to education, service, and connection through her volunteer work with the Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA), especially the […]
TRTA Members Find Art, Connection, and Purpose at the Sistine Chapel Experience
On December 11, 2025, Rome came to Austin—along with an unforgettable reminder of the power of connection in retirement. Thanks to a special invitation from the Sistine Chapel Immersive Art Experience organizers, TRTA members were offered 100 complimentary tickets for a private visit at Barton Creek Mall. Led by District 13 President Joe Ramirez, nearly […]
TRTA Live Show Returns January 16 at 2:00 P.M. Central!
Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA) Executive Director Tim Lee will be live on Facebook and YouTube on January 16 at 2:00 p.m. Central. TRTA members are able to view these events on the TRTA Facebook page and YouTube channel and do not need to have an account to view these events. Tim Lee will be reviewing The VOICE article that made waves on social media. […]
TRTA’s Board Sets the Tone for 2026 With Vision, Growth, and Engagement
As the calendar turns to 2026, the Texas Retired Teachers Association’s (TRTA) Board of Directors is embracing the new year with a shared sense of purpose, optimism, and resolve. Their New Year’s resolutions reflect a strong commitment to membership growth, community engagement, and strengthening TRTA’s role as the leading voice for public school retirees across […]