Chalkboard Champion: Vickie Wright
When Vickie Wright was named Texas Teacher of the Year on October 17 at the Texas Association of School Administrators conference at the Kalahari Resort, the honor represented more than professional recognition. It affirmed a calling shaped by family, mentorship, and a deep belief in the power of public education. Wright’s journey began with her […]
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 […]
Lighting the Way for Future Innovators: How TRTF Donors Empowered STEM Teacher Stancey Hubbard-Winer
At Sara B. McAndrew Elementary School in San Antonio, the STEM classroom hums with curiosity. Solar bugs stir to life in the sunlight. Young gardeners rush to check on seedlings growing both in the campus garden and indoors under hydroponic lights. A proud group of “Chicken Tenders” tends to the hens in the school coop, […]
Bridging Technology and Handwriting: Empowering Dyslexic Students Through Innovation
The Texas Retired Teachers Foundation (TRTF) offers 50 $1,000 Classroom Assistance Grants to Texas public school teachers who, on a daily basis, demonstrate commitment to public education and Texas children through the creation of programs, events, or other learning platforms. Through initiatives like this, dedicated educators across Texas are creating classrooms where every student has […]
Building the Next Generation of First Responders: EMS Academy Prepares Texas High Schoolers for the Workforce
When the pandemic left emergency medical services (EMS) across Texas struggling with staffing shortages, Jim Backus, Department Director of Parker County Hospital District EMS, saw both a challenge and an opportunity. Backus had long partnered with local Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in Aledo and Weatherford, allowing high school students to shadow medics and […]
Principal Beth Ann Woodard Brings “Game On” Spirit to J.B. Little Elementary
In Arlington, Texas, the halls of J.B. Little Elementary are buzzing with excitement. Principal Beth Ann Woodard, now in her 16th year as an elementary principal and 32nd year in Arlington ISD, has kicked off the school year with a burst of energy, creativity, and community spirit. Her secret? Welcome Week, a five-day celebration packed […]
RyAnn VanCleave – Leading with Heart at J.L. Boren Elementary
This school year marks an exciting new chapter for RyAnn VanCleave, who has stepped into the role of principal at J.L. Boren Elementary in Mansfield, Texas. While it’s her first year in the position, VanCleave is far from new to the campus—she served as assistant principal for the past two years and has been an […]