TRTF Classroom Assistance Grants Empower Students at Hart Elementary
The Texas Retired Teachers Foundation (TRTF) Classroom Assistance Grant program continues to make a meaningful impact in Texas schools by supporting innovative educators like Raul Vallejo and Jane Wong at Hart Elementary in Austin ISD. Hart Elementary is a Title I campus serving approximately 530 students from early childhood through fifth grade. With 100% of […]
Teaching Patriotism, Service, and Gratitude One Flag at a Time
Thirty years ago, J’Nelle Short began helping transform Veterans Day in Huntington, Texas, into something far more than a school event. What began as a small ceremony honoring a handful of local veterans has grown into a cherished community tradition that fills an auditorium with appreciative citizens, lines city streets with hundreds of American flags, […]
Chalkboard Champion: Nichol Lee
Empowering Independence Through Inclusion The Texas Retired Teachers Association celebrates educators who go beyond instruction to transform lives. Nichol Lee, a Special Education Resource/Inclusion teacher at Dripping Springs Elementary, brings that mission to life through compassion, collaboration, and a deep commitment to student independence. Nichol’s path into education began not in a classroom—but at home. […]
Celebrating Creativity and Excellence: Spotlight on El Paso ISD Art Education
At the heart of El Paso Independent School District’s (EPISD) Fine Arts Department is a dedication to inspiring students and nurturing their creative voices. This week, we celebrate Burges High School art teacher Belenice Godinez, who recently earned National Board Certification, one of the highest professional recognitions for educators. According to Andrea Smith, EPISD’s Visual […]
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 […]