Spotlight on the Texas Retired Teachers Foundation (TRTF) Grant and Scholarship Programs
TRTF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides resources and support to retired and active public-school personnel in Texas. It’s also the charitable partner of the Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA). Today, we’re shining a light on two of TRTF’s most impactful programs for active teachers: the Classroom Assistance Grant program and the First-Year Teacher […]
A Poem to Kick Off Your Local Chapter’s Year
Local chapters are the lifeblood of the Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA). Spread across the state, these chapters host meetings that foster community, camaraderie, knowledge, and voting power. Chapter fall meetings are just around the corner! To kick off your local chapter’s 2025–26 year, here’s a poem from the Copperas Cove RTA in District 12, […]
Zeke Castro Leaves a Legacy as an Influential Mariachi Instructor
Zeke Castro, known in Austin as the “El Rey” of mariachi music, was honored on July 13 at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum for his significant contributions to the advancement of mariachi music. As part of the celebration of his legacy, Castro’s traje—the black and silver suit he wore while performing—is now on […]
A Life of Dedication: Mary Nell Short’s Journey from Classroom to Advocacy
Early Life and Education Born and raised in Breckenridge, Texas, Mary Nell grew up in a hardworking family—her mother was a dedicated teacher, and her father was employed in oilfields. This instilled in her both a love for learning and a deep respect for the value of hard work. After graduating from Breckenridge High School, […]
What’s Old Is New Again: Teacher Reuse Improves Texas Classrooms Through Free School Supplies
Teacher Reuse is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization based in San Marcos, Texas, with a mission to support educators by turning donated items into free classroom supplies. What started as a local initiative is now making a statewide impact, helping teachers reduce out-of-pocket expenses while keeping usable materials out of landfills. According to the Teacher Reuse […]
TRTA Member Nancy Evans Named ABC-7 Do-Gooder for Lifelong Community Service
Nancy Evans, a retired teacher and principal with 42 years in education, has been honored as El Paso’s ABC-7’s “Do-Gooder” for her outstanding volunteer work and advocacy in the El Paso community. After retiring in 2012, Nancy joined the Assistance League of El Paso, where she became involved in Operation School Bell, a program that […]
A Reflection of Karen’s Journey as a Teacher: Honoring the ‘Mama of Highland Park Elementary’
After more than two decades in education, Karen Lowther’s name is spoken with love, laughter, and admiration within the halls of Highland Park Elementary. Recently retired from Pflugerville Independent School District (ISD), Karen’s story is one of unwavering dedication, humor, passion, and the kind of presence that leaves a lasting imprint—not just in a classroom, […]
The Legacy of Al Edwards: Honoring the Father of Juneteenth
Albert Ely “Al” Edwards, former Texas State Representative and lifelong civil rights activist, left an indelible mark on American history through his diligent advocacy for equality and justice. Serving more than three decades in the Texas Legislature, Edwards was instrumental in the passage of House Bill 1016 in 1979, making Texas the first state to […]
A Tasty Tale: TRTA Member, Gary Schepf, Travels Across Texas to Find the ‘Perfect’ Chicken Fried Steak
Gary Schepf, TRTA’s State Secretary and Treasurer, has traveled this vast Lone Star State in pursuit of the ‘perfect’ chicken fried steak. With us, he provides his findings, an exhaustive, well-documented guide which we’re eager to share, knowing that you too will find his journal fascinating, possibly inspiring. Yet, before we cut to the meat […]
“A Life Dedicated to Education, A Legacy of Love”
Honoring Mrs. Cathy Walker’s Extraordinary 52 Years of Service At a monumental turning point, Mrs. Cathy Walker set off on the path to retirement this past week. Beginning her 52-year teaching career in 1974 at Palestine Elementary School, she taught one year and then went on to devote the remaining years to teaching and caring for […]