Driven to Go the Extra Mile – Jeanne Paull-Turner
A self-described “firecracker,” Jeanne Paull-Turner is always taking the opportunity to tell people about the Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA) and the Texas Retired Teachers Foundation (TRTF). Whether it’s talking to strangers in the line at a gas station, or communicating with Texas legislators at the Capitol, Jeanne is continuously finding ways to promote TRTA’s […]
How Public Education Represents Hope for Jesse and Melissa Ramos
TRTA members Jesse and Melissa Ramos (Floresville, Texas) have built their lives around a passion for education and community service. Jesse Ramos grew up as part of a migrant worker family, moving across the U.S. before settling in Lubbock, Texas where he graduated from Lubbock High School. After high school, he served in the U.S. […]
How TRTA Local Chapters Engage and Connect Retirees
Retired educators join Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA) local chapters for FUN, FRIENDSHIP, and PURPOSE! Local chapters are known for their strong sense of community, and many members have their initial interest sparked by a personal invitation from a friend. As Cori Pratt from Richardson RSP shared, “I was blown away by the commitment I heard about […]
Geraldine Haggard – Plano RTA – TRTA Member Since 1999
Ms. Geraldine Haggard taught in schools for 50 years. Now retired, she volunteers her time working as an active member in her local chapter, Plano RTA. As an advocate for public school retirees, she still serves, fosters, and inspires her community in many ways. All the way from Solstice Retirement Home in Plano, Texas, she […]
How Day at the Capitol Has Continued to Grow Through Friendship and Fellowship
Each legislative session, members of the Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA) gather at the Texas Capitol to lobby for improved retirement benefits, meet with legislators, and enjoy fun and fellowship among each other. The TRTA Day at the Capitol stands as the best opportunity for retired educators to meet with lawmakers, be recognized for their […]
Lubbock Teen Walked to D.C. to Support Repeal of WEP and GPO
Members of the Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA) may recall a special tribute to a young Texan when President Biden signed HR 82 into law on January 5. Eliseo Jimenez, a Lubbock High School student, beamed proudly when advocates from all over the nation sang “Happy Birthday” to him. How and why Eliseo came to […]
Congressman Sylvester Turner’s Many Paths
“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.” – Robert Frost As high school Valedictorian, Sylvester Turner titled his speech “The Choice is Yours.” In that speech, he encouraged students to make their own decisions about their future paths. Some 52 […]
Senator Royce West Reflects on the Educational Experiences That Shaped Him
Royce West first became a Texas Senator in 1992, and he’s served in the Texas Senate for more than 30 years. Throughout his political journey, he’s always viewed public education as a priority for his legislation. “Education is important, and education is powerful. If indeed you want to succeed, you’ve got to get an education,” […]
Houston-Harris Co. RTA Formed Through Adversity, Grown Through Community
“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”— Martin Luther King, Jr. The Houston-Harris County Retired Teachers Association was founded by William Leonard Davis in 1951. During this time, segregation was still the law of the land in Texas. Davis had spent his entire life dedicated to public service, […]
Verna Mitchell’s Unexpected Journey
Many members of the Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA) know Verna Mitchell. Some may not know her full name—Verna “George” Brown Mitchell. “I was the second child and second daughter,” she adds, “someone was going to have his (her father’s) name!” Unlike some who enter the education field, Verna did not plan to become an educator. […]