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. […]
Road Tripping Through Texas Like Gary Schepf
TRTA State Secretary/Treasurer Gary Schepf has traveled to all 50 states and as far as Egypt to ride a camel around the pyramids in Cairo. His heart, however, longs for the open roads and unique sights found across the big, beautiful state of Texas! “There are so many places to see in Texas!” says Schepf, […]
No Ordinary Story: HART Grandmother Goes to Paris to See Grandson Win Gold
Johnnie Robinson is no ordinary retiree. She’s a proud grandmother, local leader, and hometown hero. This past August, she traveled with her family to the Olympics in Paris, France to watch her grandson, Bryce Deadmon, win gold in the men’s 4 x 400 meter relay. The trip served as not only a special experience for […]
Tri-County Retired Teachers Give the Gift of Reading
Tri-County Retired Teachers Association (RTA) had a very successful year with the Children’s Book Project and fulfilled their goal of “Giving the Gift of Reading.” The Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA) is pleased to spotlight the local chapter members’ collective efforts and celebrate their accomplishments. HIGHLIGHTS Between Duval, Jim Wells and Western Nueces counties, 1,500 […]
Two National Championships, 50 Years Apart
In 1957, at the age of 16, Glenn Sperry won a National Championship. In 2007, at the age of 66, he decided to win another one! Glenn Sperry grew up in a family of water skiers and got his first pair of skis at the age of six. His first competition was in 1953, and […]
Cost-of-Living Increase Makes a BIG Difference for Retired Texas Teacher
To know Judith Mathews is to love her! A retired Texas public school educator, Judith, who has the vivacity of a twenty-year old, hasn’t taken retirement sitting down. In fact, when friends ask Judith if she still plans to be working and helping people when she is 80 years old, her answer is a resounding, […]
Submit a Story
Retirement is a journey and your engagement as leaders provides an excellent opportunity to highlight your accomplishments at the local level. TRTA has created a way to showcase your advocacy and support, and we think fall is the perfect time to spotlight our most committed members! We would like to acquire fun stories that showcase […]