Black History Month offers an opportunity to celebrate leaders whose lives reflect purpose and perseverance. TRTA is proud to share the story of Sandra Barber, whose dedication to education and continued advocacy for retired educators have made a lasting impact. Sandra currently serves as Chair of the TRTA Organizational Affairs Committee, bringing decades of experience, insight, and compassion to her work on behalf of retired educators.
Sandra’s journey into education was inspired early in life by the encouragement of dedicated teachers and a strong belief instilled by her family that education opens doors. Growing up in a family of seven, her parents emphasized learning as a pathway to opportunity. A close relationship with a cousin with special needs further shaped her desire to teach and advocate, as she often found herself encouraging and supporting her cousin’s educational growth.
Although Sandra initially entered Louisiana State University with plans to pursue law, elective education courses, classroom observations, and student teaching experiences redirected her path. She began her career as a middle school special education teacher, where she witnessed firsthand the resilience, creativity, and hope that students bring to the classroom. Breakthrough moments—when a child grasped a new concept or found confidence in their voice—reinforced her belief that education is not just about imparting knowledge, but about nurturing potential and empowering every student.
Those lessons stayed with Sandra as she advanced from classroom teacher to elementary school principal, where her influence expanded beyond students to include mentoring teachers and fostering professional growth. She worked intentionally to ensure school staff reflected the diversity of the student population and encouraged educators to extend their impact beyond their classrooms.
In retirement, Sandra’s passion for service found a natural continuation through TRTA. She has served as President of the McKinney Area Retired Teachers Association, TRTA District 10 President, and as a member of several state committees. Today, as Chair of the Organizational Affairs Committee, she views her involvement in TRTA as a direct extension of the mission she championed as an active educator—advocating for the rights, wellbeing, and dignity of those who devoted their lives to education.
For Sandra, Black History Month holds deep personal meaning. She reflects on her experience transitioning from a segregated public school system into an integrated high school, an experience that taught her perseverance, resilience, and the importance of striving for excellence in unfamiliar spaces. She credits those formative years with shaping her confidence and commitment to growth.
Celebrating Black History Month, Sandra says, is both a time to honor those who paved the way and a call to uplift others. Her message to current and future educators, especially those who may not yet see themselves represented in leadership, is powerful and affirming: “You belong in every room where decisions are made. Your presence matters. Your voice matters. And your journey will inspire others to follow.”
TRTA is honored to recognize Sandra Barber for her unwavering commitment to education and advocacy, and for the lasting influence her leadership continues to have on our members and the communities they support.
