During Black History Month, the Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA) is proud to spotlight Ella Gauthier, a longstanding member whose life and leadership exemplify the enduring power of education and advocacy. Serving as President of the Board of Directors, Ella holds the historic distinction of being the first and only African American woman to serve in this leadership role for TRTA.
Ella’s journey in education began long before her professional career. As the oldest of four children, and the only girl, she recalls teaching math to her younger brothers, an early sign of the passion that would shape her life’s work. That love of teaching was further nurtured in high school, when she participated in a program supporting elementary students who struggled with math. “I loved being a part of this program,” Ella shared, noting that those first experiences confirmed her calling to teach.
Throughout her career as a high school teacher, Ella learned the importance of mutual respect between teachers and students and the value of diverse classroom environments. She recognized early on that students benefit from interacting with teachers and peers from different ethnic backgrounds—interactions that help young people understand shared experiences, build empathy, and see the positive impact of representation in education.
Even in retirement, Ella’s commitment to public education remains strong. She firmly believes that retirees have an important role to play in supporting active educators, emphasizing that “the future of our communities will rest in the hands of the students currently in classrooms.” Her belief that “our children are our future” continues to guide her service today.
That same dedication fuels Ella’s advocacy work with TRTA. While she is honored to be the association’s first African American woman president, she is quick to point out that issues affecting retired educators—such as pensions, healthcare, and legislative protections—transcend race and culture. She hopes her leadership will inspire more African Americans to become actively involved in TRTA, stressing that effective advocacy requires all voices and perspectives at the table.
“As an officer in TRTA, I take pride in being in a position to share the importance of discussing issues affecting retired educators,” Ella said. Her advocacy work, she notes, echoes her years in the classroom—where collaboration, professional learning, and lifting others were always central to her mission.
For Ella, Black History Month is deeply personal. It is during this time, she reflects on the often-overlooked contributions of African Americans, the cultural impact that has shaped our society, and the importance of ensuring these stories are recognized and shared. Having lived through segregation, school integration, and now serving as a historic leader within TRTA, Ella embodies the progress made possible by those who came before her.
She hopes that Black History Month will inspire young African Americans to embrace a “can-do mentality” and continue working toward positive change. “It is because of the work of many before us that we are experiencing the freedoms we have today,” she shared.
TRTA is honored to celebrate Ella Gauthier—a trailblazer, educator, advocate, and leader whose legacy continues to strengthen our association and the retired educators who depend on it.
