What are the odds of finding three sets of identical twins in the Texas Retired Teachers Association — with three of the six belonging to the same local chapter? About one in 2,500. The Lubbock South Plains RTA in District 17 has such a rarity.
These women, all certified teachers with more than 30 years of experience represented within each set of twins, have devoted their lives to students, leadership, and service. Together, their shared commitment to public education has created a lasting impact across Texas.
Terri Navrkal and her twin sister, Jerri Sarten, are one of three sets of identical twins connected through education and TRTA membership. Alongside Lynn Haley and Wynn Ross, and Myrna Parsons and Mary Mathieson, the six of them have collectively devoted over 200 years to public education, mentoring students, supporting teachers, and advocating for schools.
More remarkable than the rarity of three sets of twins connected through TRTA is the way these educators continue giving back to their schools and communities.
For Terri, a career in education was driven by purpose, not just profession.
A lifelong Lubbock educator, Terri served 30 years in Lubbock ISD as a health teacher, assistant principal, associate principal, and later as HR Director of Staffing. Even after retirement, she continued teaching health courses through the Texas Tech University K-12 online program. Her leadership also expanded into TRTA, where she currently serves on the Board of Directors as Second Vice-President and Communications Committee Chair. Earlier this year, she was elected TRTA President-Elect for the 2026–2028 term.
Terri says TRTA gave her another avenue to continue serving public education after retirement.
“Advocating for educators and staying connected to public schools has remained important to me,” she shared.
Her twin sister Jerri initially took a different career path, retiring after nearly three decades with Southwestern Bell/AT&T before beginning a second career that lasted 16 years supporting Special Education departments in both Lubbock Cooper and Shallowater school districts. Yet the sisters’ shared passion for education remained strong. Together, they have encouraged family members, spouses, and even former colleagues to become active in TRTA.
Education also shaped the lives of Lynn Haley and Wynn Ross, twins who say they knew from childhood they were meant to become teachers.
Raised in Amarillo, the sisters grew up sharing the same classrooms, friends, and dreams. Both pursued degrees in Health and Physical Education from Texas Tech University and went on to impact countless students throughout long careers in public schools.
Wynn spent 40 years teaching elementary PE and Health in Amarillo ISD and dedicated her summers to Driver’s Education, while Lynn devoted 35 years to teaching and coaching in Lubbock ISD and continued to teach through Texas Tech’s distance learning program.
Both credit strong mentors and their faith for guiding them into education.
“Teaching was truly our calling,” Lynn reflected.
Like Terri and Jerri, the sisters found continued purpose through friendships, volunteerism, and involvement with retired educators. Their connection through TRTA strengthened bonds that already existed through education and service.
The third set of twins, Myrna Parsons and Mary Mathieson, also built extended careers around supporting students and mentoring generations of Texans.
Born in Lubbock and raised in Lorenzo, Texas, the sisters decided as seventh graders that they wanted to become teachers. Mary spent 33 years teaching Family and Consumer Sciences, while Myrna taught Pre-AP Biology for 30 years and became widely respected for mentoring student teachers and advancing science education.
Myrna’s distinguished career included participation in statewide curriculum initiatives, textbook committees, and even the NASA Teacher in Space application process. In 1992, she was named Outstanding Secondary Science Educator by the Science Teachers Association of Texas.
After retirement, both sisters continued giving back through TRTA and volunteer work in their communities.
Together, these six women represent the heart of TRTA’s mission: protecting public education, advocating for retired school employees, and continuing to serve communities across Texas.
Their story also reminds fellow retirees that involvement does not end when a career does. Through local TRTA chapters, volunteer service, legislative advocacy, mentorship, and friendship, retired educators continue making a difference every day.
For Terri, that ongoing commitment is what makes TRTA special.
