For many retired educators, retirement marks the closing of a chapter. For Cathy Duvall, our Local Chapter President of Fort Bend-Harris Retired Educators (FBHRE), it opened the door to a new season of purpose, leadership, and connection, one that continues to strengthen communities and inspire fellow educators across Texas.
Joining TRTA after retirement was a natural step for Cathy, whose career had long been dedicated to advocating for educators and public education, including service on the Board of Directors and as District President for the Association of Texas Professional Educators. “Being involved in the community enhances the quality of life for all involved,” she says.
Through her local chapter, Cathy works alongside fellow retired educators, bringing their talents and skills together to create a meaningful impact. She emphasizes that each project not only serves the community but also deepens the connections and sense of purpose among members.
Cathy is passionate about encouraging retired educators to stay engaged through organizations like TRTA. She affirms, ‘Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others,’ quoting Booker T. Washington. Often surprised more retirees aren’t involved, given how critical TRTA’s work is in providing clear, unbiased information on pensions and healthcare, Cathy emphasizes that informed, collective advocacy strengthens voices and creates real, positive change.
She also stresses the importance of unity between active and retired educators, noting that strong retirement systems depend on collaboration across generations on issues like healthcare, cost-of-living adjustments, and pension security. ‘In order for active teachers to retire with a healthy, well-funded pension, both they and retired educators must work together,’ Cathy adds, highlighting that retirees also support classrooms as substitutes and volunteers, reinforcing the value of public education and ensuring continuity of learning.
One of Cathy’s most impactful roles is her leadership with the TRTA Children’s Book Project, a statewide initiative that began in 1998 to place books in the hands of children who need them most. Locally, she helps coordinate the collection and delivery of books to schools and community organizations, reflecting continued dedication to literacy and learning well beyond her years in the classroom.
Cathy’s passion for reading and early intervention also led her to volunteer with ACHIEVE Fort Bend County, where she supports students through a book bag project designed to combat summer learning loss. With more than 40 years in public education, including roles as a Language Arts Coordinator and Reading Recovery Teacher Leader, Cathy recognized that many struggling first-grade readers go without access to books at appropriate reading levels during the summer months.
Through this initiative, students receive book bags of carefully selected fiction and informational titles matched to their interests and reading levels. Since 2016, over 12,000 Fort Bend County students have benefited, with most maintaining or improving their reading skills. Cathy oversees every step—from selecting and ordering books to sorting, bagging, and delivery—and helps secure funding through partnerships with county officials and organizations like the Henderson-Wessendorff Foundation.
Cathy describes her work simply as “a labor of love.” Yet its impact reaches far beyond books, it strengthens confidence, builds skills, and opens doors for children across her community. Drawing on Helen Keller’s wisdom, she says, “Alone, we can do little; together, we can do so much.”
TRTA is deeply grateful for Cathy Duvall’s dedication and leadership. Her service embodies the heart of the association and serves as an inspiration to fellow members. Through her example, she reminds retired educators that there is still important work to be done—and that TRTA offers a place to connect, serve, and continue a lifelong mission of supporting others.
For those not yet involved, Cathy’s story is a powerful invitation. By joining TRTA, retired educators can engage with peers, advocate for their future, and make a lasting difference in the communities they call home, just as they always have.
