Autumn’s Canvas Unfolds in Texas State Parks
In Texas, fall isn’t just a season – it’s a collection of experiences that celebrate community, color, and discovery. The Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA) is excited about the change of seasons, so we’ve put together a short list highlighting four state parks: Lost Maples, Daingerfield, Garner, and Caddo Lake. Each park offers visitors unique […]
Building the Next Generation of First Responders: EMS Academy Prepares Texas High Schoolers for the Workforce
When the pandemic left emergency medical services (EMS) across Texas struggling with staffing shortages, Jim Backus, Department Director of Parker County Hospital District EMS, saw both a challenge and an opportunity. Backus had long partnered with local Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in Aledo and Weatherford, allowing high school students to shadow medics and […]
Congressman Gooden Backs TRTA Push for Fair Treatment After WEP & GPO Repeal
Executive Summary: TRTA secured $1.9 billion in benefits for Texas retirees after the repeal of WEP and GPO. Challenges remain: spousal benefit rebate errors, Medicare reimbursements, and looming tax issues. Congressman Gooden has been a key TRTA ally, connecting us directly to SSA leadership. SSA has responded with professional, productive meetings. TRTA continues pressing for […]
47,146 Hours and 7,227 Books
What an exciting time to be part of the San Antonio Area Retired Teachers Association (SAARTA)! Our officers, board, and members started this year fully engaged and ready to energize our retirees with an array of great programs, activities, and field trips. Members are committed to ensuring that the legacy of SAARTA continues. We began […]
Principal Beth Ann Woodard Brings “Game On” Spirit to J.B. Little Elementary
In Arlington, Texas, the halls of J.B. Little Elementary are buzzing with excitement. Principal Beth Ann Woodard, now in her 16th year as an elementary principal and 32nd year in Arlington ISD, has kicked off the school year with a burst of energy, creativity, and community spirit. Her secret? Welcome Week, a five-day celebration packed […]
Spotlight on the Texas Retired Teachers Foundation (TRTF) Grant and Scholarship Programs
TRTF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides resources and support to retired and active public-school personnel in Texas. It’s also the charitable partner of the Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA). Today, we’re shining a light on two of TRTF’s most impactful programs for active teachers: the Classroom Assistance Grant program and the First-Year Teacher […]
RyAnn VanCleave – Leading with Heart at J.L. Boren Elementary
This school year marks an exciting new chapter for RyAnn VanCleave, who has stepped into the role of principal at J.L. Boren Elementary in Mansfield, Texas. While it’s her first year in the position, VanCleave is far from new to the campus—she served as assistant principal for the past two years and has been an […]
A Poem to Kick Off Your Local Chapter’s Year
Local chapters are the lifeblood of the Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA). Spread across the state, these chapters host meetings that foster community, camaraderie, knowledge, and voting power. Chapter fall meetings are just around the corner! To kick off your local chapter’s 2025–26 year, here’s a poem from the Copperas Cove RTA in District 12, […]
Zeke Castro Leaves a Legacy as an Influential Mariachi Instructor
Zeke Castro, known in Austin as the “El Rey” of mariachi music, was honored on July 13 at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum for his significant contributions to the advancement of mariachi music. As part of the celebration of his legacy, Castro’s traje—the black and silver suit he wore while performing—is now on […]
A Life of Dedication: Mary Nell Short’s Journey from Classroom to Advocacy
Early Life and Education Born and raised in Breckenridge, Texas, Mary Nell grew up in a hardworking family—her mother was a dedicated teacher, and her father was employed in oilfields. This instilled in her both a love for learning and a deep respect for the value of hard work. After graduating from Breckenridge High School, […]