Guadalupe Nava’s Journey from the Air Force to High School Principal
For Guadalupe Nava, a lifetime of service began long before he ever set foot in a classroom. After growing up in Alice, Texas, Nava enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1967. He served for four years, including a deployment to Vietnam. When he returned home in 1971, he was newly married and ready […]
Service from the Spirit: Ms. Johnie Walker’s Story
For Ms. Johnie Walker, service is more than something she does – it’s who she is. A lifelong educator, mentor, and volunteer, Ms. Walker has spent her life following what she calls her “service from the spirit.” Whether in a classroom teaching students, mentoring future teachers, or delivering meals to seniors, her guiding principle has […]
Leading by Example: A Lifelong Legacy of Service from the Classroom to Community – George E. Moore
The life and career of Mr. George E. Moore reflect an enduring devotion to others, first to his students, then to his community, and now to his fellow retired educators. His path affirms his conviction that teaching is both a calling and a lifelong commitment, and the Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA) is honored to share his […]
“It’s Better Than Medicine” – Spotlighting Jan Romeis’s Powerlifting Journey
The Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA) is proud to celebrate the incredible members who continue to embody the spirit of lifelong learning, growth, and perseverance. This week, we shine a light on Ms. Jan Romeis, a long-standing member of both TRTA and the Humble RTA, whose story reminds us that strength, both physical and mental, has […]
A Historic First For the City of El Paso, 80th Anniversary
Original research and editing in 2025 by Henry Wright Dunbar, EPRTA The El Paso Retired Teachers Association celebrated their 80th Anniversary [Ruby Jubilee] of their founding in 1945 on September 17, 2025. The featured speaker at the luncheon was Mr. Tim Lee, Executive Director of the Texas Retired Teachers Association. This year’s President of the […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]