A Mother and Daughter’s Special Bond Through Teaching
Wanda Kirkpatrick celebrated her 90th birthday last year, and her daughter, Mechele Ussery, hosted a celebration in Ballinger, Texas. More than 100 guests attended, including 20 teachers from Plano, Carrollton-Farmers Branch, and Grapevine – districts where Wanda left her mark as an educator. Their shared path in education began at Litchfield Park Elementary in Arizona, […]
MJ Hamilton – A Life Filled with Purpose
Mary Jane “MJ” Hamilton lived her life with passion, purpose, and dedication. She retired in 1996 and moved to Allen, Texas, where she helped start the Allen Retired Educators Association. Having worked in schools for more than 30 years as an elementary teacher, counselor, and associate psychologist working with Special Education students, Hamilton was no […]
Sunflower Lady’s Legacy Continues to Grow
As a University of Texas graduate having earned multiple degrees, Dr. Susana Alemán devoted her entire career to the field of education, touching the lives of many. Her work in secondary and post-secondary education within the public schools offered her the opportunity to work with students in various capacities at Austin ISD, Falfurrias High School, Austin […]
Driven to Go the Extra Mile – Jeanne Paull-Turner
A self-described “firecracker,” Jeanne Paull-Turner is always taking the opportunity to tell people about the Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA) and the Texas Retired Teachers Foundation (TRTF). Whether it’s talking to strangers in the line at a gas station, or communicating with Texas legislators at the Capitol, Jeanne is continuously finding ways to promote TRTA’s […]
How Public Education Represents Hope for Jesse and Melissa Ramos
TRTA members Jesse and Melissa Ramos (Floresville, Texas) have built their lives around a passion for education and community service. Jesse Ramos grew up as part of a migrant worker family, moving across the U.S. before settling in Lubbock, Texas where he graduated from Lubbock High School. After high school, he served in the U.S. […]
How TRTA Local Chapters Engage and Connect Retirees
Retired educators join Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA) local chapters for FUN, FRIENDSHIP, and PURPOSE! Local chapters are known for their strong sense of community, and many members have their initial interest sparked by a personal invitation from a friend. As Cori Pratt from Richardson RSP shared, “I was blown away by the commitment I heard about […]
Geraldine Haggard – Plano RTA – TRTA Member Since 1999
Ms. Geraldine Haggard taught in schools for 50 years. Now retired, she volunteers her time working as an active member in her local chapter, Plano RTA. As an advocate for public school retirees, she still serves, fosters, and inspires her community in many ways. All the way from Solstice Retirement Home in Plano, Texas, she […]
How Day at the Capitol Has Continued to Grow Through Friendship and Fellowship
Each legislative session, members of the Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA) gather at the Texas Capitol to lobby for improved retirement benefits, meet with legislators, and enjoy fun and fellowship among each other. The TRTA Day at the Capitol stands as the best opportunity for retired educators to meet with lawmakers, be recognized for their […]
Lubbock Teen Walked to D.C. to Support Repeal of WEP and GPO
Members of the Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA) may recall a special tribute to a young Texan when President Biden signed HR 82 into law on January 5. Eliseo Jimenez, a Lubbock High School student, beamed proudly when advocates from all over the nation sang “Happy Birthday” to him. How and why Eliseo came to […]
Congressman Sylvester Turner’s Many Paths
“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.” – Robert Frost As high school Valedictorian, Sylvester Turner titled his speech “The Choice is Yours.” In that speech, he encouraged students to make their own decisions about their future paths. Some 52 […]