Joe Gregg’s path into education began with a simple dream: he wanted to be an athlete. But as he candidly recalls, “I realized I had mediocre talent,” and that moment of honesty led him toward coaching and teaching biology, inspired by his own high school teacher. What began as a backup plan soon became a calling and ultimately a 50-year career dedicated to helping students grow, succeed, and believe in themselves. Joe and his wife Kathy have a combined 100 years of experience in public education, a remarkable legacy of dedication to serving Texas students.
Joe began his career at a state school for delinquent boys, first as a physical education teacher and later teaching science. During that time, he earned a master’s degree in Social Rehabilitation and worked closely with students in a Crisis Intervention program. Those experiences deeply shaped his worldview. “My philosophy changed,” he says. “I realized how fortunate most people in my life were and how much difficulty many of these students were facing.” It was there that he developed a lifelong passion for understanding students beyond the classroom and meeting them where they were.
He later moved into public education, teaching and coaching in Liberty Hill ISD and Leander ISD before joining Round Rock ISD when Westwood High School first opened. After more than a decade in the classroom, Joe sought to grow professionally and earned his counseling certification. He went on to help open McNeil High School in Round Rock, where he played a key role in shaping the school’s philosophy and curriculum—an experience he describes as both meaningful and exciting.
At McNeil, Joe served as a grade-level counselor, Lead Counselor, and College/Career Counselor, impacting countless students and families. Over time, his perspective evolved. “I went from believing the most important things were obedience and discipline to understanding that listening and compassion matter most,” he says. “Students don’t need harsh judgment—they need someone who will truly listen, maintain eye contact, and offer unconditional positive regard.”
That commitment did not go unnoticed. Each year, the National Honor Society recognized a staff member who made the greatest positive impact on students with the Golden Horseshoe Award. Recipients were surprised when NHS members decorated their classroom or office and left a golden horseshoe on their desk. Joe received the award seven times during his final eight years at McNeil, an honor he considers one of his most cherished memories.
One powerful example demonstrating Joe’s philosophy was when he worked with a student who had a learning disability and significant hearing loss but dreamed of attending Texas A&M University. While others saw limitations, Joe saw potential. He gathered support from teachers and staff, advocated for the student, and helped him gain admission. The student went on to graduate and even performed in the Aggie Band. “That experience reinforced something I’ll never forget,” Joe says. “Never underestimate the power of the human spirit.”
In retirement, Joe has embraced a slower pace and the opportunity to focus on what matters most. He enjoys reading history, spending time with his children and grandchildren, and relaxing at the family farm—watching deer, birds, and occasionally fishing in the pond just steps from his porch.
Even so, there are things he deeply misses about education. “Kids!” he says. “I miss the enthusiasm and joy—honestly, even the challenges.” He also misses the unique culture of a school community, the connections, shared purpose, and daily opportunities to make a difference.
Joe’s advice to new educators reflects the lessons he learned over five decades: listen more than you talk, understand your craft, seek out mentors, and never stop learning. Most importantly, he emphasizes being “kid-friendly,” treating every student with respect, care, and genuine interest. “Even if a student is different from you,” he says, “they need to know you want them to be successful.”
After a remarkable career, Joe hopes his legacy is simple but meaningful: that his presence helped others feel supported, confident, and capable of contributing to the world around them.
