Dr. David Del Bosque — Still Swinging After the Final Bell
For Dr. David Del Bosque, retirement hasn’t meant stepping away from the habits, friendships, and teamwork that shaped his decades in public education. Instead, it has allowed him to keep those connections alive, one swing at a time. David’s 38-year career in education included roles as a counselor, teacher, baseball coach, principal, and superintendent. He […]
The Diamond Legacy of HART: 75 Years of Connection, Community and Collegiality
For 75 years, the Houston Association of Retired Teachers (HART) has given retired educators a place to remain connected to one another, the profession they love, and the communities they continue to serve. As HART celebrates its Diamond Anniversary in 2026, its members are reflecting on the relationships, knowledge, and commitment that have carried the […]
Deann Lee of Raise Your Hand Texas — The Care Switch Never Turns Off
For Deann Lee, retirement didn’t mean walking away from education. After 32 years working directly in Texas public education—from the classroom to the superintendent’s office—Deann continues to advocate for the students, educators and communities she has spent her career serving. Today, as a Regional Advocacy Director for East Texas with Raise Your Hand Texas, she […]
Gwen Craig — Continuing to Make a Difference
For Gwen Craig, retirement was never about stepping away from education. It was about finding new ways to continue making a difference. Gwen grew up in Pampa, Texas, and later moved to Irving, where she graduated from Irving High School. After raising her family, she returned to school, earning her degree at age 40. She […]
We Want to Hear Your TRTA & ME Story!
Every member has a story. TRTA & ME is here to tell it. That’s what makes this series so special: you get to know the people behind the membership. “I have enjoyed reading all the different and unique stories in the TRTA & ME series because it truly speaks volumes about the dedication we put […]
Susan Stevens Crummel: A Life Filled with Stories
Some careers come full circle. Susan Stevens Crummel’s certainly has. Ask Susan to describe her professional life, and she’ll tell you it has unfolded in three distinct chapters. First came 12 years teaching in Fort Worth public schools. Next, a 20-year career at Fort Worth Country Day School. Then came a surprise third chapter, one […]
Brownsville Area Retired School Employees Association (BARSEA): The Ripple Effect of a Lifetime Dedicated to Education and Service
Education has a remarkable way of coming full circle. The encouragement one teacher offers today may become tomorrow’s mentor, community leader, or educator who inspires someone else. For the members of the Brownsville Area Retired School Employees – BARSEA, that ripple effect continues as they serve students and create opportunities long after retirement. “Retired educators […]
David Chavez: Hope Woven Through Service
For 24 years, David Chavez dedicated his life to serving others. Whether teaching students, coaching athletes, mentoring colleagues, or leading within his school, education wasn’t simply his career—it was his calling. Then, without warning, everything changed. A series of serious health challenges forced David into medical retirement years earlier than he had ever imagined. Like […]
Teamwork Fuels Success in Zapata County
When the Zapata County Retired Teachers Association earned the Texas Retired Teachers Association’s (TRTA) 2026 award for the greatest increase in membership percentage, Chapter President Diana Ramirez was pleased by the recognition. But if you ask her how the Chapter achieved such impressive growth, she quickly shifts the spotlight away from herself. “It’s really a […]
Double Trouble Times Three — A Lasting Impact Through Education
What are the odds of finding three sets of identical twins in the Texas Retired Teachers Association — with three of the six belonging to the same local chapter? About one in 2,500. The Lubbock South Plains RTA in District 17 has such a rarity. These women, all certified teachers with more than 30 years […]