TRTA Successfully Hosts First Virtual House of Delegates
History was made on March 25, 2026, as TRTA held its first-ever virtual House of Delegates! We are deeply grateful to the members who served as delegates and helped shape the future of our association.
Association Business
Elections for the 2026-2028 TRTA State Officers were also held. The following individuals will begin serving their two-year terms on July 1, 2026: Frana Patterson, President; Terri Navrkal, President-Elect; Gary Schepf, Vice-President; and Karen Hoelscher, Secretary/Treasurer. Congratulations to these dedicated leaders as we look forward to an exciting term ahead!
Two bylaws amendments passed the House of Delegates, TRTA’s business meeting.
- Local Chapters will be referred to as Chapters. TRTA staff and leadership will fully implement all necessary changes by July 1, 2027.
- Elected district officers and committee chairs are required to be members of a chapter within that district. Elected district officers shall be receiving an annuity from the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
TRTA is so grateful to our delegates and leaders for their commitment to working on all the business items approved by the House of Delegates, and we will have continued coverage of the virtual House of Delegates in the upcoming issues of The Voice publication.
Special Recognitions
Membership Awards were announced: District 1 for Achieving the Highest Increase of Members and Achieving the Highest Percentage Increase of Members during the Membership Year 2025–2026 [Diana R. Ibarra, District President and Hilda G. DeShazo, District First Vice–President]; Erath Co ARSE for Achieving the Highest Increase of Members during the Membership Year 2025–2026 [Vick Cook, Local Chapter President]; and Zapata Co RSEA for Achieving the Highest Percentage Increase of Members during the Membership Year 2025–2026 [Diana Teresa Ramirez, Local Chapter President and Rosa A. Bigler, Local Chapter First Vice–President].
The distinguished E.L. Galyean Service Award, an honor reserved for those who demonstrate outstanding and uncommon service at the state level to TRTA and its members, was presented to Earl Wall and posthumously recognized the late Mary Jane Hamilton, whose legacy of service continues to inspire.
Important Announcements
TRTF invites you to our next big event! — Boots and Books: Saluting Our Great Americans, a special evening honoring educators and veterans while supporting the Texas Retired Teachers Foundation. It is held on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at the National Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington, Texas.
Enjoy live entertainment, heavy hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, and exclusive museum access — all in a powerful setting that celebrates service and education.
Space is limited. Advance registration is required. — Click HERE to read event details and register.
Thank You!
Again, we are truly thankful for the members who stepped forward as delegates and their dedication to advance our association.
This success highlights our members’ innovation and ability to engage more voices through technology.
Please enjoy a collage of images of the festivities by clicking here.
