Advocate for Retired Public-School Educators Receives 2025 Sandi Borden Tribute to Texas Children Award
For their service and commitment to the State’s retired public-school educators, the Texas Retired Teachers’ Association (TRTA) – Tim Lee, Executive Director have been named this year’s recipient of the prestigious Sandi Borden Tribute to Texas Children Award. TRTA was a leader in fighting to pass the 2024 Social Security Fairness Act in Congress. Due to TRTA’s work, educators and other public servants are now entitled to receive the full Social Security benefits earned through their service and contributions.
“We are honored to recognize TRTA for championing retired educators and ensuring they have the security they deserve after a lifetime of service to Texas students,” TEPSA Executive Director Harley Eckhart said.
Under the leadership of Executive Director Tim Lee, TRTA has successfully mobilized its membership and partnered with the Texas Legislature to create a well-funded pension trust fund. The organization’s advocacy has ensured that participants in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) have received billions in enhanced retirement benefits including improved pension payments, reduced health care costs, and increased Social Security payments.
TRTA will be honored at the 2025 TEPSA Legacy Luncheon on June 11 during the TEPSA Summer Conference at the Round Rock Kalahari.
The Sandi Borden Tribute to Texas Children award recognizes individuals or companies who demonstrate a:
- History of distinguished and exceptional service to children and public education in Texas schools.
- A record of leadership and sustained commitment to service through professional activities and involvement.
- Demonstrated a commitment to PK-8 youth, their education, health and welfare rather than to the institution.
TEPSA, whose hallmark is educational leaders learning with and from each other, has served Texas PK-8 school leaders since 1917. Member-owned and member-governed, TEPSA represents more than 6,000 members who direct the activities of more than 3 million PK-8 schoolchildren.
