Update:  This service is free to TREA Districts for approximately two more months, through May of 2026.  Please see the link at the bottom of this page and contact Jared if you have any questions or problems getting an account. 

TREA is excited to announce a new FREE service to our member districts and their staff members.  This professional development offers many 6 hour modules in a variety of topics you can use as local credit for your PD needs.  This service is available now, and goes through May of 2026.   Please see the link below to set up your account and access the modules, free of charge.  If you have any questions, contact Bill Tarleton or Jared Bigham at [email protected]

https://www.thestoryoftexas.com/education/distance-learning

Check out the free PD and Resources under the Education tab on their website!

https://mailchi.mp/c420ac903e4e/dhedf-rural-stem-initiative-newsletter-18141583?e=228d62bca7

If you're not already a member, consider joining for free stem resources available to rural schools.  They have recently added resources for Early Childhood educators.  

https://www.longviewisd.com/article/2739279

https://blog.smu.edu/leadershipimpact/2026/01/28/applications-open-for-2026-2027-district-leadership-fellows/

Congrats to these TREA Districts for being selected for Raise Your Hand Texas' (RYHT) Community Leaders Fellowship.  All 1200 districts were eligible to apply, and 32 were selected.  Congratulations to these TREA Member Districts:

Chisum                   Comanche                 North Lamar                        Lyford

https://www.fs.usda.gov/about-agency/newsroom/releases/forest-service-announces-182-million-retroactive-secure-rural

Thanks to TREA and NREA representatives (students and leaders), including superintendent Bill Chapman and FFA leaders from London ISD, who went to D.C. and enlightened Congress on the importance of this legislation.  

https://www.cbs19.tv/article/news/local/east-texas-native-performs-cpr-helps-save-man-in-dallas/501-c9cc14f4-1637-46de-baee-8421207a8f55

As a former superintendent and first responder, I would encourage all schools to train as many of your staff and students as possible, in first aid, CPR, and the use of AED.  It will save lives.   

https://tasanet.org/roosevelt-nivens-named-2026-national-superintendent-of-the-year/

Congratulations to former TREA Board Member Roosevelt Nivens for bringing this national title back to Texas - only the second time ever and the first in 25 years!

https://app.glueup.com/view-in-browser/1212:464965:8213a376-8774-43ed-a81e-3d8bc29a2a66

One person from each TREA District (usually the superintendent) should be receiving this weekly newsletter from NREA.  If not, please let us me know...    [email protected]

https://mailchi.mp/recf/recf_newsletter_february26?e=451fc603f0

See the Newsletter from our friends at RECF!

https://sboe.texas.gov/state-board-of-education/sboe-awards/student-heroes-award

I know we have these student heroes in our small and rural schools, so let's get the word out!

https://mailchi.mp/fa56a656d858/dhedf-rural-stem-initiative-special-announcement-oct-2024-issue-18141720?e=4c677f1918

All TREA Member Districts are eligible to become members of DHEDF.  They have some great resources for STEM at all grade levels.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Wayne Fagan.  

https://baylorlariat.com/2026/02/05/baylor-led-cybersecurity-program-prepares-rural-students-for-high-demand-tech-careers/

Great job Baylor and the participating ISDs in this unique partnership! Other TREA Member Districts participating in the program are:  Bosqueville, Hubbard, Morgan, and West.  Keep up the good work!