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!

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://learn.mycredential.com/dashboard/?invite=369d3902aeb06fac2ceecaa97825e275

• The Texas A&M University Telehealth Institute is partnering with the Texas A&M University College of Medicine K-12 Rural Medicine Outreach Program to offer a specialized ECHO program aimed at supporting school counselors and administrators in rural Texas districts! This program is designed to help counselors and administrators guide students interested in pursuing a medical degree, providing them with the tools, resources, and knowledge to navigate the path from high school to medical school. Through expert-led sessions by our Texas A&M School of Medicine Assistant Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Chris Diem, and collaborative learning, participants will gain insights to better support their students' aspirations in the medical field. 

• February  5: Overview of the Pre-Med Pathway
• February 12: Medical School Admissions Process
• February 19: Mentoring and Networking for Aspiring Medical Students

• https://forms.office.com/r/JnZLSFUFZn  

Dear Educators,

 https://sciencemuseum.utexas.edu/

https://events.esc13.net/ruralschools/

There's still time for the ESC Region 13 Rural Schools Conference in Georgetown, February 19-20, 2026.  See you there!