• Esperanza Laura, Hemet Elementary School (TK–5): “Thank you so much for the $100 check. I was in a classroom supporting our 4th graders with their writing. I will use the grant prize money to encourage our teachers and students to use the Building Thinking Classrooms approach to learning by purchasing any materials needed. CalRTA, your support is greatly appreciated!”

• Herman Hilkey, San Jacinto Leadership Academy – Magnet, San Jacinto (10th grade): Mr. Hilkey, shown here with Principal Michael Luna, plans to use the $100 grant for “robot parts for our Engineering Club. We have robots and need replacement brains that are newer”—essential for keeping the club’s robots functional and compatible with current technology.

• Nataly Orozco, Romoland Elementary School (Special Education): “Thank you so much, CalRTA, for the award! I plan on using the grant money to purchase items to support my students’ sensory needs, such as chewy necklaces, a weighted lap pad, fidget toys, noise-cancelling headphones, and therapy putty.”

• Gary Thrapp, Hans Christensen Middle School, Menifee (6th–8th grade History): “Thank you very much for the $100 grant check. I am excited to use it for classroom incentives and projects and to help create a more positive environment for my students. I truly appreciate CalRTA’s support.”
In addition to the four Division 33 recipients, two local educators received $100 Teacher Grants from the CalRTA State organization. Division 33 matched each state grant with an additional $100, bringing the total to $200 for each teacher to use in their classroom.

• Jacinda Coats, Education Specialist at Park Hill Elementary School, San Jacinto: Jacinda plans to use the $200 to purchase sensory equipment for her classroom. She is pictured with CalRTA Division 33 Co-Presidents Ron and Sue Breyer.

• Vanessa Fowler, 5th Grade Teacher at Táawila Elementary School, Menifee: Upon receiving her $200 grant, Ms. Fowler said, “I deeply appreciate the work CalRTA does to support educators, and I’m excited to put this grant to good use for our Táawila students.” She is pictured with Principal Dr. Rose Pike (left) and CalRTA Division 33 Co-President Sue Breyer.

For more information about the California Retired Teachers Association state organization, visit calrta.org. To learn more about local CalRTA Division 33, go to div33.calrta.org or email them at calrtadivision33@gmail.com.

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Retired teachers have not only spent decades helping future generations, but they continue to make a difference in the lives of others long after leaving their teaching careers. In 2023, CalRTA members statewide donated more than $40 million worth of time to their local communities. Members of local CalRTA Division 33, which serves Hemet, San Jacinto, Menifee, Nuview and Romoland, volunteered nearly 12,000 hours in the same year, with a value of over $437,000.  Retired teachers can often be seen volunteering their time and skills in community centers, libraries, schools, and local organizations. Their time enriches the lives of both children and adults, and their pensions uplift their local communities. Because retirees spend their benefit checks in their local community, their spending ripples through the economy as one person’s spending becomes another person’s income.

CalRTA members are part of that pool of retirees whose pension checks help stimulate and boost California’s economy. Members statewide also donated more than $750,000 in grants, scholarships and donations last year.  Division 33 also offers 11 $1000 scholarships annually to seniors planning to enter the teaching profession and awards 16 $100 “no strings attached” teacher grants to local teachers to use in their classrooms.

CalRTA highlights retired teachers’ contributions by celebrating Retired Teachers Week during the first week of each November. This year’s event, November 3-9, marks the 26th year the celebration has been held during the organization’s 95-year history. In 1929, as the country entered the Great Depression, a small group of teachers banded together to fight for retirement security. In addition to helping California’s educators, early CalRTA leaders went on to form other retiree organizations. One such leader was Ethel Percy Andrus who formed AARP.

“Our early leaders showed us what dedication, compassion and determination can accomplish,” noted Susan Dixon, CalRTA State President. “Today we’re trying to live up to their example as we continue our fight for retirement security while also giving back to our local communities and protecting public education.”

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