Teaching is a noble pursuit that doesn’t end once the school bell rings. For a group of San Marcos retirees, this pursuit continues even after employment. The San Marcos Area Retired Teachers & Staff, commonly referred to as SMARTS, is a group of former educators whose mission is to support teachers and staff in SMCISD and Hays County. It takes a village to teach a village and SMARTS knows the value of support since they were teachers themselves. The group delivers treats to teachers, raises funds for school books, and volunteers their time to give back to the community they once taught.
SMARTS’ motto is ‘To serve, not to be served.’ They accomplish this by promoting the economic, social and professional status of retired educators. They also work to promote the passage of legislation beneficial to retired teachers. They aim to promote continued involvement of school retirees in community service and decision making in the local community.
The group has monthly meetings where they plan and execute projects that help local teachers and students. Meetings are paired with lunch and a community connection. Recent meetings hosted performances by the SMHS Mixed Choir, a visit from SMCISD administrators and a speech by Texas State Representative Erin Zwiener.
The group is open to public education and community college employees who are retired under TRS. SMARTHays County is the local unit of the Texas Retired Teachers Association and welcomes retirees as members and those interested in supporting the work of TRTA as associate members.
Their next meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 13 at 11:30 a.m. is open to those interested. The meeting is hosted at the Stone Brooke Active Adult Living Apartments. located at 300 S. Stagecoach Trail. The January meeting will host a presentation from Silver Sneaker Fitness Instructor Natalie Ball of Gold’s Gym San Marcos. Lunch will be provided by Jason’s Deli at a cost of $15. Email [email protected] to reserve a meal.
For existing members, volunteer hours will be due. There will be a gift card drawing for paid members and a customary door prize drawing with $1 for a ticket or six for $5. Members can still donate to the Children’s Book Project.
For more information on how to join or to keep up with everything SMARTS is doing in the community follow their Facebook group at facebook.com/groups/SMA RTHaysCounty.
