In an inspiring gathering of educators, 130 teachers from the Dallas-Fort Worth area came together in Austin Oct. 18 for the Holdsworth Teacher Retreat, a weekend dedicated to rejuvenating and supporting educators. Hosted by The Holdsworth Center, the retreat provided a rare opportunity for teachers to recharge in a supportive environment, with activities designed to address stress and burnout.
The retreat, supported by sponsors like H-E-B and Frost Bank, took place at a serene campus on Lake Austin. Charles Butt, founder of The Holdsworth Center and Chairman of H-E-B created the campus as a gift to hardworking educators, believing they deserve world-class professional development opportunities in an environment on par with what CEOs and business executives experience.
Among the attendees were 15 Garland ISD teachers, selected from nearly 1,400 nominations. The group quickly bonded over shared experiences and challenges, enjoying friendship and laughter.
The retreat began with a keynote by Dr. Adam Saenz, author of The Power of a Teacher, who offered insights on maintaining personal well-being. Participants then chose from activities like chair massages, art workshops, and nutrition classes. The weekend ended with yoga and meditation, leaving attendees feeling refreshed and ready to return to their classrooms.
Abby Cooksey, a Garland ISD teacher, shared, “Having the opportunity and being gifted an experience like this has really opened my eyes—not only to the fact that what I feel and struggle with is experienced by all teachers but that there is a supportive community even outside of my district. This retreat reminded me how important it is to take a moment to reset, reflect, and recognize our worth. I feel seen, valued, and ready to keep going.”
This retreat came at a critical time. A survey by Raise Your Hand Texas revealed that 78% of teachers have considered leaving the classroom, underscoring the need for events like this to combat burnout. Research by the International Baccalaureate also highlights the direct link between teacher well-being and student success.
Since its founding in 2017, The Holdsworth Center has empowered over 1,500 educators from 75 Texas school districts. This retreat was a reminder that by investing in the well-being of educators, we invest in the future of our students and communities.
Information and photo provided by Garland ISD.