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A restorative weekend experience designed to honor and support Texas public school teachers.
About Teacher Retreats
Our retreats offer teachers a rare opportunity to step away from the demands of daily school life and focus on their own well-being. Hosted at the Campus on Lake Austin, each retreat blends relaxation, connection, and tailored learning experiences so teachers feel nurtured and valued for their important work.
What People Are Saying
“From the minute you walk in, it’s just amazing. We were treated like the royalty we’re always told we are. I just walked out floating.”
Leigh BurnellTeacher / Round Rock ISD
A gift of any size benefits hardworking Texas teachers.
Teachers enjoy individual accommodations, nutritious meals prepared by the culinary team and a flexible schedule that may include activities such as chair massages, nature walks, group exercise classes, art workshops and well‑being sessions on topics like stress management and nutrition. Thanks to the generosity of Holdsworth Annual Sponsors, the retreat is offered at no cost to teachers aside from travel to the campus.
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“The teachers on the front line – the armor gets heavy. Coming to an event like this would be the equivalent of a knight getting his sword sharpened, getting his shield buffed, getting the dents bent out, not only physically but emotionally and spiritually. I feel shiny, brand-new and ready to get back out on the front.”
“It was AMAZING! Food was incredible and the time was needed. The speaker spoke LIFE into me and helped remind me that I still got the juice!
Hear what past retreat participants shared about feeling seen, valued and appreciated.
Who is eligible to attend a Teacher Retreat?
Any Texas public school teacher is eligible. Principals and campus-based support staff aren't eligible for the retreat itself, but they're always worth celebrating through messages of appreciation delivered via nominations.
Each teacher can attend only once. After a teacher has attended, they will continue to receive nomination messages but will not be entered in future drawings.
How does nominating a teacher work?
Anyone can nominate a Texas public school teacher. Parents, teachers, students, colleagues and community members can nominate as many teachers as they want. If one teacher is nominated multiple times, only one entry goes into the drawing. A nomination is good for the current school year, and any retreats held during that year. At the end of the school year, the nomination pool is reset, and every teacher can be nominated again.
What if I'm nominated but can't attend, or don't want to be considered?
Both are completely fine. If you'd rather not be considered, you're welcome to decline your nomination on the Teacher Retreat portal. Only accepted nominations are entered into the drawings. And if you're selected for a retreat you can't make, your name simply goes back into the drawing for a future one.
When are this year's retreats, and how many teachers are selected?
150 teachers are drawn for each retreat.
What happens at a Teacher Retreat?
Retreat weekend at the Campus on Lake Austin is yours to rest, reflect and reconnect with why you do this work. You'll have your own private accommodations, chef-prepared meals and unstructured time to simply breathe. Along the way, you can take part in nature walks, group movement, art workshops, chair massages and well-being sessions — as much or as little as you like. There's no agenda to keep up with and nothing you are required to do. The weekend is built around you.
Is there any cost?
Thanks to our generous sponsors, the retreat is free. We cover all food and lodging. The only thing you're responsible for is travel to and from the Campus on Lake Austin.
How do I check my status?
You can check your status anytime through the Teacher Retreat portal.