Retreat creates “teacher heaven” for 150 DFW educators

Being a teacher right now? It’s nonstop.

“I think somebody described it as an emergency room of education,” said Clelia Peña, a 4^th grade bilingual teacher from Richardson ISD. “There’s always something happening that needs attention right now.”

Teachers, according to Peña, are like doctors and nurses trying everything possible to fix and heal.

Last month, Peña was one of 150 teachers from the Dallas-Fort Worth area who got a break at an all-inclusive, weekend retreat at The Holdsworth Center. The group was selected at random from more than 2,000 nominations that came in from coworkers, parents and community members across the region.

Peña described the experience as “teacher heaven.” Especially the well-stocked coffee bar.

“It’s just a gift, a renewal,” Pena said. “I called my Dad and told him, ‘They’re opening doors for us! I’m getting treatment like important people get.’ I feel so special here and I am so grateful.”

The twice-annual retreat is an opportunity for teachers to pause, take a breath and focus on their well-being. In addition to a wellness speaker, the retreat offers massages, group exercise classes, sound meditation, potting plants and other activities.

It’s offered at no cost to teachers thanks to sponsors like H-E-B, Frost Bank, A+ Federal Credit Union, Clean Scapes, MFI Foundation and Raftelis.

“It’s one-of-a-kind. This has never been done before,” said Amber Green, a high school English teacher from Irving ISD. “It’s a utopia where teachers are thriving, relaxing and reminded that we are needed and necessary. There are moments when I think it’s time to move on from teaching, but then we have moments like Holdsworth that tell you that you’re worth it. That’s what keeps me teaching.”

Though some of the teachers knew each other – including a mother and son teaching duo and some chance reconnections among high school pals and sorority sisters – most everyone walked into a room full of strangers on Friday afternoon. They didn’t stay strangers for long.

“My favorite part is the people I’m getting to know here,” Peña said. “Everybody’s been so friendly. There’s a sense of community. I feel like I belong.”

Many attendees said the timing was perfect. April is testing season and students and faculty alike are straining toward the finish line.

“This has really re-energized me,” said Argelia Meza, a teacher in Fort Worth ISD. “It has given me more stamina to go back and finish the last four weeks.”

Holdsworth hosts the retreats twice a year as a way to give back to teachers. If you are interested in sponsoring a future retreat for teachers in the Houston area, reach out to Liz Neff at lneff@holdsworthcenter.org.