Feeling seen: Houston teachers find restoration at retreat

When Zainab Jabak arrived at The Holdsworth Center’s Fall 2025 Teacher Retreat, she wasn’t sure what to expect.  A high school English teacher at Alief Taylor High School in Houston, Zainab had spent the past school year straining beneath the emotional weight and daily demands of serving 150 students in a Title I district.

“I hadn’t had the best school year,” she said. “I was carrying a lot of baggage with me.” 

What she found at the retreat was something she didn’t know she needed: space to breathe, time to reflect, and a community that cared deeply about her well-being. 

“Everything was so well planned out. You could tell someone thought about us—that they planned with us in mind.” 

From journaling in the lounge to strolling by the lake, Zainab embraced the tranquility of the Campus on Lake Austin. She described the experience as “a teacher cruise without the pressure,” where even the professional learning felt restorative rather than obligatory.

If I hadn’t found communities like Holdsworth, I don’t think I’d still be teaching.

Zainab Jabak Teacher at Alief ISD

One moment that stood out was a session with Dr. Adam Saenz, who spoke about emotional wellness and the power of forgiveness in the teaching profession. 

“He said, ‘Until you forgive the child who’s hurt you, the parent who’s hurt you, the administrator who’s hurt you—you can’t truly move on.’ I just hung my head. He was right. You stay stuck there.” 

For Zainab, that message was transformative. It helped her reframe her experiences and begin to heal from the emotional toll of the past year.

A space for teachers to be human

Zainab’s story is a powerful reminder of why Holdsworth hosts twice-annual retreats. Teachers are often asked to give endlessly—to students, families, colleagues, and communities—without being given the time or tools to process what they carry. 

“We teach students how to be self-aware, how to reflect, how to evaluate what’s happening around them. But we’re rarely granted the same thing,” she said.  

The retreats are offered twice a year for 150 teachers from different regions of the state. The all-inclusive experience is free for educators thanks to Holdsworth’s annual sponsors: Clean Scapes, H-E-B, Frost Bank, A+ Federal Credit Union, Raftelis, O’Connell Robertson and MFI Foundation.  

At Holdsworth, we believe teachers deserve the same care and attention they give to others. That’s why our retreats are designed to offer not just professional growth but personal restoration.

Building community beyond the retreat

Zainab is now working on a project to create a supportive community for Houston teachers—something ongoing, intentional, and deeply rooted in mentorship and healing.

“If I hadn’t found communities like Holdsworth, I don’t think I’d still be teaching,” she said.

Her vision is to build a space that goes beyond happy hours and social events—a place where teachers can refill their cups, connect with peers, and feel truly supported.

We’re honored to be part of Zainab’s journey and grateful for the opportunity to support educators like her who are leading with heart, resilience, and purpose.

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