When 130 teachers from the Dallas-Fort Worth area arrived in Austin on Friday, Oct. 18 for the Holdsworth Teacher Retreat, they weren’t sure what to expect.
It seemed too good to be true – an all-inclusive weekend just for teachers to relax and focus on their own well-being?
“I thought, ‘Is this like a timeshare presentation? What’s going on here?’” joked Brian Ketcham, a teacher from Keller ISD.
Because the teachers were selected via lottery from nearly 1,400 nominations, everyone met for the first time when they arrived at the Campus on Lake Austin. By the end of the first night, they were laughing, talking and bonding over funny stories and shared struggles.
“The best part is that you have retreat besties that you can now stay connected with,” said Jennifer Lazar, a teacher from Frisco ISD.
On Saturday, Dr. Adam Saenz, a clinical psychologist and author of “The Power of a Teacher,” provided inspiration and tools to sustain their personal wellness.
After lunch, they chose from a menu of activities including chair massages and nutrition and wellness workshops. On Sunday morning, they enjoyed yoga, Zumba and meditation before heading back home.
“The Teacher Retreat has been the single most transformative moment in my 27 years of education,” said Nicole Dickerson, a choir teacher from Dallas ISD. “The timing couldn’t have been more perfect. This retreat reminded me that what I do matters. I am forever grateful to my nominator and the Holdsworth community.”
Teachers report one of the highest levels of stress and burnout on the job. In a 2024 survey by Raise Your Hand Texas, 78 percent of teachers said they were considering leaving the classroom.
Additionally, teacher well-being has a significant impact on the academic success of students.
According to an April 2024 study by International Baccalaureate, “The well-being of teachers should not be overlooked or underestimated; it can have wide ranging impact.”
At the Holdsworth retreat, teachers have an opportunity to get their cups filled and go back to the classroom refreshed.
Brittney Preston, a teacher from Lancaster ISD, put it this way: “This experience has lit a fire in me and I’m ready to take everything I’ve learned and run with it! It felt like a complete reset. I’ve come back with fresh insights and practical tools that I’m excited to apply to my life. The energy, the people, and the knowledge shared were all so inspiring.”
Thanks to our sponsors
We are grateful to H-E-B, Frost Bank, A+ Federal Credit Union, CleanScapes, MFI Foundation, and Raftelis for making the retreats possible. If you would like to support future retreats, donate or become a sponsor.
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