More than 1,000 rural education leaders, educators, partners, exhibitors, and family members joined us at Kalahari for an unforgettable conference. Attendees participated in three days of professional development, networking, celebrations, and conversations focused on strengthening rural education across Texas. This year’s conference included 80+ breakout sessions, 90 exhibitors, inspiring general sessions, award celebrations, and opportunities for rural school leaders to connect with colleagues from across the state. Mark your calendars for next year’s TREA Annual Conference, taking place Monday, June 21 through Thursday, June 24, 2027, at Kalahari Resort and Convention Center.

THANK YOU to our 26-27 President, Jason Marshall (Palestine ISD) who will finish out his term in August. We appreciate your leadership and service on the board, as an officer, and a legislative committee member!

✭ Conference Photos ✭ Silent Auction Results ✭ Conference Survey ✭ CE/BT Credits ✭
✭  Thank You Annual & Conference Sponsors and Exhibitors ✭ Conference Highlight Video ✭

One of the most meaningful parts of the Annual Conference is recognizing the outstanding rural students, educators, and rural education leaders serving communities across Texas. During this year’s conference, TREA awarded $100,000+ in scholarships and awards to member district students and employees. We are proud to celebrate each recipient and the impact they are making in rural education and their communities.

✭ Educators of the Year ✭ Student Scholarship Recipients ✭ Student Art Contest Winners ✭
✭ Distinguished Service Award and Rural Impact Award recipients ✭

Dr. Brandon Enos, Chair of the TREA Legislative Committee, recently provided invited testimony before the Texas House Committee on Public Education during its discussion of special education.
Dr. Enos shared the challenges school districts are experiencing with special education evaluations and testing requirements, including the financial and administrative burdens these mandates can place on rural districts. He also discussed potential solutions to help ensure districts have the resources necessary to provide these services effectively.

During the hearing, Dr. Enos provided committee members with TREA’s legislative brief, “89th Legislative Session: Impacts on Rural Texas Schools.” Developed from survey responses submitted by TREA member superintendents, the brief highlights the leading concerns and implementation challenges facing rural districts following the legislative session. While holding up the brief, Representative Helen Kerwin told Dr. Enos, “This is amazing, by the way. Thank you!”

This moment demonstrates the value of listening to our member districts and placing their concerns directly in the hands of policymakers. The TREA Legislative Committee brings rural perspectives to the forefront of critical legislative conversations at the Texas Capitol.

TREA staff members have spent the summer participating in educational summits and statewide conversations focused on leadership, workforce development, educator preparation, and the future of public education. These events allow TREA to strengthen partnerships with education service centers, universities, school districts, state leaders, and organizations that share our commitment to rural Texas.

Through TREA’s affiliation with the National Rural Education Association, our members remain connected to national advocacy, research, resources, and professional learning opportunities.
TREA continues to share the stories and priorities of Texas rural schools while learning from rural education leaders across the country. We are proud to be the host state for this year's NREA Annual Conference (NFARE) which will be held October 19-21 in San Antonio and recently a TREA member district was featured in NREA's Annual Report.

✭ NFARE Registration Discount Code for TEXANS: NREATX26 ✭ Use by 7/31 ✭

CW-FIT Rural Program Overview

A new opportunity is available for rural schools to implement the CW-FIT program, designed to improve classroom management, increase student engagement, and support teacher success—while providing funding and professional development.

CW-FIT Study Recruitment (2026–27)

Rural schools are invited to join a nationwide CW-FIT study for the 2026–27 school year, offering participating districts funding, training, and proven strategies to increase engagement and reduce disruptive behavior.

TREA is pleased to share information and resources from the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center Foundation. The organization provides educational materials designed to help students, families, and educators recognize, prevent, and respond to child abuse.

Data-Driven Instruction for Administrators

Thank you for being part of the Texas Rural Education Association. We look forward to another year of strengthening rural schools through advocacy, service, leadership, and connection.
Follow TREA on social media and visit our website regularly for upcoming events, member resources, legislative updates, and opportunities to get involved.

The 2026–2027 TREA membership year begins September 1. Membership provides rural districts with year-round advocacy, timely legislative information, professional resources, statewide connections, legal support, recognition programs, scholarships, and access to a network of leaders who understand rural education.

As TREA celebrates 35 years of serving rural schools, we invite every member district to continue being part of the statewide network Where Rural Matters.

TEXAS RURAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION
7415 Southwest Pkwy Bldg 6, Ste 500 #243  |  Austin, TX 78735 |  www.txrea.com