Texas schoolteacher and school counselor Phyllis Robinson served four terms in her state’s House of Representatives. Photo Credit: Legislative Reference Library of Texas

During Women’s History Month, we honor the many excellent classroom teachers who have also served their communities in political and legislative positions. One of these is Phyllis Robinson, a Texas teacher and school counselor who was elected to her state’s House of Representatives.

Phyllis was born on Sept. 11, 1946, in the small town of Gonzales, Texas. As a young woman, she attended Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos, where she earned her degree in 1967. She earned her Master’s degree from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio in 1972. Once she earned her degrees, Phyllis worked diligently as a teacher and school counselor in her home town.

In 1982, Phyllis was elected on the Democratic ticket to the Texas State House of Representatives. In the Democratic primary, she garnered 63 percent of the vote, more than any of the three men who were running against her. With no Republican opposition in the general election, she handily won that election as well.

The first woman elected to represent rural District 31 in that body, the former teacher served four consecutive terms, which spanned the years from 1983 to 1991. While there, she became a member of the Committees for Agriculture and Livestock; County Affairs; Fire and Protection Standards; and Insurance. She also took a great interest in matters that pertained to education, tax relief, the state’s drug problems, and incentives for farmers, ranchers, and oil and gas development. Of the 44 bills she introduced, 23 were passed.

At 77 years of age, Phyllis Robinson has retired from politics and has returned to Gonzales, where she now lives with her husband, Thomas Miller.