High school teacher Myra Winkler became the first woman to hold elected office in El Paso County Texas. Photo credit: El Paso Herald

It is always my pleasure to share the story of an educator who broke barriers for women in our nation’s history. One of these was Myra Winkler, a high school teacher who was the first woman to hold elected office in El Paso County, Texas.

Myra was born on April 2, 1880, in Corsicana, Texas. Her father was one of the first judges on the Texas State Court of Appeals. Her mother was an ardent collector of Confederate artifacts.

As a young woman, Myra earned her Bachelor’s degree from Sam Houston Teachers’ College. Once she earned her degree, she moved to El Paso in 1902. There she taught Social Studies at several public schools, including El Paso High School. In 1945, she continued with her education, earning her Master’s degree from North Texas State College.

By 1912, Myra was elected Superintendent of El Paso County Schools, becoming the first woman elected to public office in the county. In fact, she was one of eight women who were elected to the office of superintendent throughout the state during that year. While in office, Myra sought to improve salaries for teachers, extend the school year, and establish domestic science programs for girls, and organize agricultural study and training for boys. She served in that position for ten years, retiring from the position in 1922. In 1923, Myra became an Adjunct Professor of history and economics at the University of Texas, El Paso. She was the second woman to teach on the faculty at that school.

During her lifetime, Myra became a member of several organizations. She belonged to the Retired Teachers Association, the Delta Kappa Gamma Society, and the Harmony Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star.

Sadly, Myra passed away at. her home in El Paso on Aug. 21, 1963. She was 83 years old. After her death, Myra Winkler County School near Fort Bliss was named in her honor.

Former Social Studies teacher Joe Raiti raced cars professionally and now produces internet content. Photo credit: Paradise News

There are many examples of successful classroom teachers who have left the classroom to pursue other careers. One of these is Joe Raiti, a former Florida teacher who earned acclaim as a race car driver and internet content producer.

Joe earned his Bachelor’s degree in Applied Psychology from the University of Central Florida in 1998. He earned his Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from the University of South Florida in 2008.

After graduating from college, Joe taught Social Studies in Pisco County Schools in New Port Richey, Florida. He taught there from 2001 to 2018. He instructed courses in Advanced Placement (AP) History, AP Psychology, and World History. The popular educator also started a Car Club on the campus where he offered students instruction all about cars, whether it be a car’s history or how to change a tire or the engine oil.

In all, Joe’s career as an educator spanned 19 years. During these years, he earned several accolades. In 2008, he was named the Seniors Favorite Teacher, and the same year he garnered his school’s Teacher of the Year Award. In 2015, he earned the IPad Educator Award.

Once he left the classroom, Joe began to pursue a career in car racing. His passion for cars dates back to when he was just a youngster, he has confessed. As a kid, he attended races with his father and honed his skills for fixing cars working at his dad’s mechanics shop. In his senior year of college, Joe decided to liquidate his belongings, including his 1985 Corvette, and enroll in a racing school in Las Vegas, Nevada.

After he completed his training, he launched his career as a professional race car driver, a profession he pursued for three years. He raced at some of the most famous raceways in the country, including Daytona International Speedway, Sebring International Raceway, Watkins Glen International, Road America, Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, and Mosport International Raceway. In these races Joe clocked a First Place finish and a Second Place finish at the SCCA Regional Championship, and a Second Place finish at Daytona International Speedway.

These days, Joe produces video content covering automotive topics, where he has produced more than 3,000 videos and boasts 1.7 million subscribers. He calls this creative effort “Raiti’s Rides.” You can check out Joe’s website at raitisrides.com or his YouTube content at Raiti’s Rides.

High school Social Studies teacher Skye Morgan has been named Mississippi’s 2023 State Teacher of the Year. Photo credit: Petal High School

Congratulations are due to Skye Morgan, an exemplary Social Studies teacher who hails from Petal, Mississippi. She has been named her state’s 2023 Teacher of the Year. Each year, the honor is awarded to a teacher who inspires students, demonstrates leadership both in and out of the classroom, and is active in the community.

Currently, Skye teaches juniors and seniors at Petal High School, which just happens to be her high school alma mater. There she instructs courses in US History, Advanced Placement US History, and Dual-Credit World History. In addition, she serves as the co-advisor for her school’s Quiz Bowl Team and she co-sponsors the Political Science Club. Also, she co-coaches the school’s Disc Golf Team.

In her classroom, Skye says she focuses on civic-minded education because that is extremely important to the continuation of our democratic republic. She says a democracy is dependent on citizens who are knowledgeable and thoughtful enough to participate in it.

Skye earned her Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts in Technical Theatre with an emphasis in scenic design, lighting, and sound, and her Master’s degree in Teaching, both from the University of Southern Mississippi. She inaugurated her career as an educator in 2010.

Once she graduated, she earned her degree in Theater with the goal of becoming a set-designer on Broadway. A one-year stint as a long-term substitute changed all that. She discovered a passion for working with young people, and determined to make teaching her permanent career.

The Mississippi Teacher of the Year program recognizes exemplary teachers in the state. As the honoree, Skye will share her expertise throughout the state through presentations, professional development, and activities for the improvement of education. In addition, she received a $5,000 stipend and represented Mississippi in the National Teacher of the Year competition.