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.