Harlandale ISD Teacher Selected for Prestigious Holdsworth Center Retreat

Harlandale ISD teacher Dr. James Hernandez has been selected to attend a prestigious weekend retreat at The Holdsworth Center Campus on Lake Austin. Only 120 educators from the San Antonio and Austin area were chosen for this honor, which recognizes educators who are making a significant impact on their students' lives.

"I feel honored to have been selected to participate in the 2023 Holdsworth Education Retreat,” said Hernandez, who teaches Principles of Information Technology at Terrell Wells Middle School. “I hope to learn about best practices in education, as well as sharpen my classroom management and practical teaching skills.”

During the retreat, Dr. Hernandez will enjoy fellowship with peers and participate in workshops aimed at motivating and refreshing attendees. The Holdsworth Center, dedicated to the idea that public education matters, provides resources to help teachers and administrators succeed.

“Teachers are the lifeblood of our public education system and work hard every day to spark students’ love of learning and unlock their future potential,” said Dr. Lindsay Whorton, president of The Holdsworth Center. “The past couple of years have been really tough for our teachers and we want to show our appreciation by inviting them to our lakeside campus to refresh, reenergize and renew.”

The retreat will include workshops on topics such as nutrition and stress management, group exercises, massages and more. The educators will have access to state-of-the-art classrooms, a 300-person lecture space, an open-air amphitheater, walking trails and a two story dock classroom. Dr. Hernandez will also have the opportunity to network with other educators and share their best practices.

“I am really looking forward to interacting with educators from all walks of life and experiences,” he said. “I know that I will be among great teachers who will help me grow in the profession and further ignite my passion for teaching.”