The Newport News Retired Teachers Association (NNRTA) is the local branch of the Virginia Retired Teachers Association. A nonprofit organization, NNRTA meets quarterly and is composed of retired and current education personnel who had a role in the educational process.
“Our mission statement details how the Newport News Retired Teachers Association was established: ‘to promote an effective bond among retired teachers, administrators and other retired persons who are directly related to the institutions,’” says Brenda Fowlkes, the association’s president since 2016.
Fowlkes joined the association in 1997, following her retirement from teaching at Huntington High School for seven years and Denbigh High School for 27 years. She taught 11th grade history at both locations. Originally from Petersburg, after college graduation, Fowlkes was offered her first teaching position with the Newport News School Systems in 1963. This has been home ever since.
NNRTA also provides opportunities for Newport News Public School students to earn scholarships. “Our local unit has a deep and personal interest in supporting the needs of our educational community, and one of the most important ways is by offering scholarships,” says Stephanie Cuffee, chairperson of NNRTA’s Public Relations Committee. “This year we provided two college scholarships to NNPS senior students. The scholarship amounts are driven by membership participation and donations.”
Cuffee began her teaching career at Warwick High School, teaching special education. She moved on to Menchville High School for 33 years and retired in June 2020. She joined NNRTA in 2022. “My favorite part about being an educator was definitely working with the students. I absolutely loved my students,” she says with a smile.
Connection is what has kept Fowlkes active in the education community for all these years. While interacting with students was her favorite part of being an educator, Fowlkes says an equally important part about being in NNRTA is interacting with other educators and personnel within the system.
Connection and legacy is what keeps Cuffee coming back, as well. “The most rewarding part of my work is learning the names of the educators who were active members of NNRTA in the past, and who have since passed. I know some of the individuals gave so much to their school and community prior to their passing. I feel a sense of responsibility to carry the torch of some great educators in our community,” Cuffee says.
Looking to the future of NNRTA, Fowlkes says the association has open arms. “We are always looking for new members. We welcome anyone in the Newport News School System involved with the educational process.”
TO THE POINT:
Newport News Retired Teachers Association
Contacts: Brenda Fowlkes, president; Stephanie Cuffee, publicity committee chair
Phone: 757-880-8838
Email: brendst@verizon.net
