The Texas Council of Teachers of English Language Arts (TCTELA) is proud to honor Gretchen Bernabei with the 2025 Ed Farrell Distinguished Service and Achievement Award. For decades, Gretchen has been a guiding force in literacy education, inspiring countless educators and shaping the pedagogical landscape in Texas and beyond.

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Gretchen’s journey as an educator, mentor, and literacy leader has been marked by her infectious enthusiasm for learning and her unwavering commitment to empowering teachers and students alike. From her early days of professional development sessions with the New Jersey Writing Project to her current work leading monthly writing retreats in Edna, Texas, Gretchen has remained steadfast in her mission to promote authentic writing and instructional freedom. Her innovative work, including her Trail of Breadcrumbs resource site, has provided educators with tools to make complex literacy concepts accessible to all students.

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Gretchen’s contributions to literacy are deeply intertwined with the legacy of Dr. Edmund J. Farrell, whose leadership in NCTE, CATE, and TCTELA left a profound impact on education. Like Dr. Farrell, Gretchen has dedicated her career to advocating for instructional best practices, fostering professional collaboration, and ensuring that students remain at the center of educational decisions. Her efforts have left an indelible mark, enriching classrooms where students engage in meaningful writing and where teachers are empowered to design lessons tailored to their students’ needs.

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Her generosity is a defining characteristic of her leadership. Gretchen has always shared her knowledge freely, from opening access to her works-in-progress to mentoring fellow educators with patience and encouragement. This philosophy has guided her career, ensuring that her ideas and resources are not only accessible but transformative for those with whom she collaborates.

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In addition to her work as a teacher and mentor, Gretchen has been a tireless advocate for the social connections that literacy fosters. Her passion for language and its ability to build communities mirrors Dr. Farrell’s love of poetry and its power to unite like-minded individuals. She has authored or co-authored over a dozen books that address literacy learning that stretch across genre and reach all levels of literacy learners. Whether leading professional development, presenting at conferences, or hosting intimate writing retreats, Gretchen creates spaces where educators can connect, grow, and find inspiration.

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Gretchen’s influence is not confined to the tangible accomplishments of her career; it also resides in the countless “connected whispers” of her community-minded leadership. She has been a collaborator, mentor, and tireless supporter of her peers, always eager to celebrate others’ contributions and elevate their voices. Her legacy, much like Dr. Farrell’s, is one of selflessness, passion, and an unyielding commitment to literacy education.

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TCTELA congratulates Gretchen Bernabei on this well-deserved recognition and celebrates her enduring contributions to the field of literacy. Her generosity, creativity, and leadership have strengthened educators and students alike, ensuring that her footprint will continue to shape the future of literacy for generations to come.