SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 829 WHEREAS, Gayle Fallon is retiring as president of the Houston Federation of Teachers in May 2015, drawing to a close three and a half decades of outstanding service with the organization; and WHEREAS, After earning her bachelor's degree in political science from American University, Gayle Fallon began working as a Vietnamese linguist and intelligence research analyst for the National Security Agency in Fort Meade, Maryland; in 1969, she moved to Harris County, where she was an elementary, high school, and alternative education teacher for the Aldine Independent School District; from 1978 to 1980, she taught special education for the North Forest Independent School District, and in 1981, she graduated summa cum laude from Sam Houston State University with a master's degree in educational administration; and WHEREAS, Starting in 1980, she has been a staff representative and president of the Houston Federation of Teachers, and over her exemplary 35-year tenure, she has played a vital role in the development and management of the federation, organizing teachers, handling grievances, managing publications and public relations, and overseeing political activities; and WHEREAS, In addition to her work with the Houston federation, she has served as a member of the American Leadership Forum and the board of the Texas Education Reform Caucus; she is a graduate of Leadership Houston and has been a member of the executive boards of the Harris County Central Labor Council and the Texas affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers; and WHEREAS, Gayle Fallon has greatly benefited the members of the Houston Federation of Teachers through her dedication, professionalism, and commitment to educators, and she may indeed reflect with pride on her many career achievements; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 84th Legislature, hereby congratulate Gayle Fallon on her retirement as president of the Houston Federation of Teachers and extend to her sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be prepared for her as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate. Garcia ________________________________ President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 18, 2015. ________________________________ Secretary of the Senate ________________________________ Member, Texas Senate