Her Story
About Rita
Rita HinesFryat has dedicated her professional life to education since 1991. Originally from Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, she earned a master's degree in math from the University of Oklahoma and became a certified teacher in the state. After initially teaching dance and operating her own studio, she transitioned to public school teaching in Texas, serving in Plano and Dallas schools where she became math department head at the Science and Engineering Magnet. Her achievements include creating a super fast-track math program that led her department to national recognition, earning Dallas Secondary Teacher of the Year in 2008, the Texas A&M Texas Secondary Teacher Award of Excellence, and the Intel Mass Department award. She retired in 2014 but returned part-time as a geometry teacher. Beyond the classroom, she has served on the Pauls Valley Arts Council for 12 years and led Leadership of Mid-America for three years. She is a member of Zeta Tau Alpha and attributes her success to the strong work ethic instilled by her father.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Rita
01What do you attribute your success to?
I would attribute my success to my dad. Because he was very successful, and he ended up with his own oil rigs and stuff. He just would not let me even lay in bed on Saturday as a kid. You had to get up, and you had to work. His work ethics were very good, and that's what he taught. My brother has been very successful too in the oil field. He taught us to work.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
My first year of public teaching, I had a teacher tell me, just don't quit, because they make it really hard on a new teacher in a public school. Especially in the big schools. So basically, just try to make it through this year, and next year will be much better. The best advice is to hang in there and don't quit. Just put your best foot forward and keep on tracking.
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