Fall 2018 ATPE News

10

BRIDGING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE

12

ENGAGING STUDENT VOTERS IN THE POLITICAL PROCESS

20

YOUR OBSERVATION QUESTIONS ANSWERED

23

UNSUNG HEROES ON CAMPUS

ATPE News

CHANGE BEGINS

FALL 2018 | ATPE.ORG

WITH YOU

“ I never thought I would need the assistance of ATPE, but when I did, I worried about nothing .”

Paula Franklin left the law field to become a teacher. She understands how important it is to have a legal advocate in your corner. “I chose ATPE because, with my background in law, I knew that access to an attorney—and not just a legal representative with little or no legal training—was what I wanted.”* Every educator runs the risk of conflicts, whether with students or parents, coworkers, or administrators. But membership in ATPE brings peace of mind and allows you to focus on what matters most—your students.*

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ATPE News

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

The official publication of the Association of Texas Professional Educators

State Officers Byron Hildebrand. . . President, San Antonio (20) Tonja Gray. . . . . . . . . Vice President, Abilene (14) Jimmy Lee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Secretary, Paris (8) Karen Hames. . . . . . . . . . Treasurer, Lewisville (11) Carl Garner. . . . . . Past President, Mesquite (10)

Board of Directors Hector Cruz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Weslaco (1) Barbara Ruiz. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Corpus Christi (2) Cathy Stolle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Karnes City (3) Stacey Ward. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Humble (4) Suellen Ener. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Beaumont (5) Charles Lindsey II. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Magnolia (6) Kim Dolese. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nacogdoches (7) Frankie Jarrell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Paris (8) Dale Lovett. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Olney (9) Meredith Malloy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ferris (10) Open. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (11) Ron Walcik. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Killeen (12) Christie Smith. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pflugerville (13) Desirie Ries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hawley (14) Jose Delgado. . . . . . . . . . . San Felipe-Del Rio (15) Shane Whitten. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amarillo (16) Brenda Bryan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hale Center (17) Bill Griffin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stanton (18) Rudy Romero. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Clint (19) Yvette Milner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Northside (20)

ATPE News Staff Elaine Acker. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Editor Leslie Trahan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Managing Editor John Kilpper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Art Director Erica Fos. . . . . . . . . . . . . Senior Graphic Designer Sarah Gray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Associate Editor Jean Schlitzkus. . . . . . . . . . . . . Contributing Editor Jesus Chavez. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Media Relations ATPE News contains legislative advertising contracted for by Gary Richardson, Interim Executive Director, Association of Texas Professional Educators, 305 E. Huntland Dr., Ste. 300, Austin, TX 78752-3792, representing ATPE. ATPE News (ISSN 0279-6260) is published quarterly in fall, winter, spring, and summer.

Subscription rates: for members of the association, $3.32 per year (included in membership dues); non-members, $10 per year. Extra copies $1.25 each. Published by the Association of Texas Professional Educators, 305 E. Huntland Drive, Suite 300, Austin, TX 78752-3792.

Periodical postage paid at Austin, Texas, and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to ATPE News, 305 E. Huntland Dr., #300, Austin, TX 78752-3792.

Advertising rates may be obtained by sending a written request to the above address. Opinions expressed in this publication represent the attitude of the contributor whose name appears with the article and are not necessarily the official policy of ATPE. ATPE reserves the right to refuse advertising contrary to its purpose.

Copyright 2017 in USA by the Association of Texas Professional Educators ISSN © ATPE 2013 0279-6260 USPS 578-050 305 E. Huntland Dr., Ste. 300 Austin, TX 78752-3792 (800) 777-ATPE (2873) atpe.org | atpe@atpe.org

I

t’s a new school year, and we’re off to a great start here at ATPE. I’m pleased to welcome Dr. Shannon Holmes as ATPE’s new executive director. Dr. Holmes has served as superintendent of HardinJefferson ISD in southeast Texas since 2005. He has extensive experience in Texas public schools, a long history of involvement with public education organizations, and a strong background in business and finance. I truly believe that he will bring new energy to our organization and make us even stronger than we already are. Welcome, Dr. Holmes! ATPE is honored to have you.

New leadership couldn’t come at a better time for our association. The next legislative session starts in January, but the time to prepare starts now. More and more, education is becoming the center of the legislative agenda in Austin.

It has been said that there is no problem on this planet that education can’t solve.

With that thought in mind, I hope all Texas educators and their families will come together to protect public education in this great state.

Our first chance to fight for education starts soon. In November, we’ll have a general election that will set the tone for the work our lobbyists will do come January. Ensuring that we have education-friendly legislators in office is the first step to success during the upcoming legislative session. My biggest hope is that all educators—and certainly all ATPE members—will come out and vote in November.

But when you step into that polling booth, don’t just “pull a lever.” Pay attention to who you’re voting for. Do your research. Think of your students and your colleagues and vote with your heart. Vote for education. If education is the root that connects us all, then let your vote be what helps it grow.

Byron Hildebrand ATPE State President

ATPE NEWS 3

Contents

FEATURES

ATPE NEWS | Fall 2018, Volume 39, Number 1

17 >>> On the Cover

Ready to Run, Not Strike The real lesson from news-making educators across America is that change begins with elections.

20

Your Observation Questions Answered ATPE’s legal team provides answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the T-TESS.

23

Those Who Make the School Run ATPE spoke with educators across the state who do their teaching not in the classroom, but from the driver’s seat of a bus, behind the front desk, or in the library.

4 ATPE NEWS

#

SPECIAL SECTIONS

Capitol photo by © iStock.com/GODS_AND_KINGS; Summit photos by ATPE staff

28 2018 ATPE Summit

Members came together in July to lead, learn, and connect with fellow educators. Learn more about the decisions made at the event.

34 Meet Your 2018-19 ATPE Leaders

ATPE state and region officers

EVERYTHING ELSE 6 Calendar 8 Regional Roundup 10 The Learning Curve

15 Your Voice

Elections have consequences

16 PAC Honor Roll

The digital access gap

36 Volunteer Showcase

12 Know and Tell

38 ATPE News

Engaging student voters during midterm elections

14 Your Ally

What happens when you call ATPE?

ATPE at the Capitol • Recruitment rewards • Texas education headlines

43 Brain Break ATPE NEWS 5

CALENDAR

September 3

State office closed for Labor Day

7–9

11–14 30

ATPE Board of Directors meeting

State Board of Education meetings

Last day to join ATPE or renew to avoid 30-day wait for employment rights defense insurance to be effective*

27

31

October 5

State Board for Educator Certification meeting

9

Last day to register to vote**

22

First day of early voting**

Fall ATPE committee meetings: Membership, Leader Development, and Nomination/Election

First-time professional discount rate ends; Last day to earn incentives with the 1 New = $10 for You campaign

1 NEW

$

10

=

FOR YOU

November 2

Last day of early voting**

4

Daylight saving time ends

6

Election Day

9–11

Leadership ATPE fall retreat

13–16 16–17 21–23 State Board of Education meetings

ATPE Board of Directors meeting

State office closed for Thanksgiving break

*THE EDUCATORS PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY INSURANCE POLICY IS UNDERWRITTEN BY NATIONAL UNION FIRE INSURANCE CO. OF PITTSBURGH, PA. ALL COVERAGE IS SUBJECT TO THE EXPRESS TERMS OF THE MASTER INSURANCE POLICY ISSUED TO ATPE AND KEPT ON FILE AT THE ATPE STATE OFFICE. Visit atpe.org for disclosures, limitations, and insurance policy details.**Date noted applies to uniform election.

6 ATPE NEWS

FEEDBACK

Dear Editor, With an ATPE News headline like, "Hunger in the Classroom," I was really surprised that there was not a single mention of lunch shaming within the article.

Lunch shaming was a major issue last year with some states, the first being New Mexico, addressing the issue on a state-wide level.

Texas wasn't among those states.

Lunch shaming did, however, become an issue for the 85th Texas Legislature, leading to passage of SB 1566, the so-called "anti-lunch shaming bill," although it actually did little to address the issue.

I grew a bit sensitive to this issue after seeing a breakfast meal tray being taken away from a fouryear-old preschooler in a Central Texas school district. That was a real wake-up call for me. I did not realize the scope and impact

DO YOU HAVE FEEDBACK FOR ATPE NEWS? Send letters to comm@atpe.org.

of this problem until I began researching how that could possibly happen in a Texas school. After that incident, I began researching various district policies and procedures regarding how they handle depleted school meal accounts and it was eye-opening.

While the ATPE News article does highlight several successful school nutrition strategies being used within San Antonio ISD, I would really like to see a follow-up article addressing lunch shaming and the various ways that Texas school districts respond to depleted school meal accounts. I know for a fact that some districts are handling this problem better than others.

Kelvin Holt

Fourth-grade math and science teacher Copperas Cove ISD

SAVE THE

DATE!

2019 ATPE SUMMIT

JULY 17-19, 2019 | MARRIOTT MARQUIS HOUSTON

ATPE NEWS 7

REGIONAL ROUNDUP

Kansas

T

here are more than a thousand school districts in Texas and each one has success stories. Regional Roundup highlights some of the achievements happening in our public schools.

When something special happens in your school district, let us know! Send news to comm@atpe.org.

Oklahoma 3 HALE CENTER

2 HOLLIDAY

1 VAN

4 6

TERLINGUA

VICTORIA

5 CORPUS CHRISTI

8 ATPE NEWS

Gulf of Mexic

From Across the State 1 Coffeehouse rocks

Photo courtesy of Van ISD, Photo courtesy of Holliday ISD, Photo courtesy of Linda Pshigoda, Photo courtesy of Terlingua CSD, Photo courtesy of Corpus Christi ISD, Photo courtesy of Victoria ISD

co

HEADLI N ES

Van High School students brewed up a new way to bring students to the library with the opening of Bold School Coffee Shop. Guided by Van ISD Director of Instructional Technology Jason Johnson, iTeam students (a group formed to bring a student voice to innovation, engagement, and technology) spent six months researching and building the cafe from the ground up. Fittingly, the student-led project keeps students at the heart of the coffeeshop.

Arkansas

vanisd.org

2 Art of the written word

Reading and writing go together, which explains why Holliday ISD teachers Karen Craig and Jacki Dowdy teamed up to create specific lesson plans that use children’s books to teach foundational writing skills. Sixteen kindergarteners and 16 first-graders learned why writers make certain edits and how they use punctuation. By engaging young students with the story itself and explaining the art behind it, Craig and Dowdy aim to create confident readers and writers.

Louisiana

hollidayisd.net

3 Fighting cancer with fundraising

What do Akin Elementary School and NCAA women’s basketball have in common? An unrelenting will to raise money for cancer research! For four years running, Akin students have raised the most funds for the Kay Yow Cancer Fund among K­–12 schools, totaling $61,950 since 2015.

PE Coach Linda Pshigoda, who played for NC State coach Kay Yow, started the efforts after the community lost several teachers to cancer. hcisdowls.net

4 Fiesta in the desert

Terlingua, where desert mountains meet the Rio Grande river, is a frontier unlike any other—a defining characteristic at the heart of its school district. Spring 2018 marked Terlingua CSD’s 20th Fiesta Day, an annual celebration of the region’s vibrant history and culture. Students and teachers join together for singing, dancing, and a robotics display. Donations and funds from an auctioned handmade quilt by a local shop owner are combined into a scholarship for a student. terlinguacsd.com

5 A final recognition

The journey to high school graduation can be arduous, but students don’t reach the finish line alone. In that spirit, Corpus Christi ISD celebrates its top-ranked seniors from every high school in the district at their annual Academic Achievers banquet—the seniors in turn take the opportunity to recognize a teacher who helped them along the way. Students can choose a teacher from any point in their academic journey, and the banquet marks one last way the seniors can say “thank you.” ccisd.us

6 Recycle Rally

Trying to increase recycling efforts at your school? Try turning recycling into a life-size board game! That’s what Torres Elementary School art teacher Kecia Garcia did as part of the school’s participation in the PepsiCo Recycle Rally. Garcia created a Monopoly-esque game where bags of recyclable items became tokens as students navigate the school courtyard. The school began participating in the nationwide program in 2013-14, the same year they took first place in the contest. visd.us

ATPE NEWS 9

THE LEARNING CURVE

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Practical Tips for Educators As the learning landscape continues to shift and incorporate more digital resources, it is easy to feel helpless in our endeavors to ensure all students are future ready when they do not have the same digital access outside of the classroom. So, what can we do? Here are a few actionable steps to help narrow the digital divide and level the playing field for students.

1 The Digital Access Gap

A

BY KATIE LANDAVERDE, LAKE DALLAS ISD

s internet usage becomes more omnipresent in the 21st century, the shift toward digital learning and flipped instruction will only continue to grow. And while we can likely all agree that our students deserve equitable access to digital resources, it is not a current reality. There still exists a significant disparity in digital access among schools with one-to-one initiatives and schools with minimal devices.

Regardless, a vast majority of campuses provide students with the technology necessary to gain access to digital resources in some form during the instructional day. When students head home at the end of the day, however, the digital access divide grows ever more significant. Statistics released from the Pew Research Center show vast income and racial divides in terms of access to the internet at home.

For more info and stories on the digital divide in classrooms, read this article online at atpe.org/magazine.

10 ATPE NEWS

Do your homework. Talk to students and parents to identify what access (or lack thereof) exists among families in your classroom. Do they have broadband internet or a Wi-Fi enabled smartphone?

What devices can they access (PC, laptop, tablet, phone, etc.)? Do your homework to find out what kind of digital inequity is present among your students.

2

Research community partnerships.

Reach out to local organizations to learn about the accessibility opportunities that already exist within your community. Talk to local libraries, other schools, and organizations to determine what digital access services they provide. Once you have information regarding existing digital access opportunities within your community, compile and share the information with other educators and families.

3

Brainstorm. Invite others in your school and local community to come up with other ways to tackle the digital divide. Could your school open up computer labs to students and families in the evenings or before school? What other services is your local library able to provide? What community partnerships could you enact to help bridge the access gap? Don’t be afraid to get creative!

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ATPE has a special arrangement with GCU that allows eligible participants to earn a degree, certificate or take a single course with special benefits.

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Contact your local university representative for a complimentary credit evaluation. Within 24 hours, we will evaluate your coursework and provide a personalized graduation plan – including a preliminary schedule and your anticipated graduation date.

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For more information, please visit gcu.edu/TXEducators or call 855-428-1772

Important policy information is available in the University Policy Handbook at https://www.gcu.edu/academics/academic-policies.php. The information printed in this material is accurate as of April 2017. For the most up-to-date information about admission requirements, tuition, scholarships and more, visit gcu.edu. For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program and other important information, please visit our website at gcu.edu/disclosures. Please note, not all GCU programs are available in all states and in all learning modalities. Program availability is contingent on student enrollment. Grand Canyon University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (800-621-7440; http://hlcommission.org/).

GCU, while reserving its lawful rights in light of its Christian mission, is committed to maintaining an academic environment that is free from unlawful discrimination. Further detail on GCU’s Non-Discrimination policies can be found at gcu.edu/titleIX. 17COEE0071

KNOW AND TELL

12 ATPE NEWS

KNOW AND TELL

Five Tips on Engaging Student Voters

BY KIM GROSENBACHER, BOERNE ISD

A

midterm election year is a great time to teach students about the political process!

US government teacher Kim Grosenbacher shares her tips on engaging students during an election season and encouraging them to vote.

a volunteer 1 Become voter registrar.

Contact your local election office and become a volunteer voter registrar so you can personally register the eligible students (and staff!) at your high school.

Students can register in Texas when they are 17 years and 10 months old.

This will help students who turn 18 between the election date and the 30-day voter registration deadline. Have students research the voter registration process at votetexas.gov.

2

Share local sample ballots with your students.

It’s important for students to understand that they are voting for not only congressional candidates but also state and local candidates. Democracy only works when people actively participate in it.

students discover 3 Help their political ideology.

Have them go to isidewith.com to take a political ideology quiz that will align them with a particular party during the midterm elections. This will give them a starting point in researching and seeking out the candidates that align with the party they identify with. Another ideology quiz to use with your students is the Political Typology Quiz. This quiz is narrow but allows your students to see another perspective as to where they fall on the political spectrum.

4

Have students research the candidates.

Students should research the current candidates and the issues they are supporting. Don’t reinvent the wheel—use resources that are designed to help you teach the election. I have students research the major state and US candidates for the Senate and House of Representatives, as well as the Texas Governor. They are required to come up with speaking points on why they would vote for that particular candidate. The League of Women Voters is a great resource. Students can use the voting guide at vote411.org to research

Kim Grosenbacher is an AP/dual credit US government teacher at Champion High School in Boerne.

Texas races and to create a personalized ballot based on their research.

I use the Election Central link at realclearpolitics.com to track key races in other states. This allows students to see the bigger picture across the nation as key midterm elections may change the balance of power. Using this site, as a class, we can make predictions and research candidates in other states to reinforce our country’s unique concept of federalism and how it shapes our national politics.

in classroom 5 Engage discussion and debate.

Now that your students are familiar with the candidates and their issues, it’s time to discuss and debate. Pose a question on an issue or a candidate and ask students to argue a side.

Explain that everyone has a right to be heard and that your classroom is a safe learning environment in which to share opinions. I challenge my students to come up with three speaking points on why we should vote for their candidate. During each class, you can randomly call on students to share their speaking points and to convince the class why we should vote for their candidate. I use a randomizer app called ClassDojo. This is a great teaching tool that helps organize how many times I call on a student—which keeps my students engaged and ready to answer questions!

ATPE NEWS 13

YOUR ALLY

What Happens When You Call ATPE?

I

BY PAUL TAPP ATPE Managing Attorney

’m calling my lawyer” isn’t a phrase reserved for movie characters or the wealthy. For eligible ATPE members, it’s a reality. Reaching out to an attorney for employment-related advice can be intimidating, but ATPE Member Legal Services (MLS) does everything it can to make the experience comfortable for eligible ATPE members. We are here to serve you. That is not just hype. As licensed attorneys and support staff, we have a duty to put your interests first.

gets an independent attorney who will look out for only their interests. With an organization the size of ATPE, it is possible to have two members in conflict with one another. ATPE never takes sides.

We ensure each member gets an independent attorney to look out for only them.

After the legal assistant has this information, she will either transfer you to one of our attorneys or set up a time—at your convenience—for the attorney to call you back.

Confidential and convenient

We help, but you decide

MLS fields approximately 12,000–14,000 memDuring your initial talk with an attorney, we will ber calls each year. What happens when you dial inform you of the laws or rules that apply to your ATPE and tell the receptionist situation, what options you you have a legal question? have, and the pros and cons of First, you will talk to our legal each option. We want to provide receptionist, who will deteryou with the information you mine whether you are an eligineed to make the best decision We are here to serve ble member. We can’t have our for you. Yes, you read that right: you. That is not just members’ hard-earned dues You will decide what you do. We hype. As licensed subsidizing educators who have make recommendations, and attorneys and support not joined ATPE. To confirm provide explanations for those that you are a member, we will recommendations, but we will staff, we have a duty to need your information. Rest asnever pressure you to choose put your interests first. sured, though—all calls to MLS a particular option. That does are completely confidential. not mean we don’t ever have As attorneys, our team is required to maintain to give bad news to our clients. Regardless of the confidentiality. outcome of your case, we will always be honest The legal receptionist will then find out if you are with you. already working with an attorney or calling about a new issue. If the former, she will transfer you direct- Resolving your situation ly to that attorney. If the latter, she will transfer you Your phone call with an attorney isn’t necessarto one of our legal assistants. ily the end of ATPE’s assistance. An ATPE attorney might contact your district’s human resources director to resolve a leave issue, assist you with What happens next?

If you are calling about a new issue, you will talk responding to a reprimand or unfavorable evaluto one of our legal assistants, who will verify your ation, or represent you in a grievance or an invescontact information and ask the reason for your tigation into allegations that could threaten your call. This is to make sure we can get back in touch certificate. Again, none of this is done without with you and that we can assist. We do this upfront your prior approval.

ATPE MLS is dedicated to providing you with so our attorneys can spend more time answering members’ legal questions. The legal assistant will the knowledge and assistance you need to be take notes to share with the attorney so that you successful in your career. If you have employment-related legal concerns, please reach out to will not need to repeat your story.

Finally, the legal assistant will ask who else is in- us at (800) 777-ATPE, or use our confidential form volved. This ensures that every eligible member at atpe.org/Protection/MLSIS/Access.

14 ATPE NEWS

YOUR VOICE

Elections Have Consequences

E

BY MARK WIGGINS ATPE Lobbyist

Texas is not the only place where this battle is lections belong to the people… If they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn being fought. We’ve seen strikes in Oklahoma, their behinds, then they will just have to sit Arizona, Colorado, North Carolina, and West Virginia. ATPE’s tenets oppose school strikes, and on their blisters.”

This quote, attributed to President Abraham Texas law prohibits them. Striking teachers could Lincoln, could just as well have been written yes- even lose their pensions. But we have access to a terday. Imagine what Honest Abe would think if tactic even more powerful than a strike: a vote.

Our strike must be at the ballot box. And we must he looked at our voter turnout figures from recent years. Here’s a sobering history lesson: 81 percent strike hard in November.

Gone are the days when we could afford to let someof registered voters turned out for the US presidential election of 1860, in which Lincoln seized one else choose for us or accept an “aw, shucks” from the presidency for the Republican Party. In terms our colleagues who have yet to vote. The stakes are of turnout, voters in Lincoln’s time were cooking. real, and those who want to turn kids into cogs and Contrast that with the less than 56 percent of US gamble with your pension are sharpening their steel voters who participated in the 2016 election, which for a bitter struggle in the next legislative session.

The good news is people everywhere are waking resulted in Hillary Clinton winning the popular vote and Donald Trump clinching the presidency up to the years of abuse and neglect perpetrated against our schools. Leaders through the Electoral College. In like Texas House Speaker Joe the March 2018 Texas primary Straus (R-San Antonio) have elections, just 17 percent of Texas recognized the state’s declining voters participated in selecting contribution to school fundtheir party nominees—who, in Elections have ing—down to 38 percent from most cases, will win by default in consequences. In Texas, a roughly 50-50 split with local November due to political gerrythe consequences taxpayers a decade ago—and mandering and lack of opposition prioritized fixing our school from another party. If you do the have been leaders in finance system. Yet Straus is math, each person who voted in the legislature who retiring, and his absence will the primary did the choosing for have pursued harmful no doubt be exploited by con11 other Texans. legislation to defund and trasting leaders like Lt. Gov. Let that marinate for a bit.

Elections have consequencprivatize public schools, Dan Patrick, whose priorities have included such anti-public es. In Texas, the consequences underfund teachers’ education initiatives as vouchhave been leaders in the legishealthcare, sell out ers and making it harder for edlature who have pursued harmteachers’ retirement. ucators to join associations and ful legislation to defund and advocate for their professions. privatize public schools, underTexas are waking up to the realization that elecfund teachers’ healthcare, sell out teachers’ retirement—oh, and rob educators of their political voice tions do matter. They are learning that there are important choices to be made at the polls and that so they can’t complain about it.

ATPE narrowly fended off most of these attacks they can choose candidates—irrespective of party last session with the help of a handful of pro-public affiliation—who will support public schools.

The challenge is to turn this awakening into aceducation lawmakers, some of whom considered helping teachers to be politically risky. Playing tion, to urge every eligible voter to select strong, defense is getting harder each year, and the only pro-public education candidates up and down the way to guarantee that Texas focuses on improving ballot on Nov. 6.

The stakes are no less than your students and our schools rather than starving them is to elect your profession. pro-public education candidates.

ATPE NEWS 15

PAC HONOR ROLL

THANK YOU FOR YOUR INVESTMENT IN TEXAS PUBLIC EDUCATION!

The following ATPE members donated $50 or more to ATPE’s Political Action Committee (ATPE-PAC) from April 1 to June 30, 2018.

Abilene Tonja Gray

Coleman County Sarah Beal

Forney Wendy Smith

Alvin Ron Fitzwater

Corpus Christi Barbara Ruiz

Fort Worth Dominic Perez

Amarillo Nelson Bishop Yolanda Capetillo Eunice Green Michael Renteria Shane Whitten

Corsicana Julleen Bottoms

Galena Park Sharon Dixon Lynn Nutt Debra Welch-Marks

Arlington Carole Lemonds Austin Elizabeth Abrahams Marcia McNeil Ballinger Darlene Kelly Big Spring Russell Mullins Boerne Margie Hastings Cyndy Veselka Richard Wiggins Boys Ranch Paige Bontrager Brazosport Deborah McKay Burleson Dorinda McCoy Carrollton-Farmers Branch Stefani Johnson Keri Minier Ginny Welch

Crowley Steve Pokluda Kitty Smith Cypress-Fairbanks Donna Gibbon Dallas Greg Fore Deborah Pleasant Dianne Reed Maria Slette Denton Lori Wolf Dickinson Lisa Cook Duncanville Bobby Villanueva Edinburg Benjamin Lozano Ennis Mary Dowell Falls City Patricia Startz Ferris Meredith Malloy Betty McCoy

Galveston Paula Franklin Grapevine-Colleyville Kelley Walker Hale Center Brenda Bryan Houston Lotus Hoey Humble Gayle Sampley Stacey Ward

Killeen Eileen Walcik Melissa Walcik Ron Walcik Sharon Woody Krum Betty Plunkett Lake Worth Patrick Robertson Lamar Jane Straw Leander Phyllis Crider Jayne Serna Jeannette Whitt Lewisville Karen Hames Lubbock Allyson Haveman

Ingram Chris Moralez

Mansfield Gina Langley

Irving Connie Kilday

McAllen Twila Figueroa Maria Elena Ingram

Jasper Bonnie Maines Katy Christopher Alford Keller Jacquline Price David Williams

Mesquite Jerry Bonham Carol Davies Alison Kimble Diane Nix Cynthia Rowden Kay Young

Midway (12) Jason Forbis

Roscoe Dana Elmore

Navasota Sue Ambrus

Round Rock Stephanie Stoebe

New Caney Kimberly Klein

San Antonio Tina Briones Byron Hildebrand Laura Tully

North East Olga Rubio North Lamar Shelia Slider Northside (20) David de la Garza Olney Dale Lovett Sam Spurlock Pasadena Charlotte Anthony Pflugerville Gregory Vidal Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Mike Sweet Plano Lindsay Beattie Rebecca Bottin Connie Bowman Jana Brockman Lisa Garner Jill Gipson Susan Holder Katy Matthews Julie Riggs Dennise Schuler Nancy Watson

San Marcos Genie Rolfe Spearman Sherry Boyd Sweeny Jeanette Hlavaty Trent Joe Elmore Tyler Betty Berndt Waxahachie Kim Kriegel Weslaco Craig Weart At Large Sally Wiedemann Ridings Dawn Riley ATPE Staff Ginger Franks

Invest in the ATPE Political Action Committee today!

It’s easy to set up recurring monthly or quarterly donations online at atpe.org/pac-donate.

16 ATPE NEWS

READY TO RUN NOT STRIKE

The real lesson from news-making educators across America: change begins with elections

BY KATE KUHLMANN

ATPE NEWS 17

E

ducators in many states have been the subject of headlines focused on attention-grabbing strikes. These strikes have been successful to varying degrees. But the trend of educators fighting to secure more funding for their schools and adequate compensation for their work isn’t over. All across the nation, educators have turned their attention to the upcoming elections. They’re voting, they’re volunteering with campaigns, and they’re even running for public office.

Elections matter; we all know that. Elected individuals represent Texans in their communities, and in Austin and DC. They have the power to make critical decisions about education, healthcare, transportation, taxes, and so much more.

Our state legislators hold the power to equitably and adequately fund our public education system for Texas students—or not. They also have the authority to enact a voucher system that syphons already limited resources to unaccountable private schools. They can ensure educators receive the pay they deserve for the important work they do, or they can just as easily decide teacher pay should be significantly based on students’ standardized test scores.

They can vote to prioritize healthcare funding for active and retired educators, or they can vote to turn the Texas Teacher Retirement System (TRS) from a defined benefit pension into a defined contribution plan in which your future benefits would not be guaranteed.

All of these decisions (and many more) affecting your students, schools, and profession are in the hands of the people Texans elect to represent them. The strikes and walkouts in other states have put pressure on legislators, but they have not changed the fundamental issue standing in the way of success: There are still many legislators currently in office who are willing to vote against the interests of public education in favor of the terrible alternatives mentioned above.

It is illegal to strike in Texas, but Texas educators can still join the efforts of fellow teachers across the country. As the nation’s eyes turn to the general election in November, the impact that active and retired Texas educators can have on elections in Texas is huge. Educators in other states are already planning to play a big role during election season, and their plans offer us a chance to learn how to ensure elected officials support public education.

THE OKLAHOMA EXAMPLE

Oklahoma educators walked out of their classrooms in early April following years of cuts to state education spending. Their salaries rank among the lowest in the country. A high school teacher earns roughly $42,000 on average, while many earn significantly less. Strikers ultimately didn’t get everything they wanted, like needed funding for schools, but they did get a $6,000 pay raise.

But they didn’t just take their pay raise and go home.

Fast forward to Oklahoma’s June 2018 primary election, where more than 100 educators from across the state ran for office at all levels of government (local, state, and federal). Many ran against incumbent legislators who voted against 18 ATPE NEWS

or weren’t supportive of their efforts in April, and some incumbent legislators even faced multiple educator opponents. Despite the fact that these educators were newcomers to the often complicated and expensive world of elections, 71 Oklahoma educators advanced beyond the primary election!

Oklahoma educators have made an impact on their state’s gubernatorial race.

The state’s term limits mean Gov. Mary Fallin can’t run again. The frontrunner expected to replace her was originally Republican Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb, but Lamb opposed the pay raise and school funding increases. He didn’t even make it past the primary. Instead, Oklahoma’s Republican primary voters gave the most votes to the only candidate who

offered support for the pay raise, even though it required a tax increase.

Oklahoma educators have forced the issue of public education to the center of the election conversation by becoming active in the political process. They didn’t back down once they received a pay raise, and they are still holding their elected officials accountable.

THE KENTUCKY EXAMPLE

As their legislative session neared an end in late March, Kentucky lawmakers used a sly political maneuver to narrowly pass a bill to overhaul the state’s pension system. The governor later signed the bill into law, transitioning all new educators to a defined contribution plan

that operates like a 401(k).

In the days following, Kentucky educators rallied at their state capitol in protest. Thousands of educators descended on the building, chanting “Vote them out!” Then they did just that.

House Majority Floor Leader Jonathan Shell, one of the most powerful Republicans in Kentucky politics and perceived as a rising star by national leaders, authored the bill to overhaul the pension system. He lost his May primary election to political newcomer and high school math teacher Travis Brenda.

Brenda campaigned along with a number of other teachers throughout the state who recognized the anger many of their colleagues felt after watching state leaders sell their retirement down the river under cover of darkness.

The bottom line: Educators in Kentucky turned their frustration over a bill that destroyed their pension plan into action by activating at the polls.

They didn’t let defeat overcome them.

They took steps to ensure such a bill doesn’t pass again.

THE WEST VIRGINIA EXAMPLE

Photos by ATPE staff

West Virginia educators went on strike in February 2018. They were fighting low pay and problems with their healthcare plan that included high costs, privacy concerns, and their voices being shut

The Missouri State Teachers Association (MSTA), an independent association for educators, hosts an annual one-day political campaign school for educators interested in running for an elected office.

The program includes information on writing a campaign plan, fundraising, building a campaign timeline, and grassroots and coalition building. There are currently 10 former MSTA members serving in the Missouri legislature.

WHY ATPE MEMBERS OPPOSE STRIKING

As stated in the ATPE tenets, “ATPE members believe strikes or work stoppages are detrimental to children, the community, and the profession.” Striking is illegal in Texas for public school employees, and educators risk losing their teaching certificates or Teacher Retirement System (TRS) pension as a penalty for breaking the law. For these reasons—the unlawful nature of striking and ATPE’s priority to support Texas students by supporting educators—ATPE opposes strikes.

out of the process. The strikes ended with a deal they considered a big win, but some lawmakers who stood in educators’ way didn’t let up.

Republican State Sen. Robert Karnes opposed the pay raise and healthcare plan adjustments for educators.

After the vote, when asked if he would face fallout in the election for his vote that conflicted with teachers in West Virginia, he replied that he didn’t think it would have much effect. He based that largely on the assumption that most teachers were Democrats.

Karnes lost his Republican primary in May. Kentucky educators made a powerful showing in his district and throughout the state, with a high percentage of pro-public education candidates making it out of their primary elections with victories.

Educators filled the West Virginia Capitol in February with chants of “We will remember in November!” After successfully pressuring their state legislature to act, they turned that success into election activism that will continue to pay big dividends in better public education policy down the road.

their students, classrooms, schools, and profession. Even when their candidates didn’t win, they forced the issue of public education to the forefront of the political conversations happening around the state.

They flexed their political clout by showing they can swing elections. They ensured their voices were heard by those who make big decisions affecting their students. They used their political power to enact change—not just through strikes that sometimes bring short-term change, but through participating in the election process in order to foster longterm success for public education.

Educators nationwide are going into the November general election with momentum, and Texas educators are more than equipped to join the unrest—not by striking, but by voting and getting politically involved. Active and retired educators combined make up huge numbers in Texas, numbers that have the power to swing elections. It just takes activism during election season.

Follow the example set by your peers in other states. Find the way you want to get involved in the current election. You can make an impact and be a part of big change in Texas.

Follow our blog at TeachtheVote.org for updates about ongoing legislative issues and how you can get involved. And don’t forget to connect with our lobby team on Twitter @teachthevote for breaking news and important insights.

THE TEXAS OPPORTUNITY

In all of these examples, a groundswell of educators banded together to vote for the candidates who would best serve ATPE NEWS 19

BSERVATION QUESTIONS 20 ATPE NEWS

STEPPING INTO YOUR CLASSROOM

at the beginning of every year brings a rush of emotions, thoughts, and practices—how to best set up your space for learning, welcoming new students, and setting expectations for both yourself and your students. Expectations often relate to observations and evaluations, but your performance appraisal doesn’t have to be another stressor in your life. In this feature, ATPE’s legal team provides answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the T-TESS sytem (the most common appraisal system in Texas) to help you start the year off right. You can refer to this guide throughout the year!

Q

WHAT IS THE T-TESS?

The Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System (known as the T-TESS) is the most common tool used to evaluate Texas public school teachers.

The T-TESS has three main components: • teacher and appraiser collaboration on the establishment of goals and a professional development plan; • the evaluation cycle that consists of a pre-conference (if the observation is announced), observation(s), and a post-conference; • and one or more of the four student growth measure options.

The appraisal is based on four domains and a total of 16 dimensions falling under the four domains, all of which are aligned with the Texas Teacher Standards.

Q

ARE PRE-OBSERVATION CONFERENCES REQUIRED?

The T-TESS requires pre-observation conferences only for announced observations. Whether you receive advance notice depends on your district.

Even if a pre-conference is not required, it is a good idea to request one.

This gives you an opportunity to find out what your appraiser is going to be looking for and to discuss any challenges you have dealt with and what you have done to tackle them. For unannounced observations, you will need to know when your appraiser is likely

to start doing observations in order to get in your request for a pre-conference ahead of time.

Q

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT IN THE POST-OBSERVATION CONFERENCE?

A post-observation conference between teacher and appraiser is required after the formal, 45-minute observation but not for less formal observations, like walk-through observations. When required, the conference must: • Be conducted within 10 working days of the observation.

• Be diagnostic and prescriptive in nature.

• Include a written observation report for each dimension observed.

This written report should be presented to the teacher only after a discussion of the “areas of refinement or reinforcement” and can, “at the discretion of the appraiser,” allow for a revision to an “area of refinement or reinforcement.”

Q

WHAT ARE MY RESPONSE OPTIONS?

Sometimes, even after the post-observation conference, you may not agree with the appraiser’s observation report and may feel the need to respond. The T-TESS allows for a written response and a request for a second appraiser.

You may submit a written response or rebuttal to record your disagreement with the scores, descriptions, or

comments contained in any document relating to your performance or to request a second appraisal by a different certified appraiser. These requests must be submitted within 10 working days after receiving: • a written observation report or any written documentation relating to Domains I, II, or III; or • a written summative annual appraisal report that contains information relating to Domain IV or the performance of your students.

However, T-TESS rules state you may not submit a written response to a written summative annual appraisal report or a request for a new appraiser if (a) the ratings or information are the same as that provided earlier in an observation report or other documentation and (b) you did not submit a response at that time.

Timing matters. You cannot safely “wait and see” if scores improve on the summative report. Waiting to submit a response could cause you to lose the right to respond at all.

ATPE NEWS 21

Q

CAN MY APPRAISER REQUIRE ME TO PUT SPECIFIC THINGS IN MY GOALSETTING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN?

Q

In most cases, yes. The T-TESS rules state that the appraiser must approve the plan. Practically, this gives the appraiser “veto” authority. If the appraiser is the principal or someone who has the general authority to give a directive, they have the right to require particular provisions in the plan. But you might have a legitimate complaint if the requirement is not reasonable.

Q

CAN I BE OBSERVED THE DAY BEFORE A HOLIDAY?

The T-TESS rules require the local district to develop an observation calendar. Formal observations are prohibited in the two weeks after a teacher’s initial orientation, and all formal observations must be completed at least 15 working days before the last day of student instruction. Individual districts can prohibit observations on other days, like the day before a holiday, in their local policy.

Q

DO ALL TEACHERS HAVE TO BE EVALUATED USING THE T-TESS?

No, they do not. The Texas Education Code does require that teachers and certified administrators be evaluated, but the T-TESS is only one evaluation option. The T-TESS was developed by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and approved by the commissioner of education. The Texas Education Code allows a district to use either the commissioner-approved evaluation system or a locally adopted system. A District of Innovation can opt out of appraisals entirely or adopt any form of appraisal.

DO STUDENT TEST SCORES HAVE TO BE A PART OF MY EVALUATION UNDER THE T-TESS?

No, they do not. Perhaps the most publicized new element of the T-TESS was the inclusion of a student growth measure as a component of the evaluation. Student performance has long been a required element in teacher evaluations, but the initial rules by the commissioner required that districts utilize one or more of four specific methods. The requirement was controversial because one of the options was for districts to use value-added data based on student state assessment results. This has never been accepted as a scientifically legitimate measure of teacher performance.

In response to legal action taken by ATPE and other educator groups, the commissioner’s rules were changed, allowing, as in the past, for a district to determine locally how it will measure student performance.

Q

WILL MY T-TESS SCORE AFFECT MY SALARY OR WHETHER I WILL GET A RAISE?

Possibly. The T-TESS rules do not address salary or performance-based raises. However, a school district is not prohibited by state law, TEA rules, or the commissioner’s rules from developing a local policy that ties compensation to appraisal scores. In fact, a few districts around the state have begun to tie scores to salaries and raises. Most commonly, school boards give raises only to teachers who score a certain way on the previous school year’s evaluation. Since it is a local decision, it’s important to know your district’s policy.

Still have questions

ABOUT YOUR OWN APPRAISAL

The information presented in this article is accurate as of the time of publication, but the rules can change.

Eligible ATPE members can contact the ATPE legal team with questions or to request assistance regarding their appraisals or other employment-related matters.

22 ATPE NEWS

Q

WHAT ARE SOME BEST PRACTICES TO HELP ME MAKE THE MOST OF MY OBSERVATION?

Start the year off by working with your students to create standards and expectations for class behavior.

The T-TESS is all about student engagement in the learning process, and that includes the classroom environment. After you and your class have determined your expectations, create a poster or document that you can refer to in class so the appraiser can see that you’ve worked with the students on classroom management. Of course, be sure that your class rules are consistent with the student code of conduct and any other campus or district policy, and check with your administrator if you think something might be controversial. Be sure to describe the student involvement to your appraiser in your goal-setting conference, pre-conference (if you have one), or some other appropriate time.

Use your goal-setting conference or pre-conference to discuss with your appraiser what they’ll be looking for in terms of student involvement. The T-TESS training and scoring rubric emphasizes student involvement in the learning process but provides little practical guidance. You may have received more specific instructions during your T-TESS orientation on how to incorporate students into your planning and classroom. But expectations will differ depending on your appraiser and subject matter.

Those Who Make

THE SCHOOL RUN Teachers teach, administrators administrate—but what vital roles do the other public school employees play in a student’s education? ATPE spoke with educators across the state who do their teaching not in the classroom, but from the driver’s seat of a bus, behind the front desk, or in the library.

Photo by Wyatt McSpadden

BY SARAH GRAY

ATPE NEWS 23

LISA COOK | Registrar, Dickinson ISD

B

efore a student can walk into a classroom, they have to enter the computer system first. That’s where Lisa Cook, Dickinson ISD’s registrar for the past two years, comes in. “Basically, anything on paper related to a kid, I’m in charge of. I’m at the beginning, I’m at the end, and everything in between,” says Cook.

But it’s more than just paperwork and enrollment. Cook diligently works behind the scenes to ensure all the ducks are in a row, that the information is where it should be for whenever someone might need it. Cook believes that the clerical staff keeps the school running, which in turn allows the teachers to teach. On top of that, the files Cook oversees provides vital intel to teachers.

“My job makes it easier on the teachers so they know a little bit of history about the student. By entering the information correctly into the system, if someone needs to know 24 ATPE NEWS

something—how to educate the student, are they special education, do they have a behavior problem, are they living with grandma—they will know how to reach this student.”

Cook strives to reach students and hold them accountable, and she admits she can be strict. “Rules are rules and should be followed,” she explains. So, when a student is sent to her office, Cook uses that opportunity to connect, often drawing on her own experiences, such as discovering she has dyslexia as an adult and starting college at 40.

“I like to be able to tell students, ‘You can do it. You can graduate, you can go to college. Don’t tell me you can’t do it. I know what you can and cannot do, and you can do this. Prove them wrong, and show them you can do it. You can do anything you want to do. You just have to try a little harder than everybody else.’”

For Cook, it all goes back to the fact that these students are our future, and it takes everyone in the school to prepare the students for what lies ahead.

“Be nice to everybody on campus—the kids, the custodian, everybody. It takes a village. It really does, so everybody has to get along and do their part.”

Cook photo by Erica Fos; Morgan photo by Jerry Fordyce

Putting Ducks in a Row

By the Numbers RONDA MORGAN | Attendance Secretary, Tomball ISD

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ears ago, after a move to Tomball with her husband, Ronda Morgan thought about going back to the business world or taking a break to get used to the new place. But then she contracted cancer.

“It was quite a shock,” Morgan confesses. “It’s one of those things where I was already interviewing to go back to work and had not had a whole lot of success just yet, and I think if I had been working, I would have been ignoring the signs.”

Thankfully, Morgan beat cancer, and once she was ready to return to work, Tomball ISD offered her a job. After a few years in an in-school suspension position, Morgan is back with numbers. As Tomball Junior High School’s attendance secretary, she tracks 700 to 900 students every day, from class to class, coding their attendance as excused or unexcused and tracking the percentage of attendance so students can make

Educators need as much education as their kids do. I think everybody’s job is to help the people they come in contact with.

up what they’ve missed. It’s a role that requires communication, as well as an eye for spotting anything out of the ordinary.

“Unfortunately, in our age group especially, we have kids that test the water and skip class once in a while,” Morgan says. “It’s my job to spot it and verify it, to work with the assistant principals to track those students down and figure out what’s going on. It is a lot of communication because you’re dealing with parents and with teachers as well, because teachers are your first line of information.”

The working relationship between paraprofessionals and teachers is integral to how Morgan operates at school.

Recognizing that both parties can often be under stress, Morgan believes in finding balance with graciousness, communication, and knowing when to be less stringent with the rules. “I think paras, generally, are compromisers,” she explains. “They are probably the resource that is most used but least acknowledged.”

Being that resource is a driving force for Morgan.

“There’s always help,” Morgan insists. “There’s always some way to work things out, and communication will get you there.

Educators need as much education as their kids do. I think everybody’s job is to help the people they come in contact with. Even to this day, even though I don’t do payroll and HR anymore, I have colleagues saying, ‘Explain this to me.’ So, I take the skills I already have and let them know that help is available. That’s really important to me.”

ATPE NEWS 25

PRISCILLA MAURICIO | Receptionist, Rockwall ISD

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Expanding Horizons SUSAN DEMIGLIO | Librarian, Damon ISD

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amon ISD’s wee library was a collection of dust and odds and ends—until Susan Demiglio, a lifelong lover of libraries and a dedicated paraprofessional, got her hands on it.

Now the library is open every day, instead of just a few hours a week. Demiglio maintains the book collection, decorates the space, and creates literature-themed crafts with students. Teachers use the library for story time or for letting students choose books, while other students rush between classes just to check out more books.

“I’ve seen, in this year from last year, kids are renewing their books because they want to finish them,” Demiglio explains. “They get excited because I’ve gotten in a new book that they’ve recommended. I’m just glad to see that kids are excited about reading, and not just reading to meet criteria or get points.”

Opening students’ eyes to the world outside Damon is a personal goal for Demiglio. Whether it’s celebrating Banned Book Week or Chinese 26 ATPE NEWS

New Year, hosting a Dr. Seuss parade or Alice in Wonderland tea party, planning a photography contest, or creating after-school book and art clubs, Demiglio doesn’t let Damon ISD’s rural identity and 200-student enrollment be an excuse for children to miss out. The cornerstone of this goal is the cultural trips Demiglio and her husband fund.

“The school community here is high poverty,” Demiglio says. “We felt like it was important to show that you can get out of Damon, and that there’s a lot to explore and bring back to your community. We decided to plan these cultural trips that the school doesn’t have funding for. For the first trip, we took students to the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston.”

In larger cities, students and their families have wider access to public libraries and cultural attractions. Demiglio dedicates her time to providing a version of that to her students. In the future, she hopes to make her library more family-oriented so that parents can also use the space.

“Make families feel a part of the school. I think that’s the best thing that school employees can do.

We’re not just babysitters, hand-holders, or disciplinarians. We’re part of a community.”

Photo courtesy of Susan Demiglio

riscilla Mauricio doesn’t just want you to have a good day.

She wants you to have a beautiful day, a sunshine day. “I want people to see life differently,” the Rockwall-Heath High School receptionist says. “To me, I reflect what the school is about. I want people to leave with a positive vibe and happiness.”

Mauricio loves her job, and she’s passionate about helping anyone she comes in contact with at the front desk. “When I was younger, I always wanted to change a life and make the world a better place. If I can make one change to pay it forward somehow, then I want to try to do that.”

As a Rockwall ISD graduate herself, Mauricio says taking a receptionist job at Rockwall-Heath three years ago was a “life-changing” opportunity. Mauricio is the first person visitors, parents, and students see when they enter the school, and she makes it her mission to make them feel welcomed and to ensure that any questions or issues they have are taken care of by the appropriate people.

Of course, being the face of a high school doesn’t always mean you get sunshine in return. But Mauricio doesn’t let that behavior deter her spirit. Instead, she thinks of her grandfather.

Priscilla Mauricio photo by Haley Sanford of Rockwall-Heath High School; Yolanda Salinas photo by Wyatt McSpadden

A Warm Reception

“My grandfather once told me, ‘When you see people, you never know what happened to them. You don’t know if they’ve had a death in the family, a car wreck, an argument. You can’t judge a person because they’re angry.’ Maybe a parent’s student is in trouble, and they’re sad that they’re having to come to talk to a principal about it. I don’t know the situation, so I want to make them feel comfortable.”

Working the front desk goes beyond checking people in and out, or holding on to items for students. For Mauricio, it truly is about teamwork, the students, and the positive ways you can affect someone’s life.

“Teamwork between teachers and staff is important to me, and everyone in our office works really well together,” Mauricio explains.

“Because I know our students are ‘just coming to school,’ but they’re also coming to gain knowledge, to learn, to experience different things that they may not have known or learned before, and to carry that on. The students mean so much to me, I get teary-eyed about it. I do what I do because I love being around people.”

Teaching from the Driver’s Seat YOLANDA SALINAS | Dispatcher & Bus Driver, Edinburg CISD

I

f there’s one thing Yolanda Salinas has, it’s drive. Drive to advance her career at her district, drive to increase her involvement as an ATPE member, and drive to operate in Edinburg CISD’s transportation department as a dispatcher and bus driver. It’s Salinas’s drive and passion that fuels her 12-hour workdays.

“You have to love what you do because if you don’t love what you do, you’ll go crazy,” says Salinas. “I feel stress free once I hop on that bus. I’m such a little person in that big bus, but I take control of my students and the wheel.”

Salinas has been with Edinburgh CISD for 15 years, transitioning from bus monitor and working with special needs students, to bus driver, to dispatcher. For Salinas, it’s always been about the children. They are the reason to show up to the job.

“These kids need attention,” says Salinas. “They need you to talk to them. They may not hear it from their parents.

Those kids you’re complaining about and writing up, it’s because these kids don’t get attention at home. If you give them that attention, ask how they are doing and talk to them, I guarantee you won’t have to be saying, ‘Sit down, and be careful.’ Put them up in the front and talk to them. It’s the best therapy you could give.”

Salinas believes educating students happens everywhere, not just in the classroom. It is her philosophy that bus drivers are educators, too—a philosophy she instills in her employees and puts into practice every day. Salinas visits elementary schools in the district to speak about bus safety, using the Buster the Bus program. Buster is a five-yearold bus character who helps Salinas teach students and inform teachers.

“My show made a big difference in the kids because I was teaching them about safety, bus evacuation, and bus rules. I have taught students to do right. I tell the drivers, ‘You’re a lot more than a bus driver. You’re carrying lives. That smile you put on those kids is priceless.’ I tell everybody, being a bus driver is being a teacher.”

ATPE NEWS 27

28 ATPE NEWS

The 2018 ATPE Summit

This year, in the heat of the Texas summer, ATPE members traveled to Dallas for the association’s annual leadership training and governance conference, or summit. Here, ATPE member volunteers receive training to help them successfully run ATPE local units and regions, participate in the House of Delegates (HOD) meeting, elect state officers, and network with their peers from around the state. Our association is a family that cares deeply about students and educators, and summit is our homecoming. The next few pages highlight leaders, members, and supporters who are making a difference in ATPE and their communities. You will also find information about decisions made during the HOD. The ATPE state office thanks everyone who participated in the 2018 ATPE Summit.

Acknowledgments

Thank you to our generous sponsors and volunteers.

Corporate partners Frost Bank, Liberty Mutual Insurance, and RBFCU

Nomination/Election Committee members

Region and local unit sponsors

Chair Carlos Diaz, Jaclyn Cavazos, Robert Hawkins, Mary Reyes, Maria Elena Ingram, and Stephanie Stoebe

We’d also like to thank Dallas ATPE and Region 13, who helped sponsor summit activities.

Bylaws Committee Chair

Educator of the Year Committee members Chair Donnetta Allen, Catherine Cathey, Kelley Cosper, Tiffany Gygi, and Crystal Huff Peterman

Leader of the Year Committee members

Alison LiVecchi

Resolutions Committee Chair Kimberly Woerner

Legislative Committee and PAC Committee Chair Christina Flores

Chair Katelyn Hanson, Hao Tran, Alicia Hinkle, Rebeka Longoria, Debra Perry, and Laura Sides

ATPE NEWS 29

House of Delegates

ATPE’s HOD gathering is an important annual event where delegates represent local unit members and vote for leaders and on policies that will guide our association. This year, delegates met on July 12 to hear candidates for 2018-19 state office speak and to consider proposed bylaws amendments, resolutions, member motions, and the ATPE Legislative Program.

STATE OFFICER ELECTIONS

Your new 2018-19 state officers are Past President Carl Garner (Region 10), Treasurer Karen Hames (Region 11), Secretary Jimmy Lee (Region 8), Vice President Tonja Gray (Region 14), and President Byron Hildebrand (Region 20).

Resolutions The HOD readopted 14 standing resolutions, readopted and amended a 2017 current resolution related to the moratorium on the activation or reactivation of local units, and adopted a new current resolution that addresses rebates for regions and local units. Members can read the resolutions by visiting atpe.org/hod.

The HOD also adopted an honorary resolution in honor of Past State President Julleen Bottoms for her service to ATPE.

Main Motions The following main motion passed during the 2018 HOD: The ATPE staff will research and disseminate information on the implications of current law and policy proposals on the issue of violence in schools.

Bylaws Amendments Members can visit atpe.org/hod to read the updated ATPE State Bylaws. The adopted amendments take effect immediately: Regions will be able to designate at-large member delegates.

College student delegates may be certified in the absence of a college/university local unit president or vice president.

30 ATPE NEWS

ATPE Legislative Program The ATPE Legislative Program, presented to legislators at the beginning of each legislative session, outlines the association’s legislative priorities and guides ATPE Governmental Relations in its advocacy efforts. The HOD adopted the 2018-19 ATPE Legislative Program. Visit atpe.org/leg-program to review the program.

2017-18 Awards

ATPE honored educators, students, ATPE leaders, and friends of Texas public education at summit.

Charles Pickitt Educator of the Year Award

Doug Rogers Campus Representative of the Year Award

The Charles Pickitt Educator of the Year Award recognizes ATPE members who demonstrate exceptional or innovative capabilities in their respective educational fields. Winners receive a $5,000 award.

The Doug Rogers Campus Representative of the Year Award is designed to acknowledge those special ATPE volunteers who are fundamental to the continued growth and development of our grassroots organization. Winners receive $1,000 each, and their local units receive $250 for future local unit activities.

Administrator of the Year

PAULA FRANKLIN, GALVESTON ISD Finalists: Monica Bayarena, Corpus Christi ISD, and Susana Ramirez, Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD

Associate of the Year

STEFANIE BARNHART, DENTON ISD Finalists: Hilda Martinez, La Joya ISD, and Dahlia Olivares, Rio Hondo ISD

Elementary Teacher of the Year

BARBARA TRIPLETT, NORTHSIDE (20) ISD Finalists: Rebecca Dougharty, Jasper ISD, and Michael Sweet, Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD

Local Units with 1–200 Members

EDEN RENOVATO, HEMPSTEAD ATPE Finalists: Belinda Wolf, Wichita Falls ATPE, and Marisela Yanez, Rio Hondo ATPE

Local Units with 201–500 Members

MICHAEL SWEET, PHARR-SAN JUANALAMO ATPE Finalist: Kally Evans, Willis ATPE

Local Units with 501+ Members

MICHAEL BALDERAS, EDINBURG ATPE Finalists: Kenneth Poppe, Fort Worth ATPE, and Norma Vega, La Joya ATPE

Secondary Teacher of the Year

RICHARD EMBRICK, FORT BEND ISD Finalists: Michael Clark, Katy ISD, and Claudia Cortez, Brownsville ISD

Special Services Educator of the Year

SUSIE ANDREWS, RIO HONDO ISD Finalists: Julie Fore, Dallas ISD, and Ron Sursa, Killeen ISD ATPE NEWS 31

Floyd Trimble Local Unit of the Year Awards The Floyd Trimble Local Unit of the Year Award acknowledges local unit efforts and accomplishments during the year. Each winning local unit receives $1,000.

Local Units with 1–200 Members

WALLER ATPE, REGION 4 2017-18 officers: President Mary Oliver (pictured), Vice President Cynthia Auble, Secretary Heidi Smith, and Treasurer Nancy Kelley Finalists: Hempstead ATPE and Wichita Falls ATPE

Local Units with 201–500 Members

PHARR-SAN JUAN-ALAMO ATPE, REGION 1 2017-18 officers: President Michael Sweet (pictured), Vice President Celena Miller, Secretary Susana Ramirez, and Treasurer Olga Baldazo Finalists: Galena Park ATPE and McAllen ATPE

Alafair Hammett Media Awards Named for ATPE’s first state president, this award recognizes individual local media reporters for their outstanding support and coverage of public education. The 2018 recipients were: PHIL PRAZAN, KXAN (AUSTIN)

ALIYYA SWABY, THE TEXAS TRIBUNE

Judy Coyle Texas Liberty Award This award, ATPE’s highest honor, is presented to individuals who demonstrate superior service to public education. This year, the Judy Coyle Texas Liberty Award was presented to Texas House Speaker Joe Straus.

Local Units with 501+ Members

EDINBURG ATPE, REGION 1 2017-18 officers: President Michael Balderas (pictured), Vice President Cynthia Balderas, Secretary Maricela Reyes, and Treasurer Estefany Gutierrez Finalists: Arlington ATPE and Dallas ATPE

University Local Units

HOUSTON BAPTIST UNIVERSITY ATPE, REGION 4 2017-18 officers: President Tiffany Davis (pictured), Vice President Annie Loreto, Secretary Eneri Martinez, and Treasurer Emely Benitez Finalists: Texas Southern University ATPE and Texas Woman’s University ATPE

STAR Membership Challenge Winners The STAR Membership Challenge is designed to encourage new member recruitment by recognizing and rewarding successful recruiters.

First Place HILDA MARTINEZ, LA JOYA ATPE

Second Place RACHEL MELANCON, DALLAS ATPE

Staff Service Awards Congratulations to the following staff members honored during summit for their 130 years of combined service.

5 years of service

Juan Castaneda, software developer Bret Messer, information technology director

10 years of service

Monty Exter, lobbyist Edwin Ortiz, political involvement coordinator

15 years of service

Andrea Elizondo, meetings and conferences director Barbara McGrath, revenue processing supervisor Grace Perez, payroll/benefits specialist Tracy Revetta, legal assistant

20 years of service

Retiree Recruitment Winner JILL GIPSON, PLANO ATPE

32 ATPE NEWS

Joy England, membership director Brian Park, system administrator

2017-18 Political Action Committee Honorees Stephen F. Austin ATPE-PAC Honorees The members below have contributed the following cumulative amounts to ATPE-PAC since July 1997.

$5,000

Connie Kilday Steve Pokluda

$2,500

Kristi Daws Byron Hildebrand Maria Elena Ingram Sam Spurlock Shane Whitten

$1,500

Stephanie Bailey Julleen Bottoms Sherry Boyd Merry Creager Hector Cruz Olga Garza Tonja Gray Meredith Malloy Katherine Whitbeck

$500

Elizabeth Abrahams Dana Carroll Kimberly Cowart Julie Fore Cesarea Germain Lori Hartsfield Lisa Hinojosa Michael Huff Rebecca Keels Darlene Kelly Alison Kimble Jimmy Lee Jerrica Liggins Elias Lozano Teresa Millard Yvette Milner Keri Minier Shawn Mustain Ginger Picone Jacquline Price Cristela Rocha

Rolfe, Cynthia Rowden, Gayle Sampley, Dennise Schuler, Jayne Serna, Patricia Shaw, Bess Simple, Shelia Slider, Nicole Smith, Wendy Smith, Sam Spurlock, Patricia Startz, Elizabeth M. Sunderland, Michael Sweet, Jane Sykes, Maria Ines Trevino, Floyd Trimble, Johanna Ullrich, Norma Vega, Gregory Vidal, Eileen Walcik, Melissa Walcik, Ron Walcik, Kelley Walker, Leslie Ward, Ginny Welch, Shane Whitten, Richard Wiggins, Jeri Willis, Mary Woodall, and Sharon Woody

Davy Crockett Fundraising Challenge This challenge was established to recognize the regions and local units that raise the most money per member for ATPE-PAC.

Region with 10,000 or more members REGION 10

Region with fewer than 10,000 members REGION 20

Local unit with 1–200 members WODEN ATPE

Local unit with 201–500 members WILLIS ATPE

Local unit with 501+ members NORTHSIDE (20) ATPE

William B. Travis ATPE-PAC Honorees William B. Travis honorees are members who have donated $150 or more to ATPE-PAC between Aug. 1, 2016, and July 31, 2017.

Elizabeth Abrahams, Susan Ambrus, Stephanie Bailey, Lindsay Beattie, Gidget Belinoski-Bailey, Betty Berndt, Nelson Bishop, Rebecca Bottin, Julleen Bottoms, Sherry Boyd, Pamela BrownLedet, Brenda Bryan, Cecy Bueno, Ygnacia Capetillo, Dana Carroll, Kristopher Clancy, Trasa Cobern, Nora Crist, Hector Cruz, Carol Davies, Kristi Daws, David de la Garza, Sharon Dixon, Kimberly Dolese, Suellen Ener, Madonna Felan, Twila Figueroa, Ron Fitzwater, Julie Fore, Bernard Franks, Ginger Franks, Michele Garner, Olga Garza, Cesarea Germain, Wanda Giles, Sharon Ginn, Jennifer Grady, Tonja Gray, Gail Hall, Karen Hames, Tina Hardarson, Margie Hastings, Dennis Hataway, Eddie Hill, Lisa Hinojosa, Maria Elena Ingram, Phyllis Jarzombek, Darlene Kelly, Connie Kilday, Alison Kimble, Beverly Leath, Deann Lee, Jimmy Lee, Jerrica Liggins, Dale Lovett, Elias Lozano, Miranda Madden, Meredith Malloy, Deborah Massey, Katy Matthews, Teresa Millard, Yvette Milner, Keri Minier, Bill Monty, Linda Moran, Shawn Mustain, Teri Nail, Sharon Nix, David Earl Ochoa, Alice Page, Larry Parham, Bobbye Patton, Deborah Petrosky, Stacey Phillips, Ginger Picone, Betty Plunkett, Steve Pokluda, Jacquline Price, Patty Reneau, Michael Renteria, Dawn Riley, Eugenia

ATPE-PAC Statesman Award

The ATPE-PAC Statesman Award honors ATPE members who have donated $20 or more to ATPE-PAC for 12 consecutive months.

Elizabeth Abrahams, Betty Berndt, Julleen Bottoms, Brenda Bryan, Kristi Daws, David de la Garza, Twila Figueroa, Tonja Gray, Margie Hastings, Darlene Kelly, Connie Kilday, Janie Leath, Benjamin Lozano, Teresa Millard, and Jayne Serna

ATPE NEWS 33

Meet Your 2018-19 ATPE Leaders 2018-19 State Officers

Byron Hildebrand

Tonja Gray

Jimmy Lee

Karen Hames

Carl Garner

Hildebrand is a retired math teacher and high school coach with 34 years of education experience.

Gray, a 30-year educator, is a K-5 Literacy Success teacher.

Lee, a 31-year education veteran, is a food science teacher.

Hames is an eighthgrade humanities teacher with 40 years of experience in education.

Garner is a sixthgrade math and science teacher with 18 years of experience.

PRESIDENT San Antonio, Region 20

VICE PRESIDENT Abilene, Region 14

SECRETARY Paris, Region 8

TREASURER Lewisville, Region 11

PAST PRESIDENT Mesquite, Region 10

2018-19 Region Officers REGION 2

REGION 3

REGION 4

REGION 5

REGION 6

Hector Cruz Weslaco

Barbara Ruiz Corpus Christi

Cathy Stolle Karnes City

Stacey Ward Humble

Suellen Ener Beaumont

Charles Lindsey II Magnolia

Michael Balderas Edinburg

Cesarea Germain Corpus Christi

Mandy Vahrenkamp Calhoun County

Ron Fitzwater Alvin

Susan Harrell Newton

Gidget Belinoski-Bailey Willis

VICE PRESIDENT

VICE PRESIDENT

SECRETARY

VICE PRESIDENT

VICE PRESIDENT

VICE PRESIDENT

SECRETARY

SECRETARY

TREASURER

SECRETARY

SECRETARY

SECRETARY

TREASURER

TREASURER

TREASURER

TREASURER

TREASURER

PARLIAMENTARIAN

MEMBER-AT-LARGE

PRESIDENT

DIRECTOR

REGION 1

Rebecca Monsevalles Weslaco Norma Vega La Joya Michael Sweet Pharr-San Juan-Alamo

Lorrie Gomez Corpus Christi Amerika Reyes Corpus Christi Cordelia Gonzales Corpus Christi Jackie Hannebaum Corpus Christi

34 ATPE NEWS

Shelley Newsom Palacios Andy Erdelt Palacios

Sharon Dixon Galena Park Stephanie Baker Humble Shawn Mustain Spring Branch Eden Renovato Hempstead

Donna Haley Newton Lori Burton Jasper Maya Issac Newton

Judi Thomas Conroe Donna Ward Willis Lori Mitchell Willis

REGION 8

REGION 9

REGION 10

REGION 11

REGION 12

REGION 13

Kim Dolese Nacogdoches

Frankie Jarrell Paris

Dale Lovett Olney

Meredith Malloy Ferris

Special election pending

Ron Walcik Killeen

Christie Smith Pflugerville

Betty Berndt Tyler

Christel Stokely Jefferson

Janette Epps Jacksboro

Wendy Smith Forney

Holli Rice Denton

Christina Flores Belton

Heidi Langan Austin

VICE PRESIDENT

VICE PRESIDENT

VICE PRESIDENT

VICE PRESIDENT

VICE PRESIDENT

VICE PRESIDENT

VICE PRESIDENT

SECRETARY

SECRETARY

SECRETARY

SECRETARY

SECRETARY

SECRETARY

SECRETARY

TREASURER

TREASURER

TREASURER

TREASURER

TREASURER

TREASURER

TREASURER

REGION 14

REGION 15

REGION 16

REGION 17

REGION 18

REGION 19

REGION 20

Desirie Ries Hawley

Jose Delgado San Felipe-Del Rio

Shane Whitten Amarillo

Brenda Bryan Hale Center

Bill Griffin Stanton

Rudy Romero Clint

Yvette Milner Northside

Leslie Ward Abilene

Darlene Kelly Ballinger

Kiersten Diamond Bushland

Mariah Robinson Lubbock

Gail Adlesperger Big Spring

Michael Slaight Clint

Mary Reyes Lackland

VICE PRESIDENT

VICE PRESIDENT

VICE PRESIDENT

VICE PRESIDENT

VICE PRESIDENT

Tamara Wilkinson Andrews

VICE PRESIDENT

VICE PRESIDENT

Cynthyna Haveman Lubbock SECRETARY

SECRETARY

Shasta Bryan Stanton

SECRETARY

SECRETARY

Susan Wilson Lamesa TREASURER

TREASURER

TREASURER

TREASURER

PRESIDENT

DIRECTOR

REGION 7

Beverly Leath Nacogdoches Teresa Millard Woden Michelle Adams Pineywoods

Katie Parson Paris Ken Stokely Jefferson Jerrica Liggins Paris

Sam Spurlock Olney Belinda Wolf Wichita Falls Patti Gibbs Nocona

Donnetta Allen Mesquite Julie Fore Dallas Wanda Bailey Mesquite

Christopher Adams Hurst-Euless-Bedford Darla Purcell Denton Betty Plunkett Krum

Jane Sykes Waco

Janice Hornsby Axtell Stacey Dieterich Axtell

Danielle Sanders Austin Stephanie Stoebe Round Rock Holly Griffin Round Rock

LEGISLATIVE/MEMBERSHIP

PRESIDENT

DIRECTOR

John Donihoo Woden

John Tyson Abilene SECRETARY

Nicole Fuller Jim Ned Consolidated TREASURER

Tommie Hicks Hawley

Aura Trevino San Felipe-Del Rio SECRETARY

Cheryl Buchanan Ballinger TREASURER

Luz Mendez Junction

Yolanda Capetillo Amarillo SECRETARY

Debra Perry Amarillo TREASURER

Nancy Fowler Amarillo

Sharon Ginn Hale Center

Joshua Kendrick Odessa

Robert Whitman Ysleta Patricia Garcia Ysleta Eduardo Sierra San Elizario

Elizabeth Turner Northside Margie Hastings Boerne Teri Nail Boerne

ATPE NEWS 35

VOLUNTEER SHOWCASE

V

olunteers are the lifeblood of ATPE, and we want to take time to showcase the hard work our ATPE members are doing not only for this association, but for schools and students across Texas. You may have seen some of these winners on our website and social media when they were named Volunteer of the Month. We asked our volunteer leaders to share advice to new teachers or offer perspectives on the classroom, and here’s what they had to say.

To learn more about the ATPE Volunteer of the Month winners, see the ATPE Blog at atpe.org/ news/atpe-blog.

LOUIS MASCOLO March 2018 winner

JULIE FORE November 2017 winner

LOTUS HOEY June 2018 winner

Physics and aeroscience engineering teacher in Humble ISD

Pre-K instructional specialist with the Early Learning Department in Dallas ISD

ESL teacher and effective practice specialist in Houston ISD

“Joining ATPE and prioritizing the need to stay active in meetings and events with my fellow members has helped me grow in my educational knowledge, my political knowledge, and my leadership skills. It is a pleasure to lead and serve my fellow Dallas teachers and educational partners as the Dallas ATPE president.”

“I would encourage new teachers to be flexible and openminded. They should never stop learning to improve their craft.

Always do what is best for the students. Most important is to create relationships so that students know you truly care.”

“I started teaching country western dancing after college and realized that teaching means changing lives no matter what you are teaching. If money were no object, I think that smaller classroom sizes would make the best impact on teaching and learning. It would help develop positive relationships and more personalized education.

It would prevent students from falling through the cracks and feeling invisible. I also think a side benefit would be less teacher burnout.”

36 ATPE NEWS

DEBRA PERRY AND YOLANDA CAPETILLO January 2018 winners Retired educators, Yolanda taught elementary science and Debra taught second grade in Amarillo ISD “Join a teachers’ organization immediately. Start another retirement plan, even if it doesn’t seem possible. Most importantly, have a good mentor whom you can depend on, and don’t be afraid to ask them questions. No one knows the answers when they first begin teaching—you learn as you go. You will never have everything under control! It is a constant changing environment as an educator.”

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS PROGRAM OR HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT HOW YOU CAN BE AN ATPE VOLUNTEER? Email our volunteer program coordinator, Anna Belle Burleson, at aburleson@atpe.org.

WHAT’S ALL THE HUBBUB ABOUT?

The BenefitHub, that’s what!

The BenefitHub is an exclusive discounts and rewards marketplace for ATPE members.

As public school employees, you work too hard to pay full price on various items and entertainment.

The BenefitHub marketplace lets you stretch those hard-earned dollars on all sorts of deals. There’s even a section to help with loans and home buying!

The marketplace is easy to use and features discounts and deals on a variety of items: • Tickets to movies, concerts, and sporting events • Local restaurants, gyms, and shops • Student loan consolidation and refinancing • Personal loans and private student loans • TVs, computers, smartphones, and other electronics • Apparel, shoes, and accessories • Hotels, car rentals, and vacation packages

See what all the hubbub is about with your own eyes. Visit atpe.org/ services-discounts and click “Discounts & Rewards Marketplace.”

ATPE

News

STAY UP-TODATE WITH TOP EDUCATION HEADLINES

Save the date for ATPE at the Capitol!

Join us on Feb. 24 and 25 at the JW Marriot in Austin for ATPE at the Capitol, ATPE’s popular lobby day and political training event.

INTRODUCING

1 NEW = $10 FOR YOU ATPE has launched a new recruitment reward program: 1 New = $10 for You. This program replaces the STAR Membership Challenge and Each One, Reach One. And good news: any member is eligible to participate and earn money while helping grow the association!

Here are a few key details about this initiative: • Any active ATPE member who recruits a new member can receive $10 per member! Here’s how it works. Recruit new members between April 1, 2018, and Oct. 31, 2018. Make sure the new member joins in either the professional, first-time professional, associate, or administrator categories. And note that a “new member” is someone who has never been a member of ATPE. • Incentives will be paid for each recruited member who is an active member in ATPE’s database on Feb. 1, 2019.

• All checks will be issued the first week of February 2019.

• The top recruiter will receive $1,000 in addition to $10 per member recruited.

• No entry form needed—simply tell the educators you recruit to enter your full name in the “recruited by” box on their membership application.

38 ATPE NEWS

Get the latest and most impactful education headlines from across Texas and the United States sent to your inbox every week with ATPE's newest resource: Texas Education Headlines. Subscribe at atpe.org/EducationHeadlines. This free email newsletter will be sent to your inbox Thursday mornings.

Texas Education Headlines is designed to be your one-stop shop to learn what’s happening in education. It includes stories related to breaking education news, education policy, new trends in public education, local news, and everything else in between. The newsletter is not limited to ATPE members or even educators. Anyone who cares about public education can subscribe, so spread the word and encourage everyone you know to sign up!

If You're a School Health Champion, This Event is for You!

Oct. 25 - 26, 2018 Austin, TX

CPE credits available for Texas educators!

Register today at: healthiertexassummit.com This institution is an equal opportunity provider. This material was funded by USDA's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program -- SNAP. To receive assistance purchasing healthy foods, sign up for SNAP benefits at yourtexasbenefits.com.

Ready to Buy a Home?

The Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC) offers two types of assistance to help Texas professional educators purchase a home.

Low interest Loans with Down Payment Assistance (DPA)

• Several rate, loan and DPA options available • DPA up to 5% of the loan amount

Mortgage Credit Certificates

• Save up to $2,000 every year on your income taxes • Exclusively for first-time home buyers • FREE for Texas professional educators also using TSAHC’s DPA (a $500 savings!)

Visit www.ReadyToBuyaTexasHome.com to get started.

ATPE NEWS 39

Your Career Is a Journey. Let ATPE Be Your Guide.

ATPE’s new FREE resource will help you navigate your career. The Answer Key is the latest downloadable guide for ATPE members. In it, ATPE addresses campus concerns with answers to common legal questions. We’ll also give you the latest information on how to make the most of your ATPE membership, from exclusive discounts and free professional learning, to advocacy and volunteer opportunities.

INSIDE THE ANSWER KEY, YOU’LL READ ABOUT TOPICS LIKE: • • • • • • • • • • •

Absences and leave Communicating with supervisors, peers, and parents Evaluations and responses Parent and student rights Reporting child abuse Student discipline Academic freedom Special education and Section 504 ATPE leadership roles Making your voice heard at the Capitol CPE that helps keep your skills up to date

• Discount programs that can save you hundreds annually

Get your free copy at: atpe.org/answer-key

2018-19 ATPE MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION MM

STEP 1

Method of Payment (select one)

atpe.org | (800) 777-ATPE

Payroll deduction— Complete this application form, including step 4

All other forms of payment–JOIN ONLINE

(not accepted after January 31, 2019)

Including credit card payment, credit card installments, and ACH bank draft

Personal check—Complete application form and attach personal check STEP 2

Personal Information

Name (first, middle, last)

Last 4 digits of SSN

ATPE member ID (optional)

Male

Birthdate (MM/DD/YY)

ISD

Campus

Cell phone (required)

Home phone (optional)

Personal email (required)

Position (optional)

Campus email (optional)

Employee ID number

Mailing address State

City ZIP

Recruited by I understand that ATPE may contact me via the information provided on this application form, including email and text, to communicate with me about my benefits and to administer my account.

I am interested in becoming an ATPE volunteer.

STEP 3

Female

Membership Category (select one) & Invest in Education

Student Teacher, College Student, and Public members may join online at atpe.org. 2018-19 Professional, Associate, and Administrator memberships will not be accepted after Jan. 31, 2019. First-Time Professional memberships will not be accepted after Oct. 31, 2018.

Professional (teacher, counselor, etc.). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $175 First-Time Professional (never been a professional member). . . . . . . . . $110 Associate (para-educator, aide, support staff, etc.). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $90 Administrator (principal, superintendent, etc.). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $225

How to Submit Your Application Mail the application to: ATPE 305 E. Huntland Dr., Ste. 300 Austin, TX 78752 Or hand deliver it to an authorized ATPE representative. Faxed or scanned applications are not accepted.

Retired. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10 DESIGNATED ATPE REPS

OPTIONAL: Invest in Education ATPE Local Unit Dues. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

Received Date

Support ATPE in your local school district.

Political Action Committee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ Support legislative advocacy for educators and students.

12

Print Name Signature

TOTAL $

The ATPE membership year begins 8/1/18 and ends 7/31/19. Some benefits effective dates may not match effective membership dates. Visit atpe.org for disclosure details and limitations.

STEP 4

Payroll Deduction Authorization

2018–19 Professional, Associate, and Administrator memberships will not be accepted after Jan. 31, 2019.

First-Time Professional memberships will not be accepted after Oct. 31, 2018.

I authorize ISD to deduct membership dues and donations. I further authorize ATPE to notify the ISD of changes in the amount of my annual dues and the ISD to deduct the new amounts. If my employment with the ISD ends, I authorize any unpaid balance to be deducted from my final check. This authorization for deductions is effective until I give notice to the ISD that I want to revoke it.

Total Amount $

Last 4 digits of SSN

Total # of Deductions Date

I wish to cancel deduction of membership dues for: TX AFT

TCTA

TSTA

UEA

Other

Printed Name Signature

Employee ID

JOIN ATPE ONLINE!

Scan the QR code or visit atpe.org/join to join ATPE online.

ATPE Membership Categories You must join in the appropriate insured category in order to qualify for Professional Liability coverage. ATPE reserves the right to determine eligibility for the appropriate membership category. Commissioned peace officers are eligible for public membership only. Professional, First-Time Professional, Associate, and Administrator membership is open to persons employed in Texas by a public school district, institution of higher education, Regional Education Service Center, State Board for Educator Certification, or the Texas Education Agency. If you have a question about the eligibility of job descriptions not listed below, call (800) 777-2873.

INSURED CATEGORIES

UNINSURED CATEGORIES

Professional Member ($175)

Administrator Member ($225)

JOIN ONLINE AT ATPE.ORG

First-time Professional Member ($110) (Rate available only through 10/31/18)

Educators who are employed in Texas by a public school district as a principal, assistant/deputy/area superintendent, or superintendent, and whose position requires certification by the State Board for Educator Certification

College Student Member (Free)

Athletic Director/Coordinator Athletic Trainer At-Risk Coordinator Audiologist Band/Choral Director Business Manager Coach Counselor Curriculum Director Dean of Instruction Department Head/Chair Diagnostician Instructional Officer Intern Teacher IT Director/Coordinator Librarian Nurse (RN) Parent/Community Coordinator Assistant Principal Regional Service Center Staff School Psychologist/Associate Social Worker Teacher Therapist/Pathologist University Professor Visiting Teacher

Associate Member ($90) Aide to position in Professional category Alternative Center Aide Bus Driver Cafeteria Worker Clerk–General Computer Programmer/Entry Custodial Worker Deaf Interpreter Educational Aide/Technician Maintenance Worker Nurse (LVN) Regional Service Center Aide Secretary Security Guard (Unarmed) Substitute Teacher

Non-teaching college student Retired Member ($10) Retired former school employee Public Member ($35) Friend of public education

Student Teacher Member (Free) Student teacher in Texas

ATPE is always at your fingertips.

Thousands of members are following OfficialATPE on Facebook. Member photos, association news, teaching tips, and election information are being updated daily.

Make sure you are following ATPE on Facebook at facebook.com/OfficialATPE. And don't miss out on our other social media platforms!

@officialATPE

BRAIN BREAK

School Crossing A

s you readjust to your school routines, take a breather with our back-toschool crossword!

When you’re done, head to the ATPE Blog at atpe.org/Fall18/ BrainBreak to see the answer key. If you’d like to be entered into a drawing for an ATPEbranded prize, take a photo of completed puzzle and email contest@atpe.org

by Sept. 28.

Good luck!

1

2

3 4

6

5

7

8 9 10

11 12

13

14 15

16

Across 2. Person who helps students learn

10. Object used 15. Tool used for communicating for writing 7. Where much of the with entire class 16. Bound papers learning takes place 12. Location where used for writing 8. Vehicle that brings students eat students to school

Down 1. Utensil used to measure things

4. Person who is in 6. Tool used to charge of the school remove mistakes

3. Electronic device 5. Electronic used to input machine used to numbers retrieve information

9. Location that houses books

13. Subject where you learn about reading, writing, and language

14. Where students 11. Subject where you sit during class learn about numbers

ATPE NEWS 43

Association of Texas Professional Educators 305 E. Huntland Dr., Ste. 300 Austin, TX 78752-3792

I N S T I T U T E S

The right way to intervene At our RTI at Work™ events, gain extensive access to nationally recognized experts who have successfully implemented RTI/MTSS in a variety of settings—often with limited personnel and resources.

Through interactive activities and engaging keynotes, you’ll learn how to build a powerful, multitiered system of support that helps ensure every child reaches his or her full potential.

2018 Institutes BELLEVUE, WASHINGTON

August 6–8 MACON, GEORGIA

September 24–26 SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA

October 1–3 SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH

October 10–12 NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA

November 7–9

Featured Experts:

PLANO, TEXAS

Keynote Speaker

November 28–30

2018 Workshops Austin Buffum

Brian K. Butler

Luis F. Cruz

GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN

October 15–16 MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA

November 14–15 SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA

December 5–6 Mike Mattos

Sarah Schuhl

Nicole Dimich Vagle

Presenters are subject to change.

CLAIM YOUR SEAT

SolutionTree.com/RTIinstitutes | 800.733.6786

LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA

December 10–11