Summer 2019 ATPE News

12

KNOW YOUR SUMMER RESIGNATION DEADLINE

19

FINDING AND SECURING GRANTS FOR YOUR CLASSROOM

22

TEXANS ON THE STATE OF OUR SCHOOLS

ATPE News The

GameChangers SUMMER 2019 | ATPE.ORG

Discover how a group of citizens became agents for change in their community PAGE 24

Don't Hit the Road Before Hitting Up Your Travel Discounts!

Taking a trip this summer? ATPE members get exclusive discounts that can help you make the most of any vacation. Save on hotels, rental cars, theme parks, cruises, vacations, and much more.

Check out the many ways you can save with ATPE at atpe.org/summerbreak.

ATPE News

DIRECTOR'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 Leslie Trahan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Editor John Kilpper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Senior Designer Erica Fos. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Senior Designer Sarah Gray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Associate Editor Jean Schlitzkus. . . . . . . . . . . . . Contributing Editor Jesus Chavez. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Media Relations ATPE News contains legislative advertising contracted for by Shannon Holmes, 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 2019 in USA by the Association of Texas Professional Educators

A

s another school year comes to an end, it’s a perfect time to map out what we want the upcoming year to look like for our association. Next month, we have our annual leadership and governance event, the ATPE Summit. This will be my first summit as your executive director, and I’m excited to see our community in action.

This year, our summit host city is Houston—a stellar location to get energized for what lies ahead.

We’ve got some great events planned for you, including professional development sessions that will help you stay on track for the next school year, fun on-site events to help you connect with other ATPE members, and inspiration in the form of fellow Texas educator Todd Nesloney, who will be providing our keynote address.

It takes all of us working together to support the students of this state. Summit is a great reminder of everything we can accomplish when we are all on the same team.

Check out pages 28–34 for details about the activities we have planned for you and to learn more about your state officer candidates.

And you can always check atpesummit.org for the latest information.

I hope to see you all in July! If you haven’t registered yet, be sure to talk to your local unit or region president by June 17.

Shannon Holmes ATPE Executive Director

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

ATPE NEWS 3

Contents ATPE NEWS | Summer 2019, Volume 39, Number 4

16 FEATURES

16

Engineering Curiosity

19

Funding Your Classroom

Looking for grant funding can be a complicated process. Learn how to find, apply, and secure grants.

24

On the Cover

Changing the Game 24 4 ATPE NEWS

A group of Brenham, Texas, locals came together to change their attitude and make a difference in the lives of students.

Cover photo and page 24: courtesy of Heather Thielemann; Page 20: courtesy of Ravi Prakash

Meet Ravi Prakash, a NASA engineer from Texas City ISD who uses his education to explore the universe and help lift people out of poverty.

28

10

EVERYTHING ELSE 6 Calendar 8 Regional Roundup Page 10: photo by Jean Schlitzkus; Page 28: photo by John Kilpper; Page 14: ©iStock.com/Imgorthand

10 Spotlight

A West Texas educator connects with kids and defends educators through hip-hop.

12 Your Ally

Take note of your district’s resignation deadline before summer hits.

13 Your Voice

The 86th Texas legislative session proves that elections still matter.

14 Members Speak

An elementary school teacher discusses the problems of assigning homework to young students.

14

22 Public Perspectives on Education

View the results of a public perception poll conducted by Raise Your Hand Texas in our latest infographic.

28 2019 ATPE Summit

Get a glimpse of this year’s summit highlights, meet the 2019-20 state officer candidates, and learn more about what to expect at the 2019 House of Delegates.

35 PAC Honor Roll 37 ATPE News

Figure out which membership category to join for 2019-20.

ATPE’s eight regional membership specialists support members in their regions.

Learn who is in your region and how they can help.

43 Brain Break

ATPE NEWS 5

CALENDAR

June 11–14

16

State Board of Education meetings

Last day the governor may sign or veto bills from the regular session

17

ATPE Summit delegate certification and preregistration deadline

July 4

State office closed for Independence Day

17–19

2019 ATPE Summit in Houston

26

State office closed postATPE Summit

31

ATPE-PAC donation deadline to be recognized as a 2018-19 ATPE-PAC honoree 2018-19 ATPE membership year ends and professional liability insurance policy expires*

August 2019-20 ATPE membership year and professional liability insurance policy begins*

TRS Board of Trustees meeting

ATPESUMMIT.ORG

State Board for Educator Certification meeting

1

18–19 22

9–­11

Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday

September 2

State office closed for Labor Day

6–8 ATPE Board of Directors meetings

10–13 19–20 State Board of Education meetings

TRS Board of Trustees meeting

* 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.

6 ATPE NEWS

GROW PROFESSIONALLY THIS SUMMER 2019 Events in Texas The Annual Conference on Assessment & Grading June 19–21 | Austin, Texas Venue: Austin Convention Center Strengthen your approach to assessment and grading to ensure every student, regardless of background, is college and career ready.

Presenters: Cassandra Erkens, Angela Freese, Thomas R. Guskey, Robert J. Marzano, Tom Schimmer, Sarah Schuhl, Eric Twadell

Women in Education: Leading Perspectives Institute July 8–10 | San Antonio, Texas Venue: Grand Hyatt San Antonio Whether you are a leader wanting to hone your skills or an aspiring leader preparing to begin a new position, this event is for you. Connect to a community of women educators, hear high-impact talks, contribute to candid conversations, and participate in a learning lab offering a deep dive into topics that will help unlock your leadership potential.

Presenters: Jennifer Abrams, Thomasenia Lott Adams, Tina H. Boogren, Heather Friziellie, Tammy Heflebower, Jan K. Hoegh, Jane A. G. Kise, Sharon V. Kramer, Jasmine Kullar, Terri L. Martin, Karen Power, Julie A. Schmidt, Jeanne Spiller, Katie White

Professional Learning Communities at Work® Institute July 16–18 | San Antonio, Texas Venue: Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center Learn everything you need to know about the innovative PLC at Work® process from our world-renowned team of PLC experts.

Presenters: Luis F. Cruz, Jonathan G. Vander Els, Joseph A. Ianora, Mike Mattos, Maria Nielsen, Jamie Nino, Regina Stephens Owens, Sarah Schuhl, Eric Twadell

RESERVE YOUR SEATS TODAY

SolutionTree.com/Texas2019 | 855.880.4624

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 1

LEWISVILLE

5

4

MANSFIELD

2

WHITEHOUSE

YSLETA

3 BEAUMOUNT

Gulf of Mexic 6 HIDALGO

8 ATPE NEWS

From Across the State 1 A dress of art

4 Run for the whole family

Who says kids shouldn’t draw on clothing? For two weeks, art teacher Rebecca Bonner had her nearly 580 elementary students use sharpies and fabric markers to design a white dress she ordered from Amazon.

Students got really into the artwork and learned how to be respectful of each other’s work and to choose images their teacher would enjoy. Bonner liked it so much, she wore it twice, showing it off at a school-wide art show and then Lewisville ISD’s Art Show.

Arkansas

A new program at Brown Elementary is making great strides in fitness and family time. The Wildcat Walk-N-Run Warriors club encourages parents to join their children in a brief health lesson, followed by physical activity on an outdoor track. The extra time with friends and family means students learn how joyful exercise can be. The program has been so successful that organizers are planning to expand into other Whitehouse schools.

lisd.net

2 Teacher’s pet

whitehouseisd.org

earning through active 5 Lexperiences

Students don’t always get final say on whether to adopt a family pet, but that didn’t stop Ysleta ISD students from pitching in to help the El Paso Humane Society! For about a month, Del Valle area school counselors led a donation drive for items such as food and toys, which students hand-delivered to the shelter to provide comfort to animals as they await their forever homes.

Louisiana Photos courtesy of Charlece Lake, Ysleta ISD, Beaumont ISD, Whitehouse ISD, Mansfield ISD, and Hidalgo ISD

co

HEADLI N ES

yisd.net

3 Bedtime stories

Aiming to strengthen the connection between school and home while also promoting literacy, Beaumont principal Belinda George is trying something new: Each Tuesday night, clad in a onesie, she opens Facebook Live on the school’s page and begins to read a children’s book to whoever tunes in. George’s Tucked-In Tuesdays features animated character voices, questions to the students, and even optional quizzes—and it’s also fostered a newfound love of reading in her students. bmtisd.com

Imagine a place where children learn through interactive experiences that teach them the foundation of literacy and numeracy while building their social skills. The Jandrucko Academy for Early Learners is an innovative school for pre-K children that takes learning beyond the walls of a classroom. The facility features 16 distinct learning experiences, categorized into four themed pods: exploration, investigation, interaction, and navigation. Every experience touts color-rich murals on the wall with interactive fixtures that encourage hands-on learning. mansfieldisd.org

6 Future furnishings

A new woodcraft shop in Hidalgo ISD is providing furnishings for students with special needs in more ways than one. Dubbed the Pirates Plank, students learn building trade skills and how to work with their hands by crafting small furniture and other items. Students have already finished two work tables, a desk, and a picnic table. Future furnishings include a three-seat bench and a greenhouse. hidalgo-isd.org

ATPE NEWS 9

MIC CHECK! INTERVIEW AND PHOTO BY JEAN SCHLITZKUS INTERVIEW AND PHOTO BY JEAN SCHLITZKUS

“Look, I’m a millionaire, but I ain’t used nothin’ in my life that my teachers taught me.”

Those words kick off Jake Paul’s rap “My Teachers,” which has more than 16 million YouTube views. Some of those views came from Hawley ISD educator and ATPE member Matt Preston who, after hearing the song, decided he wasn’t going to ignore Jake’s insults. The result was a school-wide Teacher Appreciation Week video production that landed Matt, and Hawley (pop. 619), in the national news. Matt’s parody of “My Teachers” was so popular that Jake flew Matt to New York City to join him onstage where Jake ultimately apologized for dissing teachers.

10 ATPE NEWS

For Matt (AKA m.a.double), the positive response to the viral video is less about his music career and more about defending educators. He isn’t looking for fame as a hip-hop artist; he’s more interested in connecting with kids. The third-year special education inclusion teacher and coach says building authentic relationships with students and other educators is the key to success in schools.

ATPE talked with Matt about his music, his experiences as a new teacher and coach in a small school, and the connections between the two.

SPOTLIGHT

What is your experience as a hiphop artist?

In high school, some of my football buddies and I started making our own songs. Once I got into college, I made more songs and tied some of that music into my youth ministry work. Now I’m teaching and writing songs for pep rallies and the football team. Last May, Jake Paul put out a teacher diss track and it came up on my radar. As soon as I saw Jake’s video, I was already thinking of lyrics for my own response. Cort Arthur, Hawley’s computer teacher and a coach, set up the cameras and helped me shoot the video scenes with students. We posted on YouTube, and the right people shared the video.

Whoopi Goldberg talked about it on The View. It just blew me away.

YouTube image courtesy of Matt Preston

What are you trying to say with that song and video?

Jake Paul is a big social media influencer and has a huge following of, mostly, younger kids. He made a teacher diss about how he didn’t like school.

And, in a way, I understood because I see kids every day who feel like school is not for them. Jake obviously had that experience and made a song about how the stuff he was taught wasn’t useful. I made a response defending teachers. We don’t always have a say about what we teach because curriculum is state-mandated. But curriculum is just a small part of what teaching is. Like I say in the song, having the ability to intervene in a kid’s life when they don’t have a role model or don’t have parents involved in their lives is important. I wanted to defend teachers who put a ton of effort and energy into being a positive influence in kids’ lives and don’t just teach curriculum. My grandad was a teacher and a coach for nearly 40 years. I wanted to defend teachers like him who give their whole lives to it.

Matt’s parody includes the lyrics “I may not count stacks or drive a Cadillac, but I do it for the kids and they know that’s a fact.”

How important is it to broaden the ways we interact with students?

It was fun making the music video.

Just getting kids in a different environment and doing something they don’t necessarily expect can really help them.

Sometimes it ends up being awkward, but you just have to take those risks. We didn’t know if the music video was going to work when we recorded it, but it ended up working out really well. You have to put yourself out there a little bit. That moment may be one of the most memorable things the students do.

Do you have plans to create more hip-hop?

My hip-hop work has definitely been on the back burner, but when I feel inspired to write, I’ll try to find some time. I also feel that my teaching is making just as much, if not more, of an impact than my music. If an opportunity presents itself, then I might pursue creating more music, but I don’t feel like I need to do more than I already am.

What is it like teaching in a small school?

In a big school, it’s not as easy to know every student. There are just over 200

students in our high school and nobody goes unseen. You still have to make an effort; otherwise, students who are shy can feel unnoticed. But as a teacher, you don’t have any excuse to not know everyone. It comes down to making an effort to learn their names and get to know them. Hawley is small enough to feel like a family. That doesn’t mean there aren’t family issues that get messy, as all families experience, but there’s the potential to be really connected to each other.

What skills make you well-suited for being an educator and coach?

I’ve been working on the relational side of things since I was doing youth ministry, and that definitely carried over to working in Hawley. I focus on building relationships with kids. They respect me and are interested in what I have to say, and I can challenge them.

I know the kids are going to make mistakes, but I don’t want them to feel like they have to hide mistakes around me. I want them to feel like they can be transparent and real.

Any advice for first-year educators?

The biggest thing is to be yourself. If you’re not authentic, kids pick up on it Continued on page 40

ATPE NEWS 11

YOUR ALLY

Summer Resignation Deadlines

W

BY SYLVIA MARTINEZ-HALEY ATPE Staff Attorney

12 ATPE NEWS

ith another school year done, it’s time does not have to release you from your contract. to hit the pool until August rolls Unfortunately, this process can be time consumaround. Well, not quite. You may ing and may impact pending job offers. have to make a final decision as to where you will If you leave a contract after the deadline without work next year before you find yourself relaxing board permission, you will be “abandoning” your poolside. contract and will be subject to a sanction from the Do you have another job offer, or are you plan- State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) unning to move? Early summer is your final opportu- less you had “good cause” to leave. SBEC has deternity to exit a contract without the need for board mined that “good cause” exists when an educator permission. Now is the time to finalize contract leaves due to: serious illness in the educator or their decisions before getting locked into an employ- family, relocation to another city due to a job transment contract. fer of the educator’s spouse or partner with whom Professional educators, such as teachers, coun- the educator resides, or a significant change in the selors, and administrators, who are employed in educator’s family needs that requires relocation school districts are required to have employment or more time off than allowed by current employcontracts. These contracts genment. Unfortunately, SBEC does erally guarantee employment not consider a promotion, a pay for at least a year, and an emraise, or a position closer to home ployer must have cause to teras good cause reasons. Barring DO YOU HAVE ANOTHER good cause, SBEC normally will minate employment during the contract term. While a contract JOB OFFER, OR ARE YOU suspend educator certification can offer job protection and stafor a one-year period for contract PLANNING TO MOVE? bility, it can also tie you down.

EARLY SUMMER IS YOUR abandonment. This may prohibit Even if you have signed a new work, including substitute work, FINAL OPPORTUNITY contract for the new year, you with any public school in Texas.

TO EXIT A CONTRACT can resign without needing disBefore checking out for sumtrict permission until 45 calen- WITHOUT THE NEED FOR mer, take note of your district’s dar days before the first instrucpenalty-free resignation deadBOARD PERMISSION. tional day. This is when students line, and note that the 45-calenreturn to class, not the first workday. This deadline dar day deadline includes weekends. Always be allows you the flexibility to make changes for the sure to confirm your deadline with your human next year while giving school districts a reason- resources department. If you choose to resign, able opportunity to fill vacancies. After this dead- make sure you comply with your district’s proceline passes, you are locked into your employment dures. Send your letter to the appropriate person contract and may no longer resign without school (usually your superintendent) with a courtesy board permission unless you have “good cause.” copy to your principal, and obtain proof of your If another district makes an offer, you may accept submission by mailing a resignation letter via the new contract as long as you resign from your registered or certified mail. Email will generally current contract by your current district’s penal- not suffice. For educators working for non-ISD ty-free resignation deadline. If a dream job offer employers such as charter schools, resignation comes in after this deadline passes, you should options will depend strictly on contract terms. not enter into a new contract unless you request and are granted a release from your contract from The legal information provided here is accurate as your school board or superintendent. Principals of the date of publication. It is provided for generdo not have the authority to grant releases. al purposes only. Individual legal situations vary A common district response is that the release greatly, and readers needing individual legal advice will not be granted until a suitable replacement is should consult directly with an attorney. Eligible found. There is no timeline for a district to secure ATPE members may contact the ATPE Member a replacement. If one cannot be found, the district Legal Services Department.

YOUR VOICE

Elections Still Matter

W

BY JENNIFER MITCHELL ATPE Governmental Relations Director

hen this magazine hits your mailbox, student safety being declared emergency issues. the 86th Texas Legislature probably Both chambers agreed to budget an extra $9 bilwill have gone home for a nice, long lion for public education and property tax relief. break—we hope. As I write this column, it’s too Not a single bill was filed to restrict educators’ soon to predict whether this session will have payroll deduction rights. Educator pay raises were produced wins for education from some of the so popular that the main debates were about how high-profile bills being debated, such as an im- much and for whom. Vouchers were barely a blip proved school finance system, a pay raise for on the legislative radar. hardworking educators, school safety measures, What produced such an attitude shift over the and more money for teacher pensions. The House span of only two years? The 2018 elections saw and Senate agreed to add billions in addition- hardline anti-public education officeholders lose al public education funding to the budget, but their seats to more moderate public school supthey’re mulling competing proposals for how to porters from both parties. Candidates who respend those dollars. Failure to compromise by lied on wealthy extremist groups like Empower Memorial Day could trigger a special session.

Texans (known for their intimidation propaganda Here’s what we know for sure: Elections mat- aimed at silencing educators) to fund their camter. You’ve heard this dozens of times. ATPE uses paigns suffered ignominious defeats. Even those it to urge you to vote during election season. who retained their offices by narrower-than-exLegislators invoke it during floor speeches be- pected margins took notice of the power of an fore watching bills they care about pass or fail on engaged education community. party-line votes. It’s more than a catchphrase. It But keep your champagne corked. The fight to encapsulates the shift we’ve seen during this leg- restore respect for educators is not over. Some legislative session. islators want to single out educaIt also reminds us how much ELECTIONS MATTER. tors with harsh new restrictions more work there is to do. on their rights to free speech IT’S MORE THAN Last legislative session, merely and political involvement in an A CATCHPHRASE. two years ago, Gov. Greg Abbott obvious reaction to 2018. Both and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick prioriSen. Pat Fallon, who tried to disIT ENCAPSULATES tized legislation to take away edtance himself from his Empower THE SHIFT WE’VE ucators’ right to voluntarily deTexans campaign contributions SEEN DURING THIS duct association dues from their and endorsements while courtpaychecks (which was being done LEGISLATIVE SESSION. ing educator votes during the last at no cost to taxpayers), even forcelection, and Sen. Bryan Hughes, ing lawmakers to consider the issue during a spe- an author of the discriminatory payroll deduction cial session. The biggest school finance proposal bills we fought in 2017, filed bills this session to of 2017, a House bill calling for an additional $1.9 prevent educators from communicating about billion for public education, suffocated after Lt. elections at school and limit their ability to teach Gov. Patrick refused to let senators negotiate it students about civics and the legislative process— because the House failed to pass private school even threatening criminal penalties for violators! vouchers. The only “pay raise” proposal supportWe hope to finish this legislative session withed by Senate leadership was an unfunded man- out such anti-educator bills passing, and we hope date bill requiring school districts to find money educators send an even louder message during in their existing budgets to give teachers a $1,000 the 2020 elections to dissuade lawmakers from bonus. filing or voting for these types of bills in upcomThe 2019 legislative session, however, start- ing sessions. ed with school finance reform, teacher pay, and Elections still matter.

ATPE NEWS 13

MEMBERS SPEAK

An End to Homework FRANCISCA GARCIA, WESLACO ISD

E

very fall, as I get ready for yet another school year, one question crosses my mind: to give homework or not to give homework? I ponder this because I am reminded of my students’ responses throughout my years of teaching: “I didn’t know we had homework due today.” “I forgot it at home.” “I didn’t have time to finish it. Can I bring it tomorrow?” Years of hearing these responses has made me rethink assigning homework altogether. Children only have one thing in mind when they get home, and completing what seems to them “mounds” of extra work is not one of their top priorities. Homework should not exist in elementary levels.

For decades now, there has been debate on whether homework serves as a learning tool that extends from the classroom and into the home. Teachers, administrators, and parents believe that assigning homework will help students academically and often assign it solely for that purpose. In my experience, though, this is not the case. My high-achieving students remain high achieving, while my struggling students remain struggling. What is beneficial about assigning homework? Alfie Kohn, author of The Homework Myth, states that there is no research that supports the idea that homework is beneficial in elementary school. Other researchers join him in saying that assigning homework proves beneficial at

the high school level, somewhat beneficial at the middle school level, and not beneficial at all at the elementary level. This leaves me wondering why we keep assigning homework in the elementary school setting.

Many believe that homework serves as a tool to teach students responsibility. Homework allows for children to develop organizational skills and gives them the opportunity to learn self-discipline and take responsibility for their own learning.

In my classroom this past year, when I asked students to turn in homework, several of my fourth graders said, “I left it on my bed,” “I couldn’t find it,” or “My mom didn’t put it in my backpack.”

I question whether homework really serves to teach students responsibility. At an elementary age, students need a constant reminder that they have homework assignments to complete. This reminder defeats the purpose of using homework as a tool to teach responsibility to a student.

In The Homework Myth, Kohn says we ask our students to go home and work a second shift.

After working at school all day, they still have to go home and continue working for two to five extra hours in order to complete homework assignments. When do my students have time for all this homework? How do they

 Are you an ATPE member with a story to tell? Email comm@atpe.org for Members Speak guidelines.

14 ATPE NEWS

continued on page 40

©iStock.com/Imgorthand

Francisca Garcia is an elementary teacher in Weslaco ISD.

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Members can still choose payroll deduction at the regular rates. State dues for members paying via payroll deduction are as follows: Professional—$175/year; Associate—$90 per year.

ATPE NEWS 15

Engineering Cur

W BY LESLIE TRAHAN

16 ATPE NEWS

Can you share a little about what you do at NASA?

I am a systems engineer, which is sort of like a jack-of-all-trades, master of none. We have a lot of engineers who focus on their particular gadget, and my job is to take a step back and make sure all the gadgets are fitting together in the way they should. If someone says we need a bigger parachute to land a spaceship on Mars, I figure out all the ripple effects of that design. I am currently helping to operate the InSight spacecraft, which landed on Mars this past November. This mission is going to help us understand how rocky planets, including Earth, formed.

iosity

How did you decide to pursue engineering as a career?

My whole life I wanted to be a doctor, just like my dad. I never considered anything else, and it wasn’t until my senior year of high school that I realized doctors work really hard. My dad took calls late at night and went to work on the weekends to help save lives. That was not the life for me, but at that point I had no idea what I wanted to do other than be a doctor. I talked to my parents’ friends and asked, “What else is there?” The answer I kept hearing was that an easier way to make a lot of money was to go into business. So, I went to NYU for business school and quickly realized that, for me, it wasn’t exciting.

The things I was excited about were science and math. I always knew that, but it took a class at NYU called Einstein’s Universe to make me realize I have a passion for science. That class really captured me, and also reminded me how much I enjoyed visiting the Johnson Space Center in Houston as a kid. At that point I realized I wanted to be an astronaut. I switched from business to aerospace engineering and transferred to UT Austin. It wound up being one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. From UT Austin, I went on to Georgia Institute of Technology and then to NASA.

INTERVIEW BY LESLIE TRAHAN

ATPE talked to Prakash about the value of hard work, what it’s like to explore the universe, and how Texas public schools helped him succeed.

What is your favorite part of your job?

The people I get to work with are amazing. I work with people all over the world with different backgrounds, and we all have this common goal—to explore the universe and answer questions that humankind has wondered since the dawn of time. Is there life on other planets? How did we get here? The work we do at NASA is truly unique.

My particular NASA center is called the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. We focus on robotic exploration. All the other NASA centers focus on getting humans to space. But we send robots, which means we get to take more risks and go beyond Earth. We have visited every planet in our solar system. We even have spacecraft that have gone beyond our solar system. It’s really fun and unique that we get to see things that no one has ever seen before. I got to be one of the first people to see the first pictures from the Curiosity rover and InSight lander, and to me, that’s really special.

Photo by Brian Schratz

Ravi Prakash doesn’t believe in problems that are too big to solve. Prakash, who grew up 30 miles from the Johnson Space Center in Houston and attended Texas City public schools, now works as an engineer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California. As part of the team that landed Curiosity on Mars, Prakash is fascinated by the mysteries of the universe— but he doesn’t let his interest in celestial bodies get in the way of his care for humanity.

Prakash has used his engineering background not only to advance our understanding of the universe but to help solve problems right here at home. In addition to his time at NASA, Prakash has worked as an engineer for global nonprofits that help lift people out of poverty.

What was your experience like attending public school in Texas?

I had some amazing teachers, especially in math and science. Mr. Tom Prouty and Mrs. Kay Potts kept me engaged in their classes

ATPE NEWS 17

and excited about learning. I was really lucky to have teachers who made learning fun. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

I’m a big fan of the public school system in general.

No one would doubt that we could make improvements to it, but I believe completely in having a diverse school system that brings people with all different backgrounds together. We learn a lot more when we have people who are different around us.

What would you say to students who struggle to understand what they want to do in life?

How can teachers help their students succeed?

We only learn if we are motivated to learn. Part of what makes a teacher’s job so difficult is that people are motivated by different things, so they need to find creative ways to motivate all their students to learn. This is much easier said than done. It can be hard to help students connect the dots and understand why what they are learning is important.

I remember wondering why I had to learn certain things in school, but if I knew it was practical, I was more engaged in the topic. I also think it’s important to make lessons fun. I remember one high school lesson where we broke into groups of four to drop an egg off the football stadium with the goal of not having it break. I had no

WANNA BRING NASA TO YOUR CLASSROOM? Try these resources.

18 ATPE NEWS

idea why we were doing this. All I knew was that we were having fun. But it turned out I was learning to design, prototype, and experiment. I was learning to fail.

Why do you think it’s so important for students to learn to fail?

I took a break from working at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory for three years to work for nonprofits where we designed tools to help lift people out of poverty. That’s where I learned the true value of failure. We would go to different parts of the world, and our designs never worked the first time we tried them. We expected this, but others would see the failure as a negative. After learning what worked well and what didn’t, we would iterate on the design until we had a working prototype, something we couldn’t have done so quickly if we were afraid of failing. At my nonprofit, IDEO.org, we had a saying, “Fail early to succeed sooner.”

In my job, I fail much more than I succeed. It takes a lot of failed designs to get to a working one. When our missions fail, we learn so much more than we do from successful ones because we have to really diagnose every single part of the failure to understand what went wrong. We don’t spend as much time analyzing something when it’s successful. In many ways, failure is a great teacher.

Learn more about Mars InSight and find valuable resources for the classroom: mars.nasa.gov/ insight/participate/ classroom-activities/

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory offers professional development for educators:

Kids can learn more about Mars exploration and have fun in the process:

jpl.nasa.gov/edu/ teach/workshops/

mars.nasa.gov/ participate/funzone/

Photo by Christopher Kuhl

Deciding what you want to be when you grow up is one of the hardest decisions for a lot of people. I thought it was an easy one for me until I decided I didn’t want to be a doctor anymore. And all of a sudden it became a really hard decision. Find what you are passionate about because then you will be willing to work hard for it. Figure out the path to get there, and then do it.

Whatever you want to do, you have to be ready for hard work. Even when I was in kindergarten, my parents instilled the value of hard work in me. I was never the smartest student; I just outworked everybody else. That work ethic continued in college and even at NASA, where I felt like everybody else was smarter than me so my only option was to work harder. That’s what got me to where I am today.

FUNDING YOUR CLASSROOM

BY ELIZABETH EVANS, GRANTS OFFICE LLC

Every teacher has projects that they would love to make happen in their classroom, and grants can be a great way to find funding to support your goals. Ever wondered how to find a grant and apply for it? We’ve got all the info you need to get started!

ATPE NEWS 19

TYPES OF FUNDING Looking for grant funding for classroom projects can be a complicated process. Where to look for that funding depends on what you are hoping to accomplish and project scale (e.g., the number of students benefiting, total project budget).

There are three main types of grants that provide funding for classrooms, schools, and districts: foundation grants, federal grants, and state grants.

FOUNDATION GRANTS can range anywhere from a couple hundred dollars to $25,000 to $50,000, although most will likely be in the range of several thousand dollars. As these awards tend to be smaller in amount, they are best for smaller, single-classroom projects, such as an individual teacher hoping to purchase calculators for their classroom.

FEDERAL GRANTS may provide several hundred thousand dollars of funding (or more) and are thus more appropriate for large-scale projects. District-wide initiatives are usually a good fit for federal funding options because they involve more students, and increased funding is required to accomplish project goals.

STATE GRANTS fall somewhere in the middle, with funding that can range between tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars. The funding opportunities could be relevant to an initiative at either a single school or multiple schools.

WHERE TO LOOK FOR FUNDING FOUNDATION GRANTS are perhaps the hardest area for new grant seekers to find relevant opportunities. There are a few free databases or listservs that one might stumble across, but for these free ones, the quality of content isn’t always the best. In this instance, that old adage holds true: “You get what you pay for.” The quality clearinghouse databases for foundation funding are almost always behind a paywall.

The Foundation Center’s directory of foundation funders is a great resource, but it comes with a price tag (fconline. foundationcenter.org). Thankfully, many libraries will maintain a subscription to this database so that organizations in their community can have access to the knowledge inside! Have a chat with your local research librarian to see if your location has a subscription or if they can connect you to a nearby library system that does. From there, the librarian should be able to help narrow funder prospecting results based on who is making grants in your area and for what purpose. It’s always a nice surprise when you uncover a grant maker who is just up the road!

FEDERAL GRANTS are best searched for at grants.gov.

You might find some opportunities from the Department of Education, but other agencies also offer grants throughout the year that might align to education and training within your areas of interest. For example, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Environmental Protection Agency both have environmental education grants for which districts are eligible.

The US Department of Agriculture has a grant supporting distance learning initiatives for rural, low-income communities, as well as a grant supporting agriculture education. The National Science Foundation frequently funds partnerships between districts and higher education research faculty members studying best practices within STEM education.

STATE GRANTS can be found by perusing state agency websites to see what is available.

Fortunately, the Texas Education Agency is rife with funding opportunities. You can search for options direcly on their website at tea4avoswald.tea.state.tx.us/GrantOpportunities/ forms/GrantProgramSearch.aspx.

For more information on how to seek grants, check out the Grants Office webcasts at grantsoffice.info/webcasts.aspx.

20 ATPE NEWS

WRITING A GRANT PROPOSAL You’ve done it! Your school or district has selected the perfect grant opportunity. Now it’s time to sit down and write that winning proposal. But where do you start, and what should be included in your grant application?

First and foremost, check the program announcement or website to see if the funder has provided a specific application form or list of questions. Be sure to follow directions fully and completely. As for the application narrative itself, most funders require similar information.

If they have not provided a specific format, the following narrative components provide a good structure for articulating your project.

Need

• A description of the need addressed by the project.

Document any recent issues, shortcomings, or challenge areas. This need should be aligned with the funder’s reason for offering the grant opportunity.

• An independent justification establishing the need. Add information from your district or provide other local, regional, and statewide data. Funders love to see data backing up the existence of your stated problem area.

• Other contextual drivers for implementing the project.

Add information from other schools or districts that highlight your current need.

Approach

•A concise description of the project. Add details here on the nature and scope of the project.

• Advantages over other alternative solutions. Discuss what other approaches you have considered at your school or district and why you chose the solution you did.

Outcomes

• Narrative description of benefits that you expect the project to bring. Relate the outcomes you expect to see based on implementation of the project to your initial discussion of needs.

• You may include a chart further detailing expected outcomes, suggested indicators, targets, and timeframes.

Share specific measurements that you will report to the funder at the end of the funding period.

Future Funding/Sustainability

• Articulate your plan for how your district will budget to ensure the continued maintenance of the program or project after the funder’s initial investment ends.

• If you are requesting support to pilot an initiative, detail specific plans for using data gathered during the pilot to improve forthcoming efforts as well as funding future rollout to a wider audience.

FOR MAXIMIZING GRANT SUCCESS DO YOUR HOMEWORK! Learn as much as possible about the grant program and the funder before you apply.

USE RECENT LOCAL AND REGIONAL DATA to illustrate trends or identify “challenge” areas within your community.

INCLUDE SMART GOALS. They should be specific, measurable, achievable, results-focused, and time-bound.

GRANTS FUND PROJECTS, NOT PRODUCTS. Start with your projects’ needs and objectives, then emphasize how the project you are requesting funding for will help you accomplish specific activities.

TALK TO VENDORS rather than pulling prices for grant-funded items off the internet. Quotes provided in the budget will be more accurate, and vendors can help make sure you’re including everything that is necessary.

PROVIDE A DETAILED BUDGET justification.

Be sure to connect each line item to a specific activity that will help you accomplish your goals.

DON’T INCLUDE MATERIALS BEYOND those specifically requested by the funder. They have enough to read, and extra materials can detract from your message.

START EARLY! Funders like specific details about how their money is going to be spent. You’ll have more flexibility if you’re not applying at the last minute.

GET AN OUTSIDE SET OF EYES to edit your proposal and provide feedback. If your draft makes sense to someone who isn’t intimately familiar with the project or your school, odds are good that it will make sense to the funder, too.

FOLLOW DIRECTIONS! Funders specify page limits, which attachments to include, font type and size, paper margins, and section headings for a reason.

Inability to adhere to these requirements gives the funder an easy reason to disqualify your proposal.

ATPE NEWS 21

Public Perspectives on Education W

e know by now what Texas public school employees think about issues such as school funding, testing, and compensation.

We’ve also seen the discourse about public education increase as a whole. So, what do Texans think about the state of our schools?

In this infographic, we share the results of a public perception poll conducted in January 2019 by education advocacy group Raise Your Hand Texas. This poll explores everyday Texans’ opinions on the most pressing issues affecting public school educators and students.

Take a look! You might be surprised by what you learn.

85%

TEST

26% 3%

72% 12%

3%

✓= $

7 8 9 10 11 12

Do you think the state should pay teachers more?

Do you support or oppose standardized testing like STAAR as a measure of accountability for our public schools?

■ Yes ■ No ■ Don’t know/refused

■ Oppose ■ Support ■ Don’t know/refused

Which of the following do you think is the most important first step to improve the quality of Texas public schools?

1 2 3 4 5 6

78% OPPOSE 19% SUPPORT KNOW/ 2% DON’T REFUSED

Do you support or oppose increases in public school funding tied to student performance on state standardized tests, where higher test scores mean more money for a school campus?

25%

20%

18%

Increase Teacher Pay

Reduced Emphasis on Testing

More Parental Involvement

Note: Percentages are rounded to the nearest decimal and may not add up to 100%.

22 ATPE NEWS

A

B

35%

33%

C

20%

D

F

4%

Don’t Know/ Refused

3%

5%

On a scale of A to F, with A being exemplary, and F being failing, if you were to grade the teachers in your local community, what grade would you give them?

71 %

21 %

8%

Do you believe there is or is not enough money being spent on education in the state of Texas? ■ Not enough ■ Spending enough ■ Don’t know/refused

On a scale of A to F, with A being exemplary in terms of preparing students for college and a career, and F being failing, what grade would you give the public school nearest you (the school in your neighborhood or the one your child attends)?

Who do you think bears responsibility for improving public education?

A 26% B 27% C 19% D 13% F 10%

Don’t know/ refused 4%

12%

7%

6%

Reduced Class Size

Fewer Administrators

More Pre-K/ Early Childhood

42

%

State legislature and governor

5% Adequate Textbooks/ Classroom Supplies

ocal school district 21% Lboard/administration 19% Parents and students 9% The federal government principals 6% Sandchoolteachers 2% Don’t know/refused

5%

2%

Improve Technology

Something Else/ Don’t Know

To see the entire poll, visit RaiseYourHandTexas.org/2019poll.

ATPE NEWS 23

CHANGING THE

GAME

Nestled among rolling hills and abundant wildflowers in the spring, and smack dab in the middle of Houston and Austin, Brenham overflows with history and community pride. Not only is the town close to the Washington-on-the-Brazos historic site where the Texas Declaration of Independence was

24 ATPE NEWS

signed in 1836, Brenham ISD was the first public school district established in Texas in 1875—a point of pride for the townspeople.

Perhaps you know Brenham because of Blue Bell or Blinn College. But locals also know Brenham as the home of the GameChangers.

I by

SARAH GRAY

n 2013, a group of Brenham citizens attended the Texas High School Coaches Association conference, where they saw a video addressing fatherless homes in the United States. The video posed a simple question: Are you willing to do what it takes to change the game? It struck a chord with the group, who recognized that children in their own community could benefit from more positive role models. Heather Thielemann remembers asking her fellow attendees on the way back home to Brenham, “What now?”

“We’ve got to do something with this,” Thielemann, cofounder and president of the Brenham GameChangers, said at the time. “We can’t just go back to our jobs and do nothing.”

That simple realization led to the birth of the Brenham GameChangers. Ask anyone involved with the organization to describe their movement, and they will probably tell you the same thing: “We are a team of “ We have passion for people who has changed our our community and attitude to make a difference.” for the young people “We have passion for our who live here.” community and for the young people who live here,” ex— Kaylee Roznovsky plains Kaylee Roznovsky, Brenham GameChangers a third-grade teacher who handles social media for GameChangers. “We come from different backgrounds, and each of us has our own ‘why.’ But each of us, when you get down to our core, needs grace, hope, and faith, which is all we are trying to extend to others.”

GameChangers weaves through many fabrics of the Brenham community, meeting children where they are and aiming to fill the gap in character education, practical life skills, and funds for extracurricular activities. ATPE spoke with members of the GameChangers to find out what makes their unique movement work.

STARTING WITH THE CORE Brenham high school students participate in mock interview sessions with help from the GameChangers and other community members.

The foundation of GameChangers lies within the schools, primarily through implementing the Core Essential Values curriculum. Each month, elementary students learn a new “value word.” When a student demonstrates that value, a teacher can hand out a “value-able” card for a free meal at a local restaurant. During April, the word was “hope.”

ATPE NEWS 25

“The Core Essentials are what leads students into thinking about things they can do for people,” says Roznovsky. “Even if you don’t need to be constantly thinking about hope because you have it, you might need to shed light on someone else and help them have hope. It’s them taking ownership of these Core Essentials and knowing they can put them into practice and help other people experience them.”

High schoolers are getting in on the core action as well.

Steve Puckett coaches football and track at Brenham High School, sits on the board for GameChangers, and teaches Peer Assistance and Leadership (PAL). His PAL students excel at demonstrating core values.

“PAL 1 students mentor younger students from elementary through middle school age,” explains Puckett. “They do that in addition to the Core Essential Values. Our PAL 1 class puts up signs all around the high school with quotes so that every time a kid is walking down the hallway, they’re going to see some sort of sign that deals with whatever the core value is that month as encouragement.”

PAL 2 students go even further by getting local businesses involved, thanks to the PEACE (Public Education Ambassadors for Community Engagement) Program, which is supported by the GameChangers and the Washington County Chamber. Nearly 25 local businesses are involved with the program. PAL 2 students meet with business leaders to discuss how to implement the core values.

“My students actually sit down and conduct an interview with that business owner and talk about ways the business can incorporate that core value externally with customers, whether it be signs on the door or table cards with quotes.

They also talk about how that business can encourage that core value internally among staff,” says Puckett.

Puckett adds that not only does his PAL class learn how to speak to adults, but the employees gain something, too.

“They talk about how much it meant to them and their staff to have these kids come in and do this and the positive energy that their business has now because of this program.”

The connection between students and businesses helped embed GameChangers in the community. “Now we’re starting to see kids knowing these values and living them out,” says Thielemann. “We’re planting seeds.”

LEARNING HOW TO ADULT

How can you expect a child to know what they’ve never been taught? GameChangers aims to solve this question by hosting events such as mock interviews and etiquette dinners.

“It’s those practical things we take for granted sometimes, that we think every kid gets from their mom or dad,” says Dr. Walter Jackson, superintendent of Brenham ISD and a GameChangers board member. Jackson joined the district in 2015, and one of his first stakeholder meetings was with the founders of GameChangers. He recalls being “blown away” by their mission and vision. “GameChangers has 26 ATPE NEWS

During one of the etiquette dinner events, students learn everything from table manners to how to properly hold each utensil. afforded all of our kids a more equal footing,” he adds.

Fellow board member Michael Groves echoes Jackson’s sentiments. Groves has managed several successful companies and helped create the organization’s mock interview training using his contacts in the area. He recalls seeing people show up for interviews unprepared. GameChangers realized that most people have not been taught how to interview, especially students right out of school. Groves felt obligated to help those who may not receive the preparation they need at home.

“I grew up with two parents, and I always knew I was going to college,” Groves says. “Not everybody has that, and there’s too many kids who just fall through the cracks. Anything we can do to help seal some of those cracks, I think we need to try to do. We wanted to have kids go through as real of an interview process as they could, so that when they actually sat down for an interview, they would be more comfortable.”

The confidence students gain is palpable. They also get introduced to prominent community members who may

Photos courtesy of Heather Thielemann

Brenham Junior High School student Sofia Martinez receives a $1,000 scholarship from the GameChangers to attend the National Youth Leadership Forum.

From left to right: Principal Bryan Bryant, Brenham GameChangers President Heather Thielemann, BGC2 Committee Member Pam Richardson, Sofia Martinez, BGC2 Committee Member Misti Davis, and BJHS AVID Teacher Jenny Schaer. be able to assist them down the road. Putting students in a position to succeed extends to the etiquette dinners GameChangers hosts. Here, students learn everything they need to know about attending a business dinner or luncheon, including how to dress, when to put cell phones away, which fork to use, and where napkins go.

“A young man came up to me and said he’d never used a fork and knife before, and he was always embarrassed to ask,” Thielemann remembers. “It choked me up! Here he was learning how to hold it the American way, the European way. They also learn how to calculate tip. It’s all about meeting them where they are.”

Some of Jackson’s favorite GameChangers moments have happened at etiquette dinners. He likes to say that his middle name is “Service” because he believes it’s vital that the students see adults modeling service and leadership.

“When we teach our students etiquette, I put on the bow tie, white shirt, and apron, and I serve them,” Jackson

explains. “I felt humbled when I was able to walk around and serve the students as they were learning how to handle etiquette. We know there are not a whole lot of times they’re going to need to do that, but you never know when you’re going to put a kid in a position like that, and it saves them from social embarrassment. We’re teaching kids life skills and how to interact with various layers of society.”

FUNDING THE EXTRACURRICULARS

The town of Brenham, and Washington County as a whole, is buzzing with festivals, Little League games, and other after-school and community happenings. Because of this, GameChangers made funding scholarships for extracurricular activities for the town’s students its next focal point.

They have awarded $10,000 in scholarships since fall 2018.

“We have so many extracurricular things going on,” explains Roznovsky. “Most of the time, it’s the same group of continued on page 40

ATPE NEWS 27

JU LY 17–19 | MARRIO T T MARQ U IS AT P E SUM M I T.O RG

BLAST OFF TO HOUSTON FOR THE 2019 ATPE SUMMIT!

28 ATPE NEWS

WHAT’S IN STORE FOR THE 2019 ATPE SUMMIT? PROFESSIONAL BREAKOUTS

Earn up to six hours of continuing professional education (CPE) at this year’s summit, with sessions on topics such as promoting your school through social media, inspiring literacy in children, and teaching self-care to educators and students.

HOUSE OF DELEGATES

Delegates will elect the 2019-20 ATPE state officers, vote on important ATPE agenda items, and shape ATPE’s legislative priorities for the upcoming year.

EVENING EVENTS

A welcome reception at the hotel’s famous Texas-shaped lazy river, a rootin’-tootin’ Old Westthemed party (yes, there’s even a mechanical bull), and a chance to attend an Astros vs. Texas Rangers baseball game—oh my!

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

The keynote speaker event is back this year! Join award-winning Texas principal Todd Nesloney for an inspiring keynote centered on the belief of doing whatever it takes to help students.

VOLUNTEER TRAINING SESSIONS

We’ve got sessions on running your local unit like a well-oiled machine, along with a few new presentations—more university student sessions, testing your knowledge about recent changes to ATPE, social media training, and how to help grow the association without being an officer.

WELCOME TO H-TOWN

The Marriott Marquis hotel is situated in the heart of downtown Houston located across the street from the vibrant 12-acre urban park, Discovery Green Park. High-end shopping, such as the Bayou Place shopping mall, and Houston’s theater district can be accessed via the METRORail lines, while Minute Maid Park and the Toyota Center are located about a mile from the hotel. In addition, the hotel boasts a wide selection of dining. Or consider stepping out into H-Town to try out restaurants like Kulture for some southern comfort food or Grotto for Neapolitan-style Italian food.

DON’T MISS OUT ON THE BIGGEST AND BEST ATPE EVENT OF THE YEAR! Your local unit president will handle your registration, so reach out to them about attending. Housing and registration close June 17.

QUESTIONS?

For more information and to see a full agenda, visit atpesummit.org.

ATPE NEWS 29

YOUR ATPE STATE OFFICER CANDIDATES 2019-20 state officer candidates will deliver speeches outlining their skills, backgrounds, qualifications, and philosophies beginning at 9 a.m. on Thursday, July 18, during the House of Delegates meeting. Delegates will then cast their votes from 10:15 a.m to 1 p.m. on that same day, at the official polling place at the Marriott Marquis Houston. Only certified delegates may vote.

GET TO KNOW THE CANDIDATES ONLINE All candidates had the opportunity to create short videos responding to questions about their qualifications and vision. Any submitted candidate videos will be posted at atpesummit.org/candidates after May 30.

PRESIDENT

Tonja Gray

ATPE LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE: State vice president, treasurer, and secretary; Region 14 secretary, vice president, president, past president, and director; Abilene local unit president; member of the state Professional Rights and Responsibilities, Legislative, Membership, Finance, Governance, and Advocacy Committees; Hawley ATPE founding officer, president, and past president; Abilene ATPE membership chair, first vice president, and campus rep ATPE RECOGNITION: Coeditor of Newsletter of the Year Award-winning newsletter; officer of Newsletter of the Year Awardwinning local unit; officer of two Green Apple Award-winning local units; William B. Travis honoree; Stephen F. Austin honoree; ATPE-PAC Statesman CURRENT POSITION: K-5 Literacy Success teacher in Abilene ISD OTHER LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE: Member of the TEA Teacher Standards Advisory Committee, the Reagan Elementary SBCC Committee, the Governor’s School Safety Stakeholder Round Table, campus Lighthouse Advisory team, Abilene Community Theatre Board of Directors, Alpha Chi Honor Society, Kappa Delta Pi Education Honor Society, Golden Key International Honour Society, and the Texas Educator Certification Examination Committee: Texas Examination Framework Review Science of Teaching Reading; Hawley ISD Support Person of the Year; secretary, founder, and chairman of board of directors for Center for Theatre Education at Abilene Community Theatre; member, community advisor, and alumni board member for Omicron Delta Chapter of APO Service Fraternity; lead teacher, former member, and director of Ballet Élevé at Turning Pointe Dance Academy; master’s degree in curriculum and instruction (triple literacy); certified literacy coach; secretary of the Republican Women of the Big Country YEARS IN ATPE: 26 YEARS IN EDUCATION: 31

30 ATPE NEWS

VICE PRESIDENT Jimmy Lee

ATPE LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE: State treasurer and secretary; Region 8 director; member of the Best Practices, Bylaws, Legislative, Membership, Public Information, and Political Action Committees; chair of the Governance Committee; chair of the Finance Committee; treasurer of a Local Unit of the Year Award winner; campus representative; vice president of Paris local unit ATPE RECOGNITION: Ben Shilcutt Plus Club; William B. Travis honoree CURRENT POSITION: Substitute teacher in Millsap ISD OTHER LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE: High school principal and assistant principal, junior high school principal and assistant principal, and elementary principal; football and basketball coach; mentor teacher; Region 8 Assistant Principal of the Year; member of the Instructional Leadership and District of Innovation Teams at Millsap ISD; Fellowship of Christian Athletes sponsor; Student Crime Stoppers sponsor; member of Soda Springs Baptist Church; campaign volunteer; former small business owner; politically active in numerous campaigns YEARS IN ATPE: 21 YEARS IN EDUCATION: 32

SECRETARY Karen Hames

ATPE LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE: State treasurer; Region 11 director, president, vice president, and secretary; Lewisville ISD campus representative, secretary, vice president, president, and past president; chairperson of the Governance Committee; member of the Bylaws, Professional Rights and Responsibilities, and Region Ad Hoc Committees; member of the Texas Public Education Project Board ATPE RECOGNITION: President of Local Unit of the Year finalist; William B. Travis honoree; Ben Shilcutt Plus Club CURRENT POSITION: Eighth-grade English/language arts and reading teacher in Lewisville ISD OTHER LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE: Campus teacher of the year; district teacher of the year; superintendent’s council, mentor teacher, student teacher supervisor, UIL coach, editor of The Griffin Express, trainer for the New Jersey Writing Project in Texas, and English department chairperson at Lewisville ISD; chairperson of the Planning and Zoning Commission, member of the Community Development Board, and member of the Special Events Board at the city of The Colony; chairperson of the Administrative Council; member of the Finance Committee; choir president; editor of Quarter Notes; contemporary worship leader; lay leader at First United Methodist Church of The Colony YEARS IN ATPE: 22 YEARS IN EDUCATION: 41

ATPE NEWS 31

TREASURER TREASURER Stacey StaceyWard Ward ATPE leadership: ReATPE gion 4LEADERSHIP director, past EXPERIENCE: president, president, Region 4 director, past vice president, and president, president, secretary; member vice president, and secof State Services retary; member of State Services and Discounts and Discounts and and State Resolutions State Resolutions Committees; Humble ATPE president, vice president, Committees; Humble ATPE immediate past presiand secretary dent, president, vice president, and secretary ATPE RECOGNITION: ATPE recognition: President of a Local Unit of the President of a Local Unit of the Year finalist; finalist for Year finalist; finalist for Educator of the Year Educator of the Year Current position: Fifth-grade math and science CURRENT POSITION: teacher in Humble ISD Fifth-grade math and science teacher in Humble ISD Other leadership experience: Mu Pi Chapter of OTHER LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE: Delta Kappa Gamma legislative chair; science and Mu Pi Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma legislative mathchair; professional development presenter in Humscience and math professional development ble ISD; member of superintendent’s Teacher Adpresenter in Humble ISD; member of superintendent’s visory Committee; fifth-grade team leader;team Student Teacher Advisory Committee; fifth-grade leader; Student Council co-sponsor; Math Olympiad and Council co-sponsor, Math Olympiad and EcoBot EcoBot sponsor; committeeman forWestern the Western Heritage sponsor; committeeman for the Heritage Community Challenge Committee; committeeman, Community Challenge Committee; committeeman, captain, and assistant chair captain for the Corral captain, and assistant chair captain for the Corral Club at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Club at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo YEARS IN ATPE: 22 Years in ATPE: 22 YEARS IN EDUCATION: 22 Years in education: 22

32 ATPE NEWS

TREASURER TREASURER Eli EliA.A.Rodriguez Rodriguez ATPE leadership ATPE LEADERSHIP experience: Region EXPERIENCE: 4 director, secreRegion 4 director, tary, treasurer, vice secretary, treasurer, vice president, president, president, president, and past pastpresident; president; and chair of the of Board Directors chair the of Board of Membership and VolunDirectors Memberthe Board of Directors Advocacy shipteer andCommittee Volunteerand Committee and the Board of Committee; Cypress-Fairbanks ATPE secretary, treaDirectors Advocacy Committee; Cypress-Fairbanks surer, vice president, president, and past president; ATPEMesquite secretary, treasurer, president; presiATPE secretary,vice treasurer, and president dent,elect; and chair past of president; Mesquite ATPE secretary, the Educator of the Year committee; member of president the Bylaws,elect; Resolutions, Advocacy, Nomitreasurer, and chair of the Educanations and Elections, and Executive Director Search tor of the Year committee; member of the Bylaws, Committees; campus rep; summit presenter Resolutions, Advocacy, Nominations and Elections, ATPE RECOGNITION: and Executive Director Search Committees; camof apresenter Local Unit of the Year Award-winning pus President rep; summit local unit; ATPE-PAC Statesman; Ann and Bill Crockett ATPE recognition: president of a Local Unit of the Advocacy Award winner Year Award-winning local unit, ATPE-PAC StatesCURRENT POSITION: man, Ann and Bill Crockett Advocacy Award Seventh- and eighth-grade English/language winner arts educator Current position: Seventh- and eighth-grade EnOTHER LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE: glish/language arts educator Cypress Assistance Ministry GED teacher and ESL Other leadership experience: Cypress Assistance substitute; campus representative for Professional Ministry GEDPersonnel teacher and ESL substitute, campus Services (president-elect 2019-20); Museum of Natural Science volunteer; and District-wide representative for Professional Services PersonEducational Improvement Council (DEIC) nel (president-elect 2019-20), Museum ofcampus Naturalrep YEARS IN ATPE:and 25 Districtwide Educational Science volunteer, Improvement Council (DEIC) YEARS IN EDUCATION: 35campus rep Years in ATPE: 25 Years in education: 35

TREASURER TREASURER Jose JoséDelgado Delgado ATPE leadership experience: Region 15 ATPE LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE: director, president, Region 15 president; director, presiand vice dent, and vice president; San Felipe Del Rio San Felipe-Del Rio local local unit president, unit president, vice vice president, and president, and campus campus representarepresentative; memof the Legislative, Membership, and Advocacy tive;ber member of the Legislative, Membership, and Committees Advocacy Committees ATPE RECOGNITION: ATPE recognition: William B. Travis honoree William B. Travis honoree career and technolCurrent position: Sixth-grade ogy CURRENT educationPOSITION: teacher with the following Texas Sixth-grade career and technology education teacher classroom teacher certifications: business eduwith the following Texas classroom teacher certificacation (Grades 6-12), secondary Spanish (Grades tions: business education (Grades 6–12), secondary 6-12), bilingual generalist–Spanish (Grades 4-8), Spanish (Grades 6–12), bilingual generalist–Spanish bilingual generalist–Spanish (Grades EC-4),(Grades and (Grades 4–8), bilingual generalist–Spanish special education (Grades EC-12) EC–4), and special education (Grades EC–12) Other leadership experience: 25 years’ experience OTHER LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE: in the industry, serving as general 25manufacturing years’ experience in the manufacturing industry, manager, manager, production manager, servingplant as general manager, plant manager, production manager, and human resources manager and human resources manager for Companiesfor companies like Procter & Gamble, ColgateTexas Palmolive, like Procter & Gamble, Colgate Palmolive, Texas Apparel, Douglas and Lomason and ConstrucApparel, Douglas and Lomason and Construction tion Specialties; bachelor’s degree in business adminSpecialties; degreeinin business istration; bachelor’s bachelor’s degree law; master’sadmindegree in istration; bachelor’s degree in law; master’s degree business administration in business administration YEARS IN ATPE: 16 Years in ATPE: 16 YEARS IN EDUCATION: 19 Years in education: 19

ATPE NEWS 33

2019 HOUSE OF DELEGATES ATPE members from across the state will convene at the ATPE House of Delegates (HOD) on Thursday, July 18, 2019, during the ATPE Summit. Delegates will elect the 2019-20 ATPE state officers, vote on any proposed new business, and approve the ATPE Legislative Program.

ARE YOU AN ATPE DELEGATE? HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW! Being an ATPE delegate is an honor, but it’s also a responsibility. As a delegate, your job is to read and consider the information that will be presented during the 2019 ATPE Summit. Your board of directors and the members appointed to serve on ATPE standing committees have invested months in preparation of these materials, but you will have a short time to discuss and, if necessary, vote on important issues that could affect the future of your association.

Take pride in being selected as a delegate. Learn what you need to know, speak up at HOD, and vote!

WHERE CAN YOU FIND THE INFORMATION YOU NEED? Proposed Resolutions

The HOD will vote on several types of resolutions. Read the resolutions in their entirety and the board’s and committee’s recommendations for each one at atpesummit.org/hod-business.

Proposed ATPE Legislative Program

The HOD will also vote to approve the ATPE Legislative Program, a list of the association’s positions on education policies under the purview of the Texas legislature, state agencies, and the federal government. The program guides ATPE Governmental Relations in its advocacy work. Delegates and other members wishing to view the proposed positions should visit atpesummit.org/hod-business.

Bylaws

No proposed bylaws amendments were submitted by the March 15 deadline.

Therefore, the HOD agenda will not include any bylaws action items.

QUESTIONS?

If you have questions, reach out to your region president or your region director. Find your region president’s info at atpe.org/Your-ATPE/ATPETOC and your director’s info at atpe.org/board-of-directors.

You can also contact ATPE directly at members@atpe.org.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AT THE 2019 ATPE SUMMIT!

34 ATPE NEWS

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 Jan. 1 to March 30, 2019.

Abilene Mary Crisp Tonja Gray Andie Smith Kathie Springfield Alief Heriberto Ibarra Abrego Barbara Lebold Alvin Ron Fitzwater Amarillo Nancy Fowler Debra Perry Michael Renteria Kristel Sexton Shane Whitten Andrews Joshua Kendrick Austin Elizabeth Abrahams Heidi Langan Marcy McNeil Danielle Sanders Ballinger Darlene Kelly Beaumont Suellen Ener Big Spring Gail Adlesperger Deborah Mullins Russell Mullins Birdville Tiffany Gygi Boerne OnaBeth Day Margie Hastings Teri Nail Cyndy Veselka Richard Wiggins

Carrollton-Farmers Branch Lana Alexander Dana Carroll Nichie Hoskins

Falls City Phyllis Jarzombek Theresa Moczygemba

Clear Creek John Thomas

Ferris Judy Malloy Meredith Malloy

Clint Alex Medrano

Forney Wendy Smith

Columbia-Brazoria Bess Simple

Galena Park Sharon Dixon Carmela Garcia Lynn Nutt

Comal Kim Farlow Conroe Judi Thomas Cooper Jerrica Liggins Corpus Christi Barbara Ruiz Corsicana Julleen Bottoms Crowley Steve Pokluda Cypress-Fairbanks Jay Guerrero Eli Rodriguez Dallas Greg Fore Maria Slette Deer Park Sandy Salazar Del Valle Cristela Rocha Denton Lori Wolf

Keller Darius Hatchett Killeen Ronald Sursa Eileen Walcik Melissa Walcik Ron Walcik Krum Betty Plunkett La Joya Norma Vega

Grapevine-Colleyville Kelley Walker

Leander Jayne Serna Greg Vidal

Hale Center Brenda Bryan Lynette Ginn

Liberty Hill Joy Barreras Samantha Lynn

Hawley Tommie Hicks Desirie Ries

Lubbock Allyson Haveman McAllen Ma Elena Ingram Twila Figueroa Daisy Palomo Maria Trevino

Hempstead Eden Renovato Houston Gene Williams Humble Donald Sampley Stacey Ward Ingram Chris Moralez Irving Teri Daulton Jim Ned Consolidated Nicole Fuller Leslie Ward Stephanie Willis

Mesquite Donnetta Allen Wanda Bailey Carol Davies Kristie Hernandez Melissa McGee Diane Nix Vickie Rabb-Wiggins Larry Rojas Kay Young Midway (12) Jason Forbis

Edinburg Benjamin Lozano

Karnes City Cathy Stolle

Millsap Deann Lee

El Paso Elizabeth Bulos Delia Salcido

Kaufman Karla Chandler Crystal Huff Peterman

Nacogdoches Roya Dinbali Katherine Whitbeck

Nocona Patti Gibbs Traci Morrison

San Antonio Teresa Akers Byron Hildebrand

North East Ygnacia Capetillo

San Felipe-Del Rio Jose Delgado

North Lamar Shelia Slider

Smithville Sabrina Thomas

Northeast Texas Kimberly Dolese Christy Shelley

Socorro Diana Romo Rodriguez

Northside (20) Bill Barton Laura Campbell David de la Garza Evelyn Hardaman Cathy Herrera Yvette Milner Audree Wood Olney Dale Lovett Becky Spurlock Sam Spurlock Pasadena Charlotte Anthony Yen Rabe Pflugerville Christie Smith Sarah Walters Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Mike Sweet Pineywoods Michelle Adams Plano Katy Matthews Dennise Schuler

Spearman Sherry Boyd Rhonda Smith Stanton Bill Griffin Sweeny Jeanette Hlavaty Tornillo Alicia Romero Tyler Betty Berndt Eddie Hill Vernon Julie Price Waxahachie Robin Brown Weslaco Hector Cruz Willis Kally Evans Angela Robinson Woden John Donihoo Teresa Millard

Ranger Amy Irwin

Ysleta Patricia Garcia Elizabeth Sunderland

Round Rock Monica Huff-Dixon Kristin Shelton Stephanie Stoebe

At Large Deborah Pleasant Sandy Riddles Dawn Riley

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.

ATPE NEWS 35

THE ASSOCIATION OF TEXAS PROFESSIONAL EDUCATORS AND GCU

Working Together for You

10% 150+ 100% online

scholarship off tuition online programs

Earning your degree from Grand Canyon University represents a positive next step in achieving your career goals. Founded in 1949, GCU offers more than 150 online programs for bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs in some of the fastest-growing career fields.

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

BENEFITS FOR EDUCATIONAL ALLIANCE PARTICIPANTS:

SEE HOW YOUR COURSEWORK AND PREVIOUS CREDITS APPLY

• 10% scholarship off tuition

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.

• Complete your coursework 100% online around your schedule • Support from a local university representative who facilitates all university resources from enrollment through graduation • Estimate the total cost of your degree with our Net Price Calculator

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

ATPE

News

ATPE Retired Members!

Did you know you could earn a $100 VISA gift card just for sharing the wisdom you’ve gained from years in the education field? Well, you can!

Young educators could really use your help. As a retired ATPE leader and educator, your experience and enthusiasm are invaluable resources. We invite you to put those resources to use by spreading the word about ATPE at new teacher orientations during the month of August. Don’t worry; we’ll supply you with everything you need!

As a thank you, you’ll receive a $100 VISA gift card if you attend three orientations (limit five gift cards per person).

ATPE can’t cover every school district without your help! If you would like more information about how you can participate, please contact Chris Chodacki at cchodacki@atpe.org or (800) 777-2873.

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 37

ATPE

News FIND THE BEST FIT:

WHICH MEMBERSHIP CATEGORY SHOULD YOU JOIN IN 2019-20?

Are you a 2018-19 college student member?  If you will be student teaching or doing classroom observations in 2019-20, renew in the student teacher category so that you have access to the insured benefits.*

If your employment status will be changing for the upcoming 2019-20 school year, you need to make sure that you renew your ATPE membership in the correct category. Not sure which category is right for you?

LET US HELP!

Are you a 2018-19 student teacher member?  If you will be teaching in your own classroom in 2019-20, renew as a first-time professional member so that you have access to the insured benefits.*  If you will be substitute teaching, renew in the associate category to have access to the insured benefits.*

 If your 2019-20 coursework will not include classroom observations, renew in the college student category. (This is not an insured category.)*

Are you moving into an administrator role in 2019-20?

Are you retiring at the end of 2018-19?

 If you will be employed as a principal, area superintendent, assistant superintendent, or superintendent for 2019-20, renew in the administrator member category so that you have access to the insured benefits.*

 If you will not be working in education in 2019-20, remain a part of the ATPE community by renewing in the retired category for only $10. Retired members receive ATPE publications and save using our services and discounts.

 If you will be a vice principal, renew in the professional member category to have access to the insured benefits.*

Are you planning not to work in education in 2019-20?  If you will not be working in education in 2019-20, remain a part of the ATPE community by renewing in the public category for only $35. Public members receive ATPE publications.

 The public category is not an insured category, so if you will be substituting, you need to renew in the associate category to have access to the insured benefits.*

 The retired category is not an insured category, so if you will be substituting, you need to renew in the associate category to have access to insured benefits.*

Please contact the ATPE Membership Department at members@atpe.org or (800) 777-2873 if you have questions about which membership category you should join. *Terms and conditions apply. Visit atpe.org/protection for further information.

38 ATPE NEWS

Meet ATPE’s

REGIONAL MEMBERSHIP SPECIALISTS ATPE’s eight dedicated regional membership specialists support ATPE's recruitment and retention efforts in their communities across the state. Not sure what region you're in? Enter your ISD in the map at atpe.org to find out.

ROGER GUTIERREZ

CYNTHIA VILLALOVOS

GINGER FRANKS

CHARLES GLOVER

Regions 1 & 2 rgutierrez@atpe.org

Regions 3 & 4 cvillalovos@atpe.org

Regions 5–7 gfranks@atpe.org

Regions 8 & 10 cglover@atpe.org

DIANE POKLUDA

MARY JANE WAITS

JEFF VEGA

HEATHER TULEY

Regions 9 & 11 dpokluda@atpe.org

Regions 12, 14, & 15 mjwaits@atpe.org

Regions 16–19 jvega@atpe.org

Regions 13 & 20 htuley@atpe.org

ATPE NEWS 39

continued from page 11

very quickly. Don’t feel like you have to be something just for the kids’ sake. Put the time and effort in to getting to know them, learning their names, and being present. You may not have a great connection with every single student, but if you’re being yourself, the students who need to be around you will be drawn to you, and a connection will form with time. That first year is tough, and having people you can go to is so important. ’If you find just one teacher who you can share real struggles with, that’s very important. I’m finally getting to the point where I feel like I can be that mentor for a new teacher.

How important is building relationships?

Relationships are the name of the game—they don’t go anywhere. Curriculum is always changing, but knowing how to build healthy relationships is lifelong. If a kid leaves school and never got that A in math, but they learned patience or developed relational skills that they’ll carry on for the rest of their life, then that’s a big deal. Relationships should be a huge part of the school system.

continued from page 27

people because there are some kids who just can’t financially do that. If we can solve the financial piece, then we can have a lot more diversity in these activities.”

“Extracurriculars are a huge deal,” she continues. “If kids can get involved in something they are passionate about, they are more likely to succeed in all aspects of life. Kids need to be around people and to interact, learn how to win and lose with grace, learn how to disagree without hate, communicate, work as a team—the list could go on. We want to help as many as we can.”

One simple way the organization has raised money is through selling Brenham GameChangers T-shirts throughout Brenham ISD, a fundraiser made even more popular when Jackson allowed staff members to wear jeans with the shirts on the first Tuesday of every month. When educators purchase the shirts, organizers use the opportunity to share information about the scholarships.

“When you give to us, it’s not just you buying a T-shirt and getting to wear jeans,” says Roznovsky. “You’re also paying the registration fee for a kid to get to play soccer or go to piano lessons.”

For Randy Wells, it’s about “transforming and empowering lives.” Wells is an associate pastor at Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church in Brenham and sits on the board

40 ATPE NEWS

of GameChangers. He believes GameChangers has revolutionized the school district and parents’ involvement in the community.

“I think sometimes, particularly in at-risk and minority communities, there’s a disconnect between the school and the parents, but GameChangers engages the parents to feel like they’re part of the process. Instead of being something that we do to the children, this is something that we do with the children and their families,” he explains.

Wells sees how GameChangers has positively influenced every facet of Brenham’s community—educational, ministerial, political, business—and how the shift in attitude has allowed GameChangers to develop academic, cultural, and athletic support. Perhaps no fundraiser has been more successful than the Purse Bingo event.

For this event, organizers sold tickets for tables or individual seats. Attendees were given Bingo cards, and winners received designer purses (Coach, Louis Vuitton, etc.) and other items.

During the evening, GameChanger members showed a video featuring several scholarship recipients—a reminder of what the program is all about. The event was a massive success.

“That event converted to scholarships to help kids who want to do things like little league sports. Some kids don’t do baseball not because they don’t like it but because a glove is $100, a bat is $50, to sign up is $200, so to be able to offer scholarships is really important,” says Wells. “You never can underestimate the seed you sow in another person’s life and how that can turn into a great harvest.”

Showing Up

“It takes a village to raise the youth” is an adage Brenham and its GameChangers take quite literally. Serving and providing for the community is part of the town’s persona. “People show up here,” Roznovsky says simply.

For Jackson, service to each other is also the “core fabric” of America. “We are all servants, and we’re modeling that in front of students. When the superintendent says, ‘I want to come and serve with you,’ it makes people want to follow them. When people see your genuine commitment to serving others, it inspires them to want to do that. That’s what I’m trying to do with my leadership.”

No doubt Brenham is extraordinary in its community-wide efforts, but Groves emphasizes that the GameChangers model can work anywhere. “I think sometimes people don’t know how they can make a difference, but everyone can do something,” he says. “You just have to keep looking.”

“We all need a gamechanger,” concludes Thielemann.

“Sometimes you’re the gamechanger, and sometimes you need the gamechanger.”

To learn more about the Brenham GameChangers, visit brenhamgamechangers.com.

2019–20 ATPE MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION $110

Join Online and Save!

First-Time Professional

Pay by credit card, ACH/bank draft, or check to qualify for these special discounts.

$149

$85

Professional

Associate

These rates are for the full 2019-20 school year.

If you prefer to use payroll deduction at a higher rate, please complete the form below.

STEP 1

MM

Personal Information

Name (first, middle, last)

Last 4 digits of SSN

ATPE member ID (optional) ISD Cell phone

Male

Birthdate (MM/DD/YY) Campus Home phone (optional)

(required)

Personal email (required)

Position (optional)

Campus email (optional)

Employee ID number

Mailing address State

City ZIP

Recruited by Print: First Name

STEP 2

Membership Category (select one) & Invest in Education

Student Teacher, College Student, and Public members may join online at atpe.org. 2019-20 Professional, Associate, and Administrator memberships will not be accepted after Jan. 31, 2020. FirstTime Professional memberships will not be accepted after Oct. 31, 2019.

Last Name

DESIGNATED ATPE REPS

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 Retired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$10

Received Date

Print Name

Signature

OPTIONAL: Invest in Education ATPE Local Unit Dues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ Support ATPE in your local school district.

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

Yes, contact me about becoming a volunteer!

STEP 3

Female

The ATPE membership year begins 8/1/19 and ends 7/31/20. Some benefits’ effective dates may not match effective membership dates. Visit atpe.org for disclosure details and limitations. 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.

12

TOTAL $

Payroll Deduction Authorization

2019–20 Professional, Associate, and Administrator memberships will not be accepted after Jan. 31, 2020.* First-Time Professional memberships will not be accepted after Oct. 31, 2019.

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 $ I get paid

Last 4 digits of SSN

Total # of Deductions

Monthly

Date

Bi-weekly

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

TCTA

TSTA

UEA

Other

Employee ID

Printed Name Signature

*ISD payroll offices may stop accepting payroll authorizations before Jan. 31, 2020.

How to Submit Your Application

Mail the application to: ATPE | 305 E. Huntland Dr., Ste. 300 | Austin, TX 78752 SUBMIT ENTIRE APPLICATION TO THE STATE OFFICE.

Or hand deliver it to an authorized ATPE representative. Faxed or scanned applications are not accepted.

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 10/31/19)

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

VOLUNTEERS ARE THE HEARTBEAT OF ATPE. From building a strong network on your local campus to serving as a local, regional, or state officer, you can make a difference for public education!

If you’re ready to volunteer, please check the box on the front!

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Good luck!

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

“

This handbook can be used at every level of educational organizations.”

—Vanessa Hilton, assistant superintendent for student achievement, Pasco County Schools, Florida

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