Winter 2021 ATPE News by Association of Texas Professional Educators

ATPE News With a Little Bit of Love & a Whole Lot of Marimba Meet Bonnie Anderson, Texas Teacher of the Year finalist and Judson ATPE member

WINTER 2021 | ATPE.ORG

PAGE 20

protected is your planning Inside the $200 million luxury training 10 How time? Here’s what the law says 16 compound designed for educators

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW about new civics education bills HB 3979 & SB 3 PAGE 30

HO-HO-HOLD ON A SECOND! As an ATPE member, you should not pay full price during the holidays. Save your hard-earned dollars using your ATPE member discounts. From savings on winter break cruises and vacation packages to rental cars for visiting distant relatives, ATPE has you covered with a wide variety of discount programs year-round! You don’t need to wait on Santa to save. Head to atpe.org/member-discounts today to explore thousands of brand offers and products, including: • 1 5% off at over 6,000 participating lodging locations, including Comfort Inn, Rodeway Inn, and Quality. •T he ATPE Visa Rewards credit card that can help you earn rewards with every purchase—the perfect chance to reward yourself while buying gifts for family and friends. •F ree floral delivery from Freytag’s Northwest Florist with a purchase of $40! • And more!

atpe.org/member-discounts

DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

ATPE News

The official publication of the Association of Texas Professional Educators

State Officers

Karen Hames. . . . . . . . . President, Lewisville (11) Stacey Ward. . . . . . . . Vice President, Humble (4) Jayne Serna. . . . . . . . . . . . . Secretary, Leander (13) Jason Forbis . . . . . . . . . . . . Treasurer, Midway (12) Jimmy Lee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Past President, Paris (8)

Board of Directors

MaElena Ingram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . McAllen (1) Barbara Ruiz. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Corpus Christi (2) Mandy Vahrenkamp. . . . . . . . Calhoun County (3) Eli Rodriguez . . . . . . . . . . . Cypress-Fairbanks (4) Suellen Ener. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Beaumont (5) Gidget Belinoski-Bailey. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Willis (6) Teresa Millard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Woden (7) Shelia Slider. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . North Lamar (8) Patti Gibbs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nocona (9) Wanda Bailey. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mesquite (10) Teri Naya. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Birdville (11) Ron Walcik. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Killeen (12) Stephanie Stoebe. . . . . . . . . . . . . Round Rock (13) Leslie Ward. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Merkel (14) Betty Gail Wood-Rush. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Early (15) Shane Whitten. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amarillo (16) Allyson Haveman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lubbock (17) Gail Adlesperger. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Big Spring (18) Robert Zamora. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Clint (19) Laura Herrera. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . North East (20)

ATPE News Staff

David George. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Editor John Kilpper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Art Director Michael Spurlin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Associate Editor Haley Weis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Associate Editor Jennifer Tuten. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Digital Editor Marjorie Parker. . . . . . . . . Contributing Designer Kate Johanns. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Editorial Director 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 2021 in USA by the Association of Texas Professional Educators ISSN ©ATPE 2021 0279-6260 USPS 578-050 305 E. Huntland Dr., Ste. 300 Austin, TX 78752-3792 (800) 777-ATPE (2873) atpe.org | atpe@atpe.org

“I

t’s like déjà vu all over again,” said New York Yankees legend Yogi Berra. Who hasn’t felt that way this school year? It was our hope the 2021-22 school year would be free from the potholes and struggles of the past couple of years, but COVID-19 just will not seem to loosen its grip on school disruptions. With the sharp rise in cases in August, educators once again had to scramble to change their plans, adjust school operations, and find creative ways to keep the learning going. It has not been easy work, but Texas public educators have risen to the challenge and found ways to make school happen for our students. It is truly inspiring to witness what you do and to work alongside you for change and improvement.

LOCAL PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND EDUCATORS ARE ALWAYS THE ONES TO STEP UP AND DO WHAT MUST BE DONE FOR THE COMMUNITY. What amazes me the most in this situation and in other community emergencies is how local public schools and educators are always the ones to step up and do what must be done for the community. Whether it is educators working through a pandemic, schools feeding the community in ice storms, campuses opening their doors as a storm shelter, or just the simple daily act of caring for a child in need, public educators are always on the front lines and leading the way for others. (In this and every issue of ATPE News, we feature the efforts of educators across the state in our “Regional Roundup” section. We’d like to spotlight your district, too; send your tips and story ideas to comm@atpe.org.) Thank you for your deep dedication to the state’s 5.4 million students. You truly are inspiring. We see your daily effort in these unprecedented times, and we salute you for your commitment and perseverance. ATPE is here for you, and we continue to advocate on your behalf and walk with you on this journey.

Shannon Holmes ATPE Executive Director

ATPE NEWS 3

Contents ATPE NEWS | Winter 2021, Volume 42, Number 2

20 FEATURES

On the Cover

With a Little Bit of Love and a Whole Lot of Marimba Meet Judson ATPE member Bonnie Anderson, a finalist for Texas Teacher of the Year. Anderson has parlayed her long-time love of music into innovative ways to reach students, both in the classroom and through a music education nonprofit. 4 ATPE NEWS

The Nuts and Bolts of HB 3979 and SB 3 Two new laws—HB 3979 and SB 3—have received tremendous press for “banning” critical race theory (CRT), but they go far beyond prohibiting concepts associated with CRT. Find out what you and all Texas educators need to know.

EVERYTHING ELSE 6 Calendar 8 Regional Roundup 10 Your Ally

13 Your Voice

Why public education should be your top priority at the ballot box

16 Marimba photo by John Kilpper; Holdsworth Center photo courtesy of The Holdsworth Center; Region 9 photo courtesy of Diane Pokluda; ©iStockphoto.com/Raul Rodriguez

How legally protected is your planning time?

Inside the Luxury Training Compound Designed for Educators

14 PAC Honor Roll 29 4 Things to Know About the ATPE Professional Learning Portal

Education philanthropist Charles Butt’s latest enterprise is the Holdsworth Center, a $200 million training facility that brings CEO-style leadership development to Texas public educators.

34 Your ATPE

SPECIAL SECTIONS 24 ATPE’s Charles Pickitt Educators of the Year

ATPE’s 2021 Administrator, Associate Educator, Elementary Educator, Secondary Educator, and Special Services Educator of the Year award winners share their favorite moments as educators, their hopes for Texas public schools, and more.

32 In Your Neighborhood

Join us as we visit ATPE “neighborhoods” all over Texas to get an inside look at what volunteers are doing to recruit, retain, and rejoice with their fellow ATPE members!

THE ATPE VISION The Association of Texas Professional Educators (ATPE) supports the state’s largest community of educators who are dedicated to elevating public education in Texas.

43 Volunteer Spotlight Meet Roya Dinbali, Nacogdoches ISD.

 Learn how Region 9 ATPE and other local units and

regions across Texas are finding creative ways to warm up educators to the idea of ATPE membership.

THE ATPE MISSION ATPE advocates for educators and delivers affordable, high-quality products and services that give members the peace of mind needed to inspire student success. ATPE NEWS 5

CALENDAR

December 1

7–8

Nomination deadline: Charles Pickitt Educator of the Year, Floyd Trimble Local Unit of the Year, and Doug Rogers Campus Representative of the Year awards

State office reopens after winter break

State office closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Application deadline: Charles Pickitt Educator of the Year, Floyd Trimble Local Unit of the Year, and Doug Rogers Campus Representative of the Year awards

25–28 31 State Board of Education meeting

Last day to register to vote in March 1 primary election*

ATPE Board of Directors meeting

7–11

National School Counseling Week

School Bus Driver Appreciation Day

*Date subject to change due to redistricting process. Visit votetexas.gov for the latest information. 6 ATPE NEWS

Last day to join ATPE as a 2021-22 member in the professional, administrator, or associate categories

Black History Month

17–18 18–19 22 TRS Board of Trustees meeting

State office closed for winter break

School Board Appreciation Month

February 1

State Board for Educator Certification meeting

20–31

14–25 Early voting for March 1 primary election*

©iStockphoto.com/SDI Productions/monkeybusinessimages/MicroStockHub

January

TRS Board of Trustees meeting

w w w . Te a c h e r R e t i r e m e n t . i n f o

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REGIONAL ROUNDUP

Kansas

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.

Oklahoma 5 ELECTRA

1 3 YSLETA

WHITE OAK

6 IRION COUNTY

2 GALENA PARK

4 UNITED

8 ATPE NEWS

Gulf of Mexic

HEADLI N ES

From Across the State 1 Firing Up

White Oak ISD wants to give its students the opportunity to explore alternative career paths after high school, including fighting fires. A new year-long fire academy class partners White Oak ISD with Kilgore College and the White Oak Volunteer Fire Department to allow students to learn and train to be firefighters after graduation. Once students complete the course, they then go to Kilgore College for two weeks to prepare for their certification exam, take the exam, and then finish as certified firefighters.

Arkansas

United ISD paid tribute to its fallen hero alumni. Lance Corporal David Lee Espinoza was a graduate from Lyndon B. Johnson High School in 2019 and one of the 13 American troops killed during a suicide bombing near Kabul’s Hamid Karzai International Airport August 26, 2021. Espinoza was honored by the district during a ceremony in which a pair of boots and American flag was displayed for Espinoza and the 12 fallen soldiers.

5 The Super Supplier

Galena Park ISD’s North Shore Senior High School hopes to soon be the alma mater of a future space engineer! A new aerospace engineering class offered at the school allows students to build bigger and bigger rockets throughout the course of the class. Teachers help guide the class, but ultimately students choose who will lead the projects and thus lead the class. Galena Park ISD hopes its students will be inspired to pursue careers in STEM.

3Keeping Up with Kindness

6Cooking Up Some Team Building

Student Space Race

Louisiana

At the beginning of the 2021-22 school year, the Ysleta ISD administration announced the start of a new Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum called Kindness in the Classroom. The SEL curriculum is being used to provide support for students as they transition back to an in-person environment after learning from home during the height of COVID-19. The program features 30-minute weekly lessons for pre-K through eighth grade students and incorporates monthly themes, including respect, caring, inclusiveness, and courage.

School supplies can be expensive—but they’re a necessary purchase for students and teachers. Luckily, thanks to a partnership between Electra ISD and the Electra Hospital District, each child in the school district will receive free school supplies this year! In a back-to-school event, students and families were able to pick up supplies including pencils, crayons, and paper at no cost to guardians. The school district hopes that setting children up with the materials they need right away will encourage them to succeed in the classroom.

4 Honoring a Hero

Who doesn’t love a good old-fashioned cookoff? Irion County ISD staff competed in the Irion County Iron Chef cooking competition! During this event, Irion County ISD staff were placed into teams to create the best dish for the judges. This was a fun, tasty way to encourage team building before the new school year began. Bravo, chefs! Want to highlight your school district’s latest achievement? ATPE is always searching for the greatest happenings in Texas public schools. When something special is happening in your district, let us know! Send news to comm@atpe.org.

ATPE NEWS 9

YOUR ALLY

How protected is teacher planning time, really? Here’s what the law says

T BY PAUL TAPP ATPE Managing Attorney

he ATPE Member Legal Services Department is receiving an unusually high number of questions this school year about planning or conference time, almost all related to teachers being required to do other things during their planning time, such as participating in grade level, learning community, 504, or Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) committee meetings or even covering other teachers’ classes. Many of these issues are long-standing, but the staffing shortages many districts are experiencing during this new phase of the pandemic are contributing to these issues as administrators are finding it hard to find substitutes. That makes this a good opportunity to review the law on planning time. Section 21.404 of the Texas Education Code states: “Each classroom teacher is entitled to at least 450 minutes within each two-week period for instructional preparation, including parent teacher conferences, evaluating students’ work, and planning. A planning and preparation period under this section may not be less than 45 minutes within the instructional day. During the planning and preparation period, a classroom teacher may not be required to participate in any other activity.”

The commissioner of education has made three significant rulings regarding what a teacher may be required to do during their planning time. First, in the 1986 Strater v. Houston ISD decision, the commissioner stated that it was the teacher who determined what planning activities were best: “The purpose of the planning and preparation period is to allow teachers ‘time to engage in parent-teacher conferences, reviewing students’ homework, and planning and preparation as the teacher, not the administration, deems best. The statute clearly relieves the teacher of any duty during this period of time and prohibits the district and its administration from requiring the teacher to engage in any other activity the administration determines to be useful and important.”

In the 2010 Canutillo Educators Association v. Canutillo ISD decision, the commissioner defined “instructional day”: 10 ATPE NEWS

“The term “instructional day” as used in Texas Education Code section 21.404 is interpreted to mean the time when students are receiving instruction at the school where the teacher is located. Hence, planning and preparation time must occur during the time that students at the school where the teacher is located are receiving instruction.”

Finally, in the 2014 Bledsoe v. Huntington ISD decision, the commissioner made it clear a teacher could not be assigned or even voluntarily accept nonplanning duties during the required planning time: “There is no exception provided for teaching duties performed during the planning and preparation period. Performance of teaching duties during the planning and preparation duties is not permitted by the Education Code and is not an exception to the Chapter 21 teacher contract requirement.”

These decisions by the commissioner of education have given teachers a great deal of authority over their planning time. However, they are opinions of the commissioner, and, as such, Commissioner Mike Morath can modify, overrule, or make exceptions to them. For example, there has never been a case where the commissioner has ruled specifically about a teacher being required to attend ARD or 504 meetings during their planning time. There is no stated exception in the law for ARDs or 504 conferences. That said, there is some reason no one has challenged having ARDs and 504s during planning time. It could be concern about going out on a limb and having the commissioner say that ARDS and 504s are OK during planning. That is a realistic possibility because, by their nature, they would fall under the heading of “planning.” It could also be that the most likely alternative to having ARDs and 504s or other planningrelated meetings, such as team-planning meetings, during planning time is having them after normal school hours—meaning the educator would have to stay late to attend the meetings. Teacher contracts have an “additional duties” clause that allows the district to require them to stay late if needed. So, staying late would be a real possibility, and many teachers, given that choice, continued on page 38

ATPE Stands by You

ach year, Texas educators rise to meet new and unexpected challenges. As you serve your students, ATPE stands by you each and every day, ready to support you with affordable and high-quality legal resources so you can have peace of mind. How do you know ATPE delivers? One word: transparency. The complete details of your professional liability insurance policy* and legal resources** are publicly available, so you can be confident about ATPE’s benefits. Other organizations publish incomplete coverage details—but as an insured ATPE member, you know upfront exactly what you’re getting in your membership. ATPE professional liability insurance policy* highlights include: • Up to $8 million per claim and aggregate in liability insurance, including a $2 million limit for civil rights claims plus defense costs. • Up to $20,000 aggregate for employment rights defense with a $10,000 per-claim limit, win or lose. • Additional $5,000 per claim for favorable-outcome certification and termination claims. • Up to $15,000 aggregate for criminal defense. • Up to $5,000 per claim for bail bond reimbursement. • Up to $10,000 aggregate for successful appeals beyond the school board or commissioner of education.

The aggregate limit of liability is $25 million. In addition to the above insured benefits, eligible ATPE members have access to a team of staff attorneys who may help with job-related legal concerns.** View the details of the professional liability insurance policy at atpe.org/protection. For assistance, members must call (800) 777-2873 or submit a request through the online Member Legal Services Intake System.

*The Educators Professional Liability Insurance Policy is underwritten by the National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, PA., with $5.7 billion in net surplus and more than $22 billion in total admitted assets as of December 31, 2020. The insurer may not be subject to all insurance laws and regulations of this state. The foregoing notice is provided pursuant to Texas Insurance Code Article 21.54. ALL COVERAGE IS SUBJECT TO THE EXPRESS TERMS OF THE MASTER LIABILITY INSURANCE POLICY ISSUED TO ATPE AND KEPT ON FILE AT THE ATPE STATE OFFICE. Coverage applies to an insured’s activities within his/her professional capacity and does not apply to activities that predate the coverage period. View the complete details of the insurance policy at atpe.org/protection. Eligibility for ATPE membership benefits is contingent upon ATPE’s receipt of the entire annual membership dues amount for your appropriate membership category. A disruption in payments to an authorized payment plan may result in discontinuation of such benefits, including cancellation of insurance coverage for the entire membership year retroactive to Aug. 1 or your membership date. ATPE reserves the right to determine eligibility for the appropriate membership category. The membership year runs from Aug. 1–Jul. 31. **The insured benefits and staff attorney services are provided through separate programs.

ATPE NEWS 11

2022 ATPE SUMMIT:

BACK IN PERSON & FOCUSED ON THE FUTURE After two virtual ATPE Summits, we’re more than ready to leave our computer screens behind and gather in Grapevine for the biggest reunion ATPE members have ever seen. Make plans to attend the ATPE Summit July 6–8 to connect with friends (both old and new), grow as an educator and leader, and shape ATPE’s future during the House of Delegates.

JULY 6–8, 2022 GAYLORD TEXAN RESORT & CONVENTION CENTER GRAPEVINE

DETAILS COMING SOON ATPESUMMIT.ORG STAY TUNED

YOUR VOICE

How and—most importantly—why you should vote #txed

I BY MONTY EXTER ATPE Senior Lobbyist

n 2014, the ATPE House of Delegates—your representative body as an ATPE member— adopted a resolution stating the association will work to ensure all members 1) are registered to vote if eligible; 2) understand the effects of voting on public education and the profession; 3) have the tools and information needed to choose candidates who support the ATPE Legislative Program and public education; and 4) are motivated to do so. So, how do your votes affect public education and your profession? What tools are available to you? The answers below will hopefully make it clear why and how you should “vote public education”—in other words, with support for public education as your primary measuring stick.

Turnout matters—a lot

A prerequisite to voting for public education is voting in the first place. Texas educators still have a long way to go on this preliminary step, as was highlighted in a special election runoff earlier this year. The race was a matchup between two candidates of the same party, one endorsed by anti-public school advocates (Candidate A) and the other supported by public education advocacy groups (Candidate B). Sadly, yet predictably, it was a low turnout election with less than 10% of registered voters turning out to the polls. The result: In a district of around 168,000 people, fewer than 6,800 elected a candidate who does not support public education or educators. The real travesty: In a race decided by roughly a thousand votes, the approximately 4,000 educators living in that district could have changed the outcome, had they turned out. Hopefully, this example demonstrates the pitfalls and potential influence of educators deciding whether to vote.

How do you vote #txed?

Deciding to vote is only the first step. The next is voting for candidates who will further your priorities. So how do you “vote public education”? You start by shifting away from judging candidates based on partisan branding and instead evaluate them based on their policy positions. Consider which policy areas are important to you. For instance, you might think of public education, health care, immigration,

or zoning and urban planning. How do these issues affect your daily life? Which is most important to impact with your vote? When evaluating candidates based on policies, it is important to understand that policy areas are not equally affected by different levels of government. You want to evaluate candidates based on the policies they can significantly impact. For example, a city council member or a U.S. congressman does not have as much direct influence on public education policy as members of the Texas Legislature, the governor, the lieutenant governor, and members of the State Board of Education. Next, determine whether a candidate running for an office that impacts the policy areas you care about shares your positions. Pay attention to what the candidates say, to what others say about them, and to their past actions. Most candidates state their positions; you just need to know where to look. Consider the election at the beginning of this article: Candidate A had publicly stated he opposed teacher organizations and supported “school choice” programs like the federal voucher schemes Sen. Ted Cruz has attempted to pass. Candidate B had said he supported increased school funding and a cost-of-living adjustment for retired educators but that he opposed vouchers. Sometimes, candidates will be intentionally vague or misleading, especially about issues that are not a priority to them. That is why it’s helpful to evaluate whether their statements align with those of their supporters. Again, Candidate A was supported by organizations as well as current and former policymakers who support vouchers and privatization of public schools and oppose the existence of ATPE and similar organizations. Candidate B was supported by local school leaders and pro-public education advocacy groups. Finally, if a candidate has a track record, double-check their words against their actions—because as the saying goes, actions speak louder than words. Candidate A had no real track record, but Candidate B had been in the Legislature before and therefore had a voting history that matched what he was saying and what others were saying about him in terms of his support for public education. continued on page 38 ATPE NEWS 13

PAC HONOR ROLL

Thank you for your investment in Texas public education!

Midway (12) Jason Forbis

Rosebud-Lott Beverly Bredemeyer

Millsap Deann Lee

Round Rock CaRita Forte Stephanie Stoebe

Nacogdoches Katherine Whitbeck Navasota Susan Ambrus

The following ATPE members donated $50 or more to ATPE’s Political Action Committee (ATPE-PAC) from July 1 to Sept. 30, 2021.

North Lamar Shelia Slider Northeast Texas Rebecca Lanham

Abilene Tonja Gray

Chapel Hill (8) Denise Bynum

Alief Barbara Lebold

Community Wendy Smith

Alvin Ron Fitzwater

Connally Courtney Jones

Amarillo Miguel Renteria Shane Whitten

Cooke County Hobert Kilgore

Anahuac Billie Garcia Arlington Carole Lemonds Austin Elizabeth Abrahams Ballinger Darlene Kelly Bandera John Milner Beaumont Suellen Ener Birdville Tiffany Gygi Boerne Ona Beth Day Richard Wiggins Carrollton-Farmers Branch Virginia Welch

Crowell Lisa Henry Crowley Steve Pokluda Cypress-Fairbanks Eli Rodriguez Dallas Felicia Robinson Maria Slette Lizandra Ayala Valentin Falls City Theresa Moczygemba Ferris Meredith Malloy

Galena Park Sharon Dixon Lynn Nutt Garland Jed Reed George West Cesarea Germain Georgetown Greg Vidal Hale Center Sharon Ginn Hays Shawna Mayerson Humble James Ellis Gayle Sampley Industrial Miriam Patton Irving Teri Daulton Connie Kilday Jacksboro Jean Henderson

Forney Jean Rotering

Jim Ned Consolidated Nicole Fuller

Frenship Keri Henderson

Kennedale Elizabeth Bitar

Killeen Kiree Bons Eileen Walcik Melissa Walcik Ron Walcik Krum Brandi Claiborne Betty Plunkett La Joya Yessica Garza Leander Mary Cathrine Dorney Jayne Serna Lewisville Karen Hames Lubbock Cynthyna Haveman McAllen Twila Figueroa Merkel Leslie Ward Mesquite Anita Kay Young Midland Michelle Adams Midway (9) Brandon Carpenter

Join us for the 2021 Teacher Trot, the virtual 5K run/ walk to raise money for ATPE-PAC! The deadline to register is Nov. 21, and everyone who signs up will be entered to win fabulous prizes. To learn more and register, visit atpepack5K.givesmart.com.

14 ATPE NEWS

Northside (20) David de la Garza Madonna Felan Evelyn Miles-Hoskin Bobbye Patton

San Antonio Byron Hildebrand Randall Iglehart Spearman Sherry Boyd Rhonda Smith Stanton Bill Griffin Tyler Betty Berndt United John Armistead

Olney Dale Lovett Becky Spurlock Samuel Spurlock

Vernon Denise Sanders

Paris Jerrica Liggins Abby Rogers

Waxahachie Nora Crist

Pasadena Charlotte Anthony Plano Lindsay Robinson Region 6 Janet Montgomery Region 10 Jo-Sandra Greenberg Deborah Pleasant Region 11 Sara Connaway Richardson Charles Pickitt Rio Grande City Jesus Garza Maria Orta

Waco Jane Sykes

Westwood Linda Moran Wichita Falls Belinda Wolf Willacy County Christina Lopez Windham Sandra Bounds Deborah Wright Woden Malinda Holzapfel Teresa Millard ATPE Staff Amanda Bernstein Ginger Franks Shannon Holmes Kate Johanns Jennifer Mitchell

WHEN EDUCATORS VOTE, LAWMAKERS TAKE NOTE Do Your Homework at ATPE’s Teach the Vote Frustrated by the past two years? The No. 1 thing you can do to improve Texas public education is fill the Texas Legislature with pro-public education lawmakers. ATPE’s TeachtheVote.org makes it easy to research candidates’ education positions. By visiting one website, you’ll find all the information you need to decide which candidate will best represent you and your students. EARLY VOTING: FEB. 14–25 PRIMARY ELECTION DAY: MARCH 1

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Inside the Luxury Training Compound Designed Just for Educators BY MICHAEL SPURLIN

16 ATPE NEWS

The Holdsworth Center’s new $200 million campus is the centerpiece of Charles Butt’s latest investment in Texas public educators: a state-of-the-art leadership training program.

hen visitors first approach the Holdsworth Center’s new West Austin Campus, its full scope is somewhat hidden; they pass a small guardhouse through a nondescript gate. But after descending a winding road from the top of the hill, the full grandeur of the facility quickly comes into view. With over a dozen buildings, including overnight accommodations, spanning 44 well-landscaped acres along the shores of Lake Austin, the campus at first glance resembles a luxury resort. There’s even a boat dock. However, what may appear as a vacation destination to some, is in fact, a leadership academy designed exclusively for superintendents, administrators, and classroom teachers. The Holdsworth Center was founded in 2017 by Charles Butt, chairman of H-E-B. Butt has dedicated much of his personal and corporate philanthropy to Texas public education. He has helped develop the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards, the H-E-B Read 3 early literacy program, and Raise Your Hand Texas, an advocacy organization focused on public

ATPE NEWS 17

policies that support and improve public schools. His latest project is named after his mother, Mary Elizabeth Holdsworth, a teacher herself. “Charles believes, and we at the Holdsworth Center believe, you cannot have strong public schools if you are not investing in the people who make public schools: teachers, principals, and district leaders,” Holdsworth Center President Dr. Lindsay Whorton explains. “Frankly, in the U.S., we have not made the level of investment that we need to make in educators to support them to create the types of schools we need.” The Holdsworth Center, with its new $200 million facility, represents the type of investment that educators deserve but seldom see. Its amenities include state-ofthe-art classrooms, lecture hall space, an open-air amphitheater, walking trails, and over 180 rooms to accommodate overnight stays. It more closely resembles the locations where CEOs and business leaders attend corporate retreats, an intentional part of the design. “Charles wanted to create this place because it is what educators deserve and [represents] the value that they hold for our society,” Whorton says. “I think of the campus as a functional place designed to support certain kinds of work but also as a monument that is a testament to how important educators are. I think teachers and principals feel that when they are here.”

18 ATPE NEWS

That certainly is the case for Creighton Jaster, a principal at Lamar CISD’s Wright Junior High, who was among the first educators to attend training at Holdsworth. “When you go there, you feel like the most important person in the room,” Jaster says. “You feel like you are valued and not just that lonely teacher or principal.”

A FOCUS ON LEADERSHIP The Holdsworth Center’s training program focuses on leadership. Whorton points to research that indicates strong, inspiring leaders make for strong schools and, in turn, help improve student achievement. Not only does the organization help individual educators become stronger leaders, but also it aims to help school districts grow their own leaders and build their own systems for developing future leaders. “When we say leadership, one thing is important to clarify: We are not talking about specific jobs or roles,” Whorton says. “A lot of times when we talk about leadership in schools, we think you are talking about the principal or the superintendent. We think leadership is something that you do, and that leadership should be done from all levels of the school system. So for us, that is about building the leadership capacity of teachers, principals, and assistant principals, all the way through to district staff. “That is the mission we have: to

strengthen leadership so that Texas schools can serve their students.” This mission began in 2017, even before completion of the physical campus. The organization selected seven districts from across Texas for the inaugural class of the Holdsworth Partnership, a five-year investment in developing leaders in individual school districts. The districts themselves selected campuses to participate in the program, and those campuses’ principals selected team members to undergo training. “First, we invest in the superintendent and key leaders in the central office in what we call the District Leadership Program,” Whorton explains. “It is a twoyear program involving 35-40 days of learning over that time, so significant time in the summer and on the weekends, like an executive MBA program. “Through that program, we really focus on building the individual leaders and their team skills in three areas: personal leadership, their ability to grow and empower others, and their ability to make change.” Beginning in the second year of the partnership, the Holdsworth Center works with cohorts of school principals and campus teams in a similar two-year program covering the same three leadership areas but with a focus on students and campus issues. Program graduate Reny Lizardo, a principal at Arlington ISD’s James Bowie High School, remains impressed by the caliber of the training. “I have been in education for 14 years, I have gone to a lot of training as a principal, and this is by far the best training and professional development I have ever experienced,” Lizardo says. “It helped me grow so much as a leader. We learned how to make better decisions, how to have conversations, and how to be a better leader. We also learned how to be a healthier leader and manage our time better.” As part of the training, the Holdsworth Center works with some of the best experts from around the country and, in some cases, the world. Many are experts on education and leadership, but educators also hear from leaders in other disciplines, such as organizational psychology

for a singular purpose, and just having those moments was really big. That compound, there is nothing [else] like that in education in the United States that I know of.” Jaster agrees: “It is a beautiful campus. It provides you a getaway to truly focus on the work.”

EDUCATORS SEE LASTING RESULTS

and business. Whorton says they seek out any expert who could help the educators become better leaders. “We also look at high-performing organizations to see how they develop their people and how they coach them for inspiration,” Whorton explains. Participants also hear from wellness experts. “One of the objectives is helping educators manage their physical, mental, and emotional resources,” Whorton says. “We teach about nutrition and physical activity. You try and remind people that some of the things educators may do often, like skipping lunch, are not great for their body.” Jaster says: “They are focusing on the whole person and your whole experience. It is about you understanding the importance of yourself as an educator and valuing yourself and then translating that into the work that you do.” As principals, Lizardo and Jaster also received executive coaching, something both administrators found extremely helpful. The coaches would meet with them one-on-one, visit them on their campuses, and help them set individual goals. This process even included surveying both peers and subordinates about their strengths as a leader as well as skills they could improve.

PANDEMIC DELAYS CAMPUS OPENING The pandemic that has affected so many aspects of education impacted the Holdsworth Center and its participants as well. The program first began accepting school districts in 2017 before the physical campus was completed. Educators then met in hotels or other conference spaces for their training. When construction was complete in 2020, however, COVID-19 made in-person gatherings at its facilities impossible and necessitated a switch to virtual learning for all of 2020. Fortunately, when the pandemic began to briefly subside this summer before the onset of the delta variant, the Holdsworth Center campus and technology allowed for in-person gatherings in a safe but limited way. “What we have going for us is we have a lot of square feet, and we have the technology to do hybrid learning,” Whorton explains. “So, throughout the summer, we had people on campus, socially distanced and sometimes in different classrooms, interacting with their colleagues virtually.” This opportunity to reconnect in person on the Holdsworth Center campus was a memorable experience for the educators. “It was nice after a year of being locked away to be able to see everyone and be treated like an executive on our own compound,” Lizardo says. “Everyone was there

Jaster says his Holdsworth experience has altered how he approaches both his own leadership role as well as how he fosters leadership among his staff. “I think as a principal it has given me the ability to reflect on letting my staff have a voice in what we do for our students,” Jaster says. “I have to have some transparency and be able to listen to them and make better decisions for the campus.” “It has given me the tools to look at certain individuals and see different potential that they have. Because I see that different potential, I can provide them opportunities to become a greater leader. So, I may see somebody that I feel really could be a good administrator, and then I foster that and then provide them opportunities and resources to get them into a master’s program or to shadow my assistant principals, so I can grow them and insert them into the pipeline.” Since completing the program, Lizardo and his fellow participants have continued to grow as leaders. He recently enrolled to pursue his doctorate in education, and three of his teacher colleagues have since become assistant principals. In addition, Lizardo says one of his colleagues, who has not moved into administration, feels like a more confident leader. “That teacher believes they are more confident as a teacher—a stronger leader in the building with a bigger voice,” Lizardo says. “It is not just for people who want to be administrators.” Most importantly, Lizardo says the lessons he learned from Holdsworth continue to shape his approach to his job and problem-solving skills. “I learned there isn’t one way to fix one thing,” Lizardo explains. “There isn’t a magic bullet to fix all of our problems in education. But there are resources and ways to get there, and it is all about having the insight and skills to know where to find those resources.” ATPE NEWS 19

ATPE member Bonnie Anderson, a Pre-K to Grade 5 music specialist in Judson ISD, was one of six finalists for Texas Teacher of the Year. The Texas Association of School Administrators announced Oct. 22 that Jennifer Han, McAllen ISD, had been named Elementary Teacher of the Year, and Ramon Benavides, Ysleta ISD, had been named Secondary Teacher of the Year. Benavides will represent Texas in the national Teacher of the Year competition. Congratulations!

20 ATPE NEWS

With a Little Bit of Love and a Whole Lot of Marimba

BY HALEY WEIS | PHOTOS BY JOHN KILPPER

he finalists for 2022 Texas Teacher of the Year—a program facilitated by the Texas Association of School Administrators—include bilingual and gifted and talented educators, a physical education educator, and science educators, all of whom have gone above and beyond and are thus being recognized for their efforts in public education. Among them is a sole fine arts educator, Pre-K to Grade 5 music specialist and ATPE member Bonnie Anderson, who teaches at Miller’s Point Elementary in Judson ISD. Anderson’s teaching career began 29 years ago, but her drive to become a teacher began many years before that. After a traumatizing experience as a child with her second-grade teacher, the once-boisterous, hyperactive Bonnie found herself losing social ability and yearning to make sure other students weren’t made to feel like an outcast the way she had been. “She really just hated me,” Anderson recalls. “The damage she did to my esteem and my social skills took years to overcome. That’s when I thought to myself, ‘I’m going to be a teacher, and I’m going to be a nice one.’” As Anderson worked to navigate her own struggles with confidence and build up her shattered social skills, she stumbled upon a newfound love for music.

“My therapy over those years was music,” Anderson says. “I was fortunate to have parents who noticed my talents and invested their money in it.” Throughout her adolescence, Anderson’s love for music grew alongside her socially awkward personality. “I went from struggling with grades, nearly flunking ninth grade, to straight As my sophomore year and pretty much the rest of high school,” Anderson says. “Music really saved me.” The correlation between better grades and studying music is not unique to Anderson’s experience. According to the American Psychological Association, organized music lessons appear to benefit children’s IQs and academic performance—and the longer the instruction continues, the larger the effect. Anderson noticed this in herself, and her fire to become a music teacher was fueled forever. THE IMPORTANCE OF THE ARTS By now, it is not news to anyone that the fine arts have lost funding and attention in districts across the country and here in Texas. Funding for arts education is always at risk, something Anderson believes is an important issue. “I think teaching the arts is extremely important,” Anderson says. “If [this outlet] gets cut or ATPE NEWS 21

undermined or [does] not have importance placed on it, I think we will see it as a detriment to the people we are raising.” According to Anderson, the loss of funding and resources for the arts is a lost opportunity to strengthen America as a whole. “I think what made America great is [that] we had business majors growing up who had a good liberal arts education, and they knew how to look at things from all sorts of different perspectives,” Anderson says. “Art is an important perspective, and I think it is just helpful in creating a good country.” SPANISH FOR THE SOUL As a music specialist, Anderson has worked closely with students from all backgrounds, but during her time a Coronado Village Elementary, the school had become a dual-language campus. Anderson recognized this as a chance to connect with students who spoke Spanish. It wasn’t an opportunity she wanted to miss. Over the course of high school and college, she had taken over 60 credit hours of French,and she regretted not spending that time focusing on Spanish. “I thought to myself about the whole population of students who would be coming in with whom I had a language barrier, so I went back to school to learn the language,” Anderson says. Anderson wanted to give her Spanish-speaking students the same opportunities to experience music as her Englishspeaking students. Her desire to connect with these students and their families ultimately led to her studying Spanish Language and Literature at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico. 22 ATPE NEWS

“I know, in our district at the time, I was the only elementary music teacher who could teach in Spanish,” Anderson says. “I think dual-language students really enjoyed coming into my classroom and having someone there who could understand them.” COVID-19 AND CREATING MUSIC Even the best of the best in education have felt the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, but according to Anderson, the best way to keep moving forward is by looking ahead. As a music teacher, her resources looked limited until she got creative. At the beginning of the pandemic, families, educators, and students were less worried about fine arts classes, and the heavy load fell on classroom teachers to continue teaching as normally as possible. When COVID-19 didn’t go away the following school year, Anderson knew she would have to take matters into her own hands—literally and figuratively.

“I was such a hands-on teacher—I never really had to use technology as an outlet—so my initial thought was ‘oh my goodness, this is going to be awful. I don’t know how I am going to get through this, how long is this going to last,’” Anderson recalls. “That’s when I realized that with that attitude, nothing was going to be good at all. I let myself have a pity party for a day, and then I dug right in.” And that is exactly what Anderson did. Judson ISD adopted the learning platform Canvas to bridge the connection between students and educators. In order to help her district transition, Anderson took learning the platform into her own hands to help educate her co-workers on everything Canvas. “I spent a lot of time learning it, and it was really exciting to help other people learn it and teach it,” Anderson says. “I began to see the advantages of using [Canvas] as I was teaching it. There are a lot of silver linings to the pandemic. I was able to start making video lessons on how to play the marimba for kindergarten to second grade. I spent a lot of time making them, and I had no idea if it would work.” But they did! The videos Anderson created for her students were so successful other music teachers all over the country began using them in their asynchronous curriculum, and students reaped the benefits. Anderson realized her video lessons were really working when on picture day, one of her virtual kindergarten students visited her classroom and performed every song, from kindergarten to second grade, perfectly. It was the student’s first time playing a real marimba. “I pretty much cried,” Anderson says. “All of that extra work was working.” MARIMBA MAGIC Anderson’s love for music, specifically the marimba, is evident not only in her teaching but also in her personal life. She is the founder of Mojo-Rimba, a nonprofit that spreads the love of marimbas and music through lessons, instruments, special transportation, and other resources. “The red tape of fundraising was really holding us back, so I started the nonprofit group with the goal to raise money,” Anderson says. Mojo-Rimba allows students to explore their marimba skills with Anderson as she teaches them how to perform. The nonprofit’s students are not the only ones who benefit from the marimbas, however. Anderson incorporates the playing of marimbas in her regular music classes and allows students to come before or after school to brush up on their skills. Marimbas are not inexpensive. With the help of fundraising, grants, and various award monies, Anderson raises as much money as possible to give her students experiences that would be out of reach without Mojo-Rimba. In 2018, Anderson was able to take a group of her students to New York City, some leaving Texas for the very first time,

ATPE congratulates the following members for being named Regional Teachers of the Year Region 9 | Secondary Texas Teacher of the Year JENNIFER CONNER Jacksboro Middle School, Jacksboro ISD Region 11 | Secondary Texas Teacher of the Year STEPHANIE PETERS-HARRIS Brock Junior High School, Brock ISD Region 12 | Secondary Texas Teacher of the Year KRYSTLE MOOS Midway High School, Midway ISD Region 13 | Elementary Texas Teacher of the Year MELISSA GARFFER Veramendi Elementary School, New Braunfels ISD Region 14 | Elementary Texas Teacher of the Year MARLA WOODS Lawn Elementary School, Jim Ned CISD Region 14 | Secondary Texas Teacher of the Year KENDRA BEVEL Haskell High School, Haskell CISD Region 16 | Secondary Texas Teacher of the Year KIMBERLY IRWIN Gruver High School, Gruver ISD Region 20 | Elementary Texas Teacher of the Year BONNIE ANDERSON MIller’s Point Elementary School, Judson ISD (finalist)

to perform at one of the most famous venues in the United States—Carnegie Hall. “What meant the most to me was that in one year, we raised over $65,000 to send these kids for free to Carnegie Hall in New York City,” she says. While in New York City, Tito Puente Jr., son of the famous Puerto Rican American musician Tito Puente, met, rehearsed, and even performed with Anderson’s students after seeing a video of them playing his father’s “Oye Como Va.” “It’s cool I was able to provide that once-in-a-lifetime experience for them, but I also love the fact that these kids learn that if they work hard enough toward something, they can achieve it,” Anderson says. When the idea of performing in New York came to Anderson, many of her students’ parents believed it would Continued on page 38

 Learn more about Mojo-Rimba at facebook.com/MojoRimba. ATPE NEWS 23

MEET THE

CHARLES PICKITT EDUCATORS OF THE YEAR

he Charles Pickitt Educator of the Year Awards recognize ATPE members who demonstrate exceptional or innovative capabilities in their respective educational fields. This year’s winners were honored during the 2021 ATPE Virtual Summit. ATPE reached out to the award winners to learn more about their careers in public education.

24 ATPE NEWS

ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR:

DR. SYLVESTER “BRUCE” WILSON

he 2021 Administrator of the Year award was presented to Dr. Sylvester “Bruce” Wilson of Corpus Christi ISD. Bruce serves as the Executive Director of School Leadership and has only been in this role for five months, but he has been an ATPE member for the past 11 years during his time as the principal of Roy Miller High School.

 What is your favorite part of your job? My favorite part of my current job is the opportunity to enhance leadership, teaching, and learning experiences for principals, teachers, and students throughout the district. Having served as the principal of elementary, middle, and high schools, I am able to bring a perspective to discussions to positively impact all levels. Having former students, teachers, and principals tell me that I impacted their lives is such a blessing.

 What is the most important thing you wish someone had told you when you started out in your career? I wish someone would have told me that homeless students include families living doubled-up with others or in hotels. I could have helped so many other students instead of only thinking the homeless strugglers without resources were in shelters. There are so many community partners that are ready to support schools by providing students with

opportunities to attend events and have experiences to somewhat level the playing field.  Share your favorite moment as an educator. My favorite moment as an educator was when I received this award from ATPE. I was completely caught off guard. On another note, I created a “First in Family” annual reception for all seven high schools in our district to recognize students who are the first in their families to graduate. I secured scholarship funds for two students from each school. Nine years later, I still get to enjoy the moments when the ceremony is held and the scholarships are presented to “First in Family” graduates.

SECONDARY EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR:

KIMBERLY GROSENBACHER

he 2021 Secondary Educator of the Year Award was presented to Kimberly Grosenbacher of Boerne ISD. The 2021-22 school year marks Kimberly’s 20th year as a government teacher. Currently, she teaches AP/dual credit U.S. government and politics and U.S. government at Samuel V. Champion High School. She has been an ATPE member for almost 20 years.

 What is the most important thing you wish someone had told you when you started out in your career? That the teaching workday does not end when the school dismissal bell rings. Teachers work countless hours outside of the normal school day, and most of the American public is not really aware of these work efforts.  What is the most important thing Texas educators can do for their profession? Join ATPE to have a voice and learn more about the political process that impacts our profession. I have been attending the ATPE Summit for years now, and I learn so much at the House of Delegates. I enjoy

voting on issues and voting for candidates running for ATPE state office. When I teach my students about participating in government, I talk about ATPE and the impact they have on legislators when it comes to education.  Share your favorite moment as an educator. In 2017, I learned one of my former students from my first year of teaching was clerking for Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer. I was so excited that I reached out and asked if we could meet for coffee when she was back in Boerne so I could learn about her experience. Instead, she suggested I come to Washington,

D.C. for a behind-the-scenes tour of the Supreme Court, to attend a Supreme Court session, and to meet Justice Breyer. I was beyond excited about the opportunity and agreed to the visit after the school year ended. In June, I traveled to D.C. and spent the morning at the Supreme Court. I was in awe as I sat and listened to the nine Supreme Court justices deliver court opinions. I have taught the Supreme Court proceedings to my students for almost 20 years, and on that day, I was able to experience live what I had been teaching for so long. Denise, my former student, gave me a personal tour, including the prestigious Supreme Court basketball court, which is referred to as the highest court in the land. Lastly, she took me to meet Justice Breyer, who spoke so highly of Denise and graciously signed my pocket U.S. Constitution and took a picture with me. This was truly an amazing opportunity made possible by my former student. ATPE NEWS 25

ASSOCIATE EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR:

MADONNA FELAN

he 2021 Associate Educator of the Year Award was presented to Madonna Felan of Northside (20) ISD. Madonna has been a substitute teacher for the past three years after retiring from public education. She has been an ATPE member for 15 years.

 What made you want to be an educator? My mother was a teacher, and she enjoyed her job. I wanted to be a teacher but was hesitant. I joined the military and received a bachelor’s in accounting. When my spouse received orders to Panama, I joined him along with our two children. While there, I had the opportunity to teach at a private Panamanian school. I enjoyed it so much, and then I knew teaching was my

calling. When we returned to the United States, I went back to college and became a certified teacher! I loved teaching so much that I became a substitute teacher after retiring!  What is your favorite part of your job? My favorite part of being a substitute teacher is getting to meet so many great students and educators! I learn so much

from being in different classrooms and different grade levels.  What is the most important thing Texas educators can do for their profession? Educators need to advocate for public education. They need to speak positively about their profession when in public. Encourage future educators by sharing the positive experiences of being an educator. Connect with legislators to provide input on legislation that is in the best interest of the students and supports public education. Most important of all, vote for legislators who will do what is best for public education!

Submit Your Nominations for the 2021-22 ATPE Awards! Every year, ATPE honors outstanding Texas educators, ATPE leaders, and friends of Texas public schools. Recognize a colleague who changes lives and inspires excellence by nominating them for an ATPE Educator of the Year Award. Highlight the work of a local unit by nominating them for Local Unit of the Year, or nominate an outstandingATPE volunteer for Campus Representative of the Year. Visit atpe.org/Submit-ATPE-Award-Nominations for details and links to nomination forms. Don’t delay—the nomination deadline for the Educator of the Year Awards is Dec. 1.

26 ATPE NEWS

ELEMENTARY EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR:

SALLY HUNTER

he 2021 Elementary Educator of the Year Award went to Sally Hunter of Austin ISD. Sally started teaching and became an ATPE member in August 1980 and has taught kindergarten, first, second, third, and fourth grades at schools in Houston and Austin. Most of her career has been spent at Highland Park Elementary. ATPE reached out to Sally to get her thoughts on the future of Texas public education.

 What made you want to be an educator? I first shared why I decided to become an educator back in 1980 during an interview with a hiring principal. At the time, I told her I loved working with children and knew from watching my mother, who taught kindergarten for 43 years, that teaching was a rewarding career. Those reasons are still true, but I quickly realized my passion for being an educator has much deeper roots. Some of the most important moments in the world take place between teachers and students in classrooms everywhere, every day. My work as an educator allows me to not only experience those moments with my students, but also to influence and encourage other teachers who share powerful moments with students in their own classrooms. As a teacher, I have the privilege of teaching the whole child and helping lay the foundation for their life as an adult. I have the opportunity to share observations and experiences with the parents and impact the entire family. I help each student to understand their strengths and how to fully use them. Who could say teachers are not powerful? As a teacher, my influence will go on into the future, long after I have retired. These past few years, I have had the great pleasure of teaching across the hall from a talented young man I taught when he was in third grade. Connections with students and families can last a lifetime. Who could say that teaching is not fulfilling? As a teacher, I can take the stage and perform if needed. I can burst into song, and 20 voices join me or share laughter over inside jokes. I can give students the stage and witness the amazing fourth

grade year when students are old enough to explore the world but still young enough to love their teacher. I have the joy of helping precious second graders and sharing their wonder in exploring who they are and how they relate to those around them. Who could say that teaching is not fun? My 40 years of experience confirm that, for me, there is no profession more essential and fulfilling.  What is your biggest hope for the future of Texas public schools? I am struck by the reality that schools today require teachers to become skilled performers in an increasingly complex and critical balancing act. Schools are overwhelmed with government mandates, liability-inspired paperwork, overemphasis on high-stakes testing, and the bureaucratic tendency to jump on new ideas and methods simply because they are new. Evaluating schools, teachers, and students has become a checklist of what is easiest to test, rather than what will prepare individual students to become confident, active, productive citizens. Texas leaders and administrators at every level must refocus priorities to support teachers as they work to restore the balance of their time and energy back on what is most important—teaching students. Teachers need that support and the freedom to help each individual learner develop crucial connections: • Connections to their own strengths through family, culture, and heritage. • Connections to the people, struggles, and accomplishments of the past. • Connections to the power they have to impact their community, state, and nation.

• Connections to the future through their own dreams and actions today. Without these essential connections, students will never reach their full potential or have truly successful and satisfying adult lives, no matter how skilled they become in taking reading, math, and science tests. My biggest hope for the future of our public schools is that Texas will empower districts and teachers to tip the instructional scales in students’ favor by creating learning environments in which these connections are inevitable. Teachers who

“

As a teacher, I have the privilege of teaching the whole child and helping lay the foundation for their life as an adult.” — Sally Hunter, Teacher, Austin ISD

provide the structure and flexibility for students to explore the world and apply their discoveries in creative and meaningful ways. Teachers who train students to work together, build on one another’s ideas, respectfully disagree with one another, and provide supporting evidence for their ideas and perspectives. Teachers who encourage students to set and pursue their own goals while helping them develop strategies to achieve those goals. Students must understand themselves and their power in the world before they can begin to understand the rich and amazing possibilities the world has to offer them. ATPE NEWS 27

SPECIAL SERVICES MEMBER OF THE YEAR:

DR. AUDREY YOUNG

he 2021 Special Services Member of the year award was presented to Dr. Audrey Young of Nacogdoches ISD. Audrey serves as the Director of Student Support Services. Although she has only been in this role for four years, Audrey has been a public educator for the past 27 years! Also, in November 2020, she was elected to the State Board of Education representing District 8. ATPE reached out to Audrey to find out what she has enjoyed most throughout her career.

 What is your favorite part of your job? Most recently, I have worked closely with the Dyslexia Parent Group of Conroe and the Kitchen Table Moms of the Dallas Metroplex during the 87th legislation and am a major supporter for the special education community! I have provided several legislative updates, participated in an unimaginable number of virtual and faceto-face meetings related to refreshing the Dyslexia Handbook, and continue to fight tirelessly for the rights of all children. My number one passion is special education.  What is the most important thing you wish someone had told you when you started out in your career? These are critical times for public education, fraught with successes and challenges. I find deep satisfaction in energetically confronting tough educational issues and working collegially to resolve them. I just wish someone would have warned me I’d be “walking uphill both ways.”  What is the most important thing Texas educators can do for their profession? For me, the most important thing is to be: • A passionate educator who believes that all students can thrive in a learning environment that is stimulating and appropriate to their unique talents and abilities. • A transformer of school programs through collaborative planning, curriculum management, grant funding, and communication with the community.

28 ATPE NEWS

• An instructional leader that subscribes to a balance of motivational and targeted instruction methodologies as part of enhancing curricula while focusing on the three ‘R’s: rigor, relevance, and relationships. • An advocate for students to enroll in and become a successful student and develop to their fullest extent. • A visionary for integrating best practices, research, cultural and educational needs of students with the community and stakeholders. • A supporter of all students, staff, and teachers.

“

I find deep satisfaction in energetically confronting tough educational issues and working collegially to resolve them.” — Dr. Audrey Young, Director of Student Support Services, Nacogdoches ISD

 Share a fun fact about yourself! I am the 9th generation of the Rose family to reside in Texas! My family is recognized by the Texas State Historical Society as a Texas First Family. My family member, John Washington Rose, was elected to the very first Texas Legislature in 1846, representing Victoria County. Following the legacy of the Rose family, 175 years later, I now serve as an elected state official. My great (x7) grandfather was known as “Hell Roaring Rose,” a War of 1812 veteran and a leader in the Regulator-Moderator War. Rose was accused of shooting and killing Senator Robert Potter in 1842 at Caddo Lake. Their mutual contempt for each other ran deeper than politics as, according to family tradition, Potter’s unsuccessful attempts to pay court to the attractive daughters of the Rose family also caused some conflict. The news of Potter’s death was reported in both Texas and United States newspapers, and Charles Dickens, who was then on his American tour, commented on it in his American Notes. Because feelings were running so high, the case was removed to Nacogdoches on a change of venue. Gen. Thomas J. Rusk came from Austin to defend his friend Rose, and the case was dismissed for lack of evidence. Fast forward 176 years—in 2018, I walked into a Nacogdoches Bank and met an employee by the name of Thomas Potter. After exchanging a few polite words, I decided to ask Potter if he was of the Robert Potter family and much to my surprise, he was, to which I replied “then I guess I owe you an apology 176 years in the making—I’m sorry that my great, great, great, great, great, great, great grandfather shot and killed your great, great, great, great, great, great grandfather.“ To which Potter replied, “You must be of the Rose family, apology accepted.” It truly is a small, small world.

4 Things to Know about Using ATPE's Professional Learning Portal As an ATPE member, you have access to our online learning portal, where you can earn continuing professional education credits on your own time.

ou worked hard to earn your teaching certificate. Now, as you work hard in the classroom for Texas students, it’s important to keep up certain requirements for when you need to renew your certificate—and ATPE can help! Every Texas educator holding a standard certificate must complete a minimum number of continuing professional education (CPE) hours through approved providers every five years for certification renewal purposes. (Visit tea.texas.gov for full details.) Luckily, as an ATPE member, you have access to our Professional Learning (PL) Portal, where you can earn many of these CPE credits on your own time via on-demand courses.

COURSE ACCESS IS INCLUDED IN YOUR MEMBERSHIP.

WE HAVE MORE THAN 130 VIDEOS AVAILABLE.

YOU MUST COMPLETE A QUICK COURSE EVALUATION TO EARN YOUR HOURS.

USE THE EDUCATION TRACKER TO RECORD YOUR PROGRESS.

Access to the PL Portal is one of your ATPE membership benefits. All you need to do is log in to atpe.org, then head to atpe.org/cpe and click the “Continue to the Portal” option. That’s it; you’re in! Note: Members must access the portal through atpe.org, not a bookmarked link.

As an educator, your schedule is already packed, and completing CPE hours on top of that can seem overwhelming—but have no fear because ATPE currently has more than 130 videos available to members. We have dozens of SXSW EDU sessions going back to 2016 and up to 2021. The portal includes several presentations from ATPE staff attorneys, as well as courses on college preparation, digital literacy, leadership, project-based learning, and social and emotional learning by various partners and members.

After you finish each course, you must complete a short evaluation statement in order to officially complete the course and receive your CPE hours. This is a mandatory requirement for all education taken on the PL Portal, so don’t forget!

You can track your CPE hours and certificates through the Education Tracker in the PL Portal, making it easy to maintain a comprehensive history of your professional learning throughout your career. Additionally, you can record activities completed outside of the portal, including practice hours, offline courses, and seminars. (Another ATPE membership benefit!) Records are held for 10 years, and you can access, print, and download your history and course certificates at any time.

ATPE NEWS 29

The Nuts and Bolts of HB 3979 & SB 3 These new laws will affect how you teach civics, history, and current events. We break down what you need to know. BY PAUL TAPP, ATPE MANAGING ATTORNEY

wo laws passed by the 87th Legislature (one during the regular session and one during the second special session) affect how teachers can teach civics and history and discuss current, controversial subjects with their students. These new education laws—House Bill (HB) 3979, which went into effect Sept. 1, and Senate Bill (SB) 3, which will supersede HB 3979 Dec. 2— commonly (and somewhat controversially) are referred to as the “critical race theory” (CRT) bills. Beyond prohibitions on concepts that have come to be associated with CRT in today’s political climate, however, these two bills have several significant, far-reaching provisions. Curriculum-wise, the two bills direct the State Board of Education (SBOE) to add certain topics to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for civics classes. Because this is a directive to the SBOE and any changes must go through the SBOE rule-making process, this is not anything teachers need to worry about right now. SB 3 also establishes an eventual civics training program for administrators and civics teachers to be developed by the Texas Education Agency no later than the 2025-26 school year. The other three provisions of HB 3979 and SB 3 are, however, of immediate concern.

30 ATPE NEWS

Prohibition on class credit for student advocacy Starting with the most straightforward provision, HB 3979—which is, again, effective through Dec. 2, 2021, approximately two weeks after the publication of this issue of ATPE News—prohibits a teacher from assigning, requiring, or giving class credit or extra credit for the common practice in government or social studies classes of having students write letters to legislators or other government officials. SB 3 largely eliminates this prohibition, as long as the teacher does not influence the student’s position. Effective Dec. 2, SB 3 provides: “Nothing in this section may be construed as prohibiting a teacher employed by a school district or open-enrollment charter school from directing a classroom activity that involves students communicating with an elected official so long as the district, school, or teacher does not influence the content of a student’s communication.” Both bills prohibit a teacher from assigning or giving credit for a student’s “… participation in any internship, practicum, or similar activity including social or public policy advocacy.” SB 3 does carve out an exception for “… community charitable projects, such as building community gardens, volunteering at local food banks, or other service projects.” So, now and in the

future, no assignment or credit is permitted for a student’s involvement in a social interest group with a political purpose, but after Dec. 2, it is likely acceptable if the organization does not have an overtly political or advocacy purpose. Of course, teachers should always consult with their administration prior to setting up credit for such a program, just to be on the safe side.

Description of how a teacher must discuss controversial topics in class A teacher’s discussion of controversial topics with students was an area of great concern under HB 3979. The bill states a teacher “… cannot be compelled to discuss a particular current event or widely debated and currently controversial issue of public policy or social affairs.” But a teacher who chooses to discuss such a topic “… shall, to the best of the teacher’s ability, strive to explore the topic from diverse and contending perspectives without giving deference to any one perspective.” This means the teacher is supposed to present all sides equally, without taking a particular side. As many have pointed out, this can lead to serious potential issues. For instance, the events of Jan. 6 are certainly an area of controversy. HB 3979 arguably requires teachers to give equal deference to the

proposition that a civil war is needed to bring the US to where it should be—that is one perspective. Fortunately, SB 3 improved the legal requirement on teachers related to discussion of controversial topics. SB 3 continues HB 3979’s provision that a teacher “… cannot be compelled to discuss a particular current event or widely debated and currently controversial issue of public policy or social affairs.” But it significantly changes the requirement for what a teacher must do if they choose to discuss a controversial topic, stating that a teacher who chooses to discuss such a topic “… shall explore that topic objectively and in a manner free from political bias …” The simple requirement that a teacher be “objective” and free from “political bias” largely eliminates the HB 3979 requirement that a teacher give equal weight to all sides in any controversy. For instance, it is clear a biology teacher would not need to give “equal deference” to evolution and creationism, as was arguably required by HB 3979. Teachers should still be aware of their community standards, as what is simply “truth” in one community can be viewed as “political bias” in another. In October, in a widely publicized instance, a North Texas administrator was recorded advising educators that if they had a book related to the Holocaust in their classroom library, they had to include a book offering “opposing views.” The idea of teaching “opposing views” to the Holocaust was, of course, widely decried as horrific. And it is important to note that HB 3979 is silent on the topic of classroom libraries. This incident, however, was a grave reminder of the dangers of bills like HB 3979, which clearly have many unintended consequences as educators attempt to follow them.

Prohibition on teaching “critical race theory” Neither HB 3979 nor SB 3 include the term “critical race theory” (CRT)—and many academics and legislators who opposed these bills argue that CRT is a complex theory that has been distilled into something it is not. Regardless of how you do define CRT, both HB 3979 and SB 3 prohibit certain activities that have come to be commonly associated with the idea in current discourse. Both laws state a teacher cannot require or make a part of any course the concepts that: • One race is inherently superior to another. • An individual is, based on their race or sex, inherently superior. • An individual, based on race or sex, is consciously or unconsciously racist, sexist, or oppressive. • An individual should be discriminated against, based on their race or sex. • An individual because of their race or sex bears responsibility for actions committed in the past. • Meritocracy or appreciation of work ethic were concepts created to oppress others. • Slavery is anything other than a deviation from American ideals. Both laws also prohibit any teaching that would require a knowledge of the 1619 Project, a controversial initiative that proposed the foundation of the United States began with the introduction of slavery. There is one difference between SB 3 and HB 3979. HB 3979 included a prohibition on any instruction that “… an individual should feel discomfort, guilt, anguish, or any other form of psychological distress on account of the individual’s race or sex.” This is not included in SB 3. Although certainly no one should feel bad because of

their race, it might be supposed this was simply too subjective of a standard.

Prohibition on disciplining students for discussing such concepts Teachers should also know that both laws prohibit disciplining a student for discussing these concepts in a reasonable manner.

The requirements established by both laws apply to all teachers and educators, regardless of their subject/ speciality. As you can see, these laws go beyond civics classes and even beyond history and government classes. The requirements established by both laws apply to all teachers and educators, regardless of their subject/specialty. Fortunately, the changes the Legislature did make to the law in SB 3 are helpful to teachers and should make it easier for them to negotiate the real-world situations in which they find themselves. Finally, these new laws are a reminder that communicating with your lawmakers about the practical impact of their actions is always worthwhile, and ATPE members may log in to Advocacy Central at atpe.org/ advocacy-central to easily reach out to their legislators.

The legal information provided here is accurate as of the date of publication. It is provided here is for informative purposes only. Individual legal situations vary greatly, and readers needing individual legal advice should consult directly with an attorney. Please note: Rights based on the Texas Education Code may not apply to all. Many Texas Education Code provisions do not apply to public charter schools, and public school districts may have opted out of individual provisions through a District of Innovation plan. Eligible ATPE members may contact the ATPE Member Legal Services Department.

ATPE NEWS 31

ATPE invites you to join us as we visit “neighborhoods” all over Texas. Get an inside look at what ATPE volunteers across the state are doing to recruit, retain, and rejoice with their fellow ATPE members!

In Your Neighborhood: ATPE Stories from Your Communities

32 ATPE NEWS

Region 9 ATPE The temperatures are dropping, and the thought of a warm beverage is starting to sound better and better every day! That’s what’s on the mind of Region 9 ATPE, at least! The region hosted a come-and-go event at Collective Coffee in Wichita Falls where potential new members with interest in joining ATPE could learn more about the association and meet some current members—with the bonus of a free beverage. What an awesome way to warm up fellow educators’ hearts—and stomachs—to ATPE!

Amarillo ATPE Aloha from Amarillo, Texas! At this year’s new-teacher orientation, Amarillo ATPE members turned their table into a tropical wonderland. The members dressed up in Hawaiian-style shirts and even had a backdrop with the phrase, “Catch the wave, join ATPE today!” Great work, Amarillo ATPE, and way to be creative!

Mesquite ATPE As an American educator, voting is one of the greatest privileges you hold. Mesquite ATPE recognized this importance and decided to come together to encourage others to register to vote. With the help of Mesquite Mayor Bruce Archer, Mesquite ATPE officers canvassed the town helping people register for the next election.

Tyler ATPE In ATPE, you don’t need artistic skills like Pablo Picasso to be valued! Tyler ATPE hosted its fall meeting at a painting facility where members shared the latest ATPE information and then created their own masterpieces in a stepby-step painting class with fellow Tyler ATPE members. The event was relaxing, and it was a great way for members to mingle and bond while showing off their skills. Awesome job, Tyler ATPE!

ATPE NEWS 33

YOUR ATPE

Recognize Your Colleagues: Submit Your ATPE Award Nominations by Dec. 1 These days, all educators could use some extra recognition for their hard work and dedication. What better way to say “I see you, and you’re awesome” to your colleagues than by nominating them for an ATPE award? Every year, ATPE recognizes outstanding Texas educators, ATPE leaders, and friends of Texas public schools during our annual summit. Recognize a colleague who changes lives and inspires excellence by nominating them for an ATPE Educator of the Year Award. Highlight the work of your local unit by applying for Local Unit of the Year, or nominate an outstanding ATPE volunteer for Campus Representative of the Year. Visit atpe.org/Submit-Your-ATPE-Award-Nominations for full details, nomination forms, and applications.

Charles Pickitt Educator of the Year Awards The Charles Pickitt Educator of the Year Awards—named for one of ATPE’s founding members— are presented in five categories: Administrator, Associate, Elementary Teacher, Secondary Teacher, and Special Services Educator. Each recipient will receive $5,000. Dec. 1 is the nomination deadline, and nominees must submit completed applications by Feb. 1, 2022. Self-nominations are not accepted.

Doug Rogers Campus Representative of the Year Awards The Doug Rogers Campus Representative of the Year Awards— named after ATPE’s retired executive director—recognize volunteers in four categories: 1–200 members, 201–500 members, 501–1,000 members, and 1,001+ members. Local units may nominate one or more campus representatives. Each winner will receive $1,000. Dec. 1 is the nomination deadline, and nominees must submit completed applications by Feb. 1, 2022. Selfnominations are allowed.

Floyd Trimble Local Unit of the Year Awards The Floyd Trimble Local Unit of the Year Awards honor exceptional local units in five categories: 1–200 members, 201–500 members, 501–1,000 members, 1,001+ members, and university local units. Each winning local unit will receive a check for $1,000. Dec. 1 is the application/nomination deadline, and nominees must submit completed applications by Feb. 1, 2022. Self-nominations are allowed.

Caution: Email Spoofing on the Rise ATPE is aware of recent emails in which the sender is posing as ATPE. In light of this, we urge ATPE members to confirm that any email purporting to be from ATPE comes from an email address ending in atpe.org. If you suspect an email is spoofed, do not click on any links or attachments. Typically, these emails are noticibly spam or phishing attempts, but if you are in doubt, please reach out to ATPE via another means (e.g., phone or a different email address) to confirm whether a message is legitimate. If it’s a scam, please report and block the sender, and if you suspect your information is at risk of being compromised, update your email password. Questions? Contact ATPE Membership at members@atpe.org or (800) 777-2873.

34 ATPE NEWS

YOUR ATPE

Be the Voice of ATPE on Your Campus An ATPE campus representative is a lifeline for new and current members to keep them informed of membership benefits, legislative matters, and issues that impact educators every day. This volunteer role offers a rewarding opportunity to connect with colleagues as you spread the word about ATPE and help grow the association. Campus reps serve as the voice of ATPE on their campuses and can work in districts with or without ATPE local units. We’ll provide the training, resources, and networks to ensure you can truly make a difference in the lives of Texas educators and students. Interested? Contact ATPE Volunteer Program Coordinator Anna Belle Burleson at volunteer@atpe.org.

New! Save on Hotels and Lenovo Computers Just in time for the holidays, ATPE members have access to two new discount programs:

Listen Up! ATPE Now Has Two Podcasts Add a little ATPE to your next commute or workout by listening to one of our new podcasts! The ATPE Podcast is publicly available to all Texas educators. In this podcast, we explore the latest developments in publication, such as new requirements in House Bill (HB) 4545 to provide 30 hours of supplemental accelerated instruction to students who do not pass STAAR. The ATPE Podcast is available on Podbean, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Spotify. In The President’s Podcast, ATPE State President Karen Hames recaps the latest ATPE Board of Directors meeting and other association happenings. Log in to atpe.org/ About-ATPE/The-Presidents-Podcast to listen to this member-only podcast through our embedded player or grab the subscription link for your favorite podcast app.

Through HotelPlanner, members and their families can save up to 65% off room rates at over 800,000 lodging options worldwide, including VRBO. Members can also source and book group lodging for official events, as well as for personal needs, such as weddings and family reunions. Plus, members can save up to 40% on car rentals. In addition to hotels, ATPE members are eligible to save up to 30% off the everyday public web price of Lenovo’s entire product line. Take advantage of great deals on everything you need for your office and home, including all laptops, tablets, desktops, all-in-ones, workstations, servers, and accessories. This includes savings on top products, such as the awardwinning ThinkPad laptops and innovative multimode YOGA tablets. ATPE members also receive free ground shipping on all web orders, monthly limited-time special offers, access to energy-efficient green technologies, and award-winning service and support. Log in to atpe.org/My-ATPE/ Member-Discounts for details on how to access these and all other ATPE member discounts.

ATPE NEWS 35

YOUR ATPE

State Officer Nominations Due by March 15 ATPE’s five state officers—president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, and immediate past president—hold a unique leadership role in the association. Per the ATPE State Bylaws, they constitute the ATPE Executive Committee and can exercise some functions of the ATPE Board of Directors in between board meetings. They also travel the state extensively visiting regions and local units to cultivate the next generation of ATPE leaders, as well as serve as spokespeople for ATPE. Any professional, administrator, associate, or retired category member who is currently serving or has served in the past five years as a local unit, region, or state officer is eligible to run for ATPE state office. If you’ve ever thought about running for state office, nominations for the 2022 election are now open through March 15, 2022. Please contact Nomination/Election Committee staff liaison Bret Messer at bmesser@atpe.org for additional information about qualifications and the election process. The ATPE House of Delegates will elect the 2022-23 state officers during the 2022 ATPE Summit, July 6–8 in Grapevine.

2021-22 ATPE State Officers Karen Hames, Stacey Ward, Jayne Serna, Jason Forbis, and Jimmy Lee

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In some parts of Texas, consumers are allowed to select their own electricity provider. ATPE has partnered with TriEagle Energy to bring you simple electricity rates with no hidden fees or surprises on your bill. Better yet, those who sign up will be supporting the association. A win-win for ATPE all the way around! When you choose TriEagle Energy as your electricity provider, you’ll even have the option to choose a plan with 100% wind energy. Log in to atpe.org/member-discounts to learn how to sign up.

In a world where negative news seems to flood the headlines, add some goodness to your life with ATPE’s Positive Referrals email newsletter. This biweekly email newsletter goes out to subscribers every other Tuesday and focuses on good news in public education from Texas and across the country and occasionally the globe. Positive Referrals has all the happy and kind stories we are craving during these challenging times. From stories of educators going the extra mile to new initiatives by school districts, this newsletter will make sure your inbox is filled with heartwarming news from the prior two weeks. So, let us share the accomplishments of bright, talented educators from around the country with you! Subscribe to Positive Referrals today at atpe.org/Positive-Referrals.

36 ATPE NEWS

YOUR ATPE

United States Postal Service Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation 1. Publication Title: ATPE News 2. Publication Number: 578-050 3. Filing Date: September 27, 2021 4. Issue Frequency: Quarterly (Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer) 5. Number of Issues Published Annually: 4 6. Annual Subscription Price: $10.00 7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication: 305 E. Huntland Drive, Suite 300, Austin (Travis), Texas 78752-3792 Contact Person: Kate Johanns Telephone: (512) 467-0071 8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office or Publisher: 305 E. Huntland Drive, Suite 300, Austin (Travis), Texas 78752-3792 9. Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor and Managing Editor: Publisher: Shannon Holmes, 305 E. Huntland Drive, Suite 300, Austin (Travis), Texas 78752-3792 Editor: Katherine Johanns, 305 E. Huntland Drive, Suite 300, Austin (Travis), Texas 78752-3792 Managing Editor: Katherine Johanns, 305 E. Huntland Drive, Suite 300, Austin (Travis), Texas 78752-3792 10. Owner: Association of Texas Professional Educators, 305 E. Huntland Drive, Suite 300, Austin (Travis), Texas 78752-3792 11. Known Bondholders, Mortgagees

and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages or Other Securities: None 12. Tax Status: The purpose, function and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for federal income tax purposes: Has Not Changed During Preceding 12 Months. 13. Publication Title: ATPE News 14. Issue Date for Circulation Data Below: Fall 2021 (Aug. 6, 2021) 15. Extent and Nature of Circulation Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months a. Total Number of Copies: 90,899 b. Paid Circulation (1) Mailed Outside-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541: 87,453 (2) Mailed In-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541: 0 (3) Paid Distribution Outside the Mails Including Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales and Other Paid Distribution Outside USPS: 0 (4) Paid Distribution by Other Classes of Mail Through the USPS: 0 c. Total Paid Distribution: 87,453 d. Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (1) Free or Nominal Rate OutsideCounty Copies included on PS Form 3541: 1,433

(2) Free or Nominal Rate In-County Copies Included on PS Form 3541: 0 (3) Free or Nominal Rate Copies Mailed at Other Classes Through the USPS: 1,656 (4) Free or Nominal Rate Distribution Outside the Mail: 23 e. Total Free or Nominal Rate Distribution: 3,112 f. Total Distribution: 90,656 g. Copies Not Distributed: 334 h. Total: 90,899 i. Percent Paid: 96.56% No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date a. Total Number of Copies: 96,338 b. Paid Circulation (1) Mailed Outside-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541: 92,848 (2) Mailed In-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541: 0 (3) Paid Distribution Outside the Mails Including Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales and Other Paid Distribution Outside USPS: 0 (4) Paid Distribution by Other Classes of Mail Through the USPS: 0 c. Total Paid Distribution: 92,848 d. Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (1) Free or Nominal Rate OutsideCounty Copies included on PS Form 3541: 1,440

(2) Free or Nominal Rate In-County Copies Included on PS Form 3541: 0 (3) Free or Nominal Rate Copies Mailed at Other Classes Through the USPS: 1,619 (4) Free or Nominal Rate Distribution Outside the Mail: 50 e. Total Free or Nominal Rate Distribution: 3,109 f. Total Distribution: 95,957 g. Copies Not Distributed: 381 h. Total: 96,338 i. Percent Paid: 96.76% 16. Total circulation DOES NOT include electronic copies. 17. Publication of Statement of Ownership: Required. Will be printed in the Winter 2021 (Nov. 18, 2021) issue of this publication. 18. Signature and Date: Katherine Johanns, Marketing and Communications Director, September 27, 2021 I certify that all information furnished in this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits materials or information requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions (including civil penalties).

ATPE NEWS 37

continued from page 10—Your Ally

would prefer to go ahead and have the meetings during their planning time, especially because the meetings could actually last even longer as there would be no natural need to wrap up when planning time was over. To end on a more positive note, there appears to be no legal basis for a teacher to be assigned non-planning tasks, such as covering another teacher’s class or monitoring the cafeteria, during their required planning time. Although this prohibition is also based on a commissioner’s decision, that decision is more clearly required by the law itself, so it would be harder to make exceptions—and these are not activities that could be postponed to after-hours. The legal information provided here is accurate as of the date of publication. It is provided here is for informative purposes only. Individual legal situations vary greatly, and readers needing individual legal advice should consult directly with an attorney. Please note: Rights based on the Texas Education Code may not apply to all. Many Texas Education Code provisions do not apply to public charter schools, and public school districts may have opted out of individual provisions through a District of Innovation plan. Eligible ATPE members may contact the ATPE Member Legal Services Department. continued from page 13—Your Voice

Your voting toolbox

You might be thinking, that sounds good, but I’m busy—and what you just described sounds like a lot of work. Thankfully, ATPE has tools to make it much easier. ATPE’s TeachtheVote.org, brings all the information listed above into one simple-to-navigate place. Enter your address to find out who will be on your ballot here in Texas—where nearly all public education policy issues affecting you are decided. Visit each candidate’s profile to link to the candidate’s website and social media, read their answers to the ATPE candidate survey, review endorsements from organizations with positions for or against public education, and access other helpful information about their stances on public education. In less than 15 minutes, you can research all the covered candidates on your primary or general election ballot.

But why should you vote public education?

I have faith that as a Texas educator and ATPE member, you know that public education is a big, important part of your life. What you may not know or might sometimes forget is the degree to which politicians control your profession and your compensation, the schools in which you work, and the resources you have to teach students. Public education policy determines your salary, your family’s health benefits, and your retirement. For most people, those pocketbook issues alone would make something their top policy consideration. Educators, though, are notoriously prone to placing others’ concerns ahead of 38 ATPE NEWS

their own needs. So consider this: Public education policy is more than teacher pay and staff funding issues. Public education is the fabric holding our communities together and is quite literally responsible for creating the future of our state. Public education directly or indirectly touches almost everything we do, and policymakers are second only to educators themselves in determining the health of our public education system. So, the next time there is an election for a member of the Texas House or Senate, the governor or lieutenant governor, or a member of the State Board of Education, whether it is a primary or general election, I hope you will look past partisan credentials. I hope you will consider candidates’ positions as policymakers. I hope you will prioritize their stance on education policy. And I hope you will vote public education. continued from page 20—With a Little Bit of Love and a Whole Lot of Marimba

be impossible to achieve—and some were even upset with her for attempting to reach the goal. With all adventures, there are risks, and Anderson was aware of that. At one point, she had to make the decision to put down a $20,000 deposit without knowing if the group would have enough money to fund the rest of the trip. “Some might call it stupid,” Anderson says. “But we just threw the money down, and the rest of the money came through.”

Giving back to the community

On average, a small well-crafted marimba costs about $1,000, and larger marimbas cost about $2,000. Thanks to grants and donations from the community, Anderson has been able to raise over $100,000 to support Mojo Rimba—with some of the grant money coming from prestigious organizations, such as the Grammy Foundation, and corporations, including OfficeMax. Bonnie even received the H-E-B Excellence in Education Lifetime Achievement in Teaching Award worth $52,000 from the Charles Butt Foundation, and Butt himself personally donated $10,000 to Mojo Rimba after hearing Anderson’s acceptance speech. Anderson’s passion for music has allowed her to give back to her community through teaching, and she hopes to keep giving back after retirement. Once she retires, she hopes to open a marimba school that offers free lessons to those who can’t afford it. “Working with the community is a symbiotic relationship, and it’s way more meaningful than just a bunch of money the government gave us,” Anderson says. Anderson credits her inspiration for going above and beyond in teaching and her passion for music from people she has met throughout her life—even the second-grade teacher who discouraged her years ago. “[That experience in second grade] caused me to dedicate my life to saving children by using music as a catalyst for success,” she says. “Through music, all students can experience success at their own level.”

YOUR ATPE

Meet ATPE’s

REGIONAL MEMBERSHIP SPECIALISTS ATPE’s eight dedicated regional membership specialists support ATPE’s members and volunteers in their local 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

JOSEPH CRUZ

Regions 1 & 2 rgutierrez@atpe.org

Regions 3 & 4 cvillalovos@atpe.org

Regions 5–7 gfranks@atpe.org

Regions 8 & 10 jcruz@atpe.org

DIANE POKLUDA

MARY JANE WAITS

JEFF VEGA

YVETTE MILNER

Regions 9 & 11 dpokluda@atpe.org

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

Regions 16–19 jvega@atpe.org

Regions 13 & 20 ymilner@atpe.org

ATPE NEWS 39

Maximize Your ATPE Membership

Now that you’re a card-carrying ATPE member, have you explored the:

Exclusive menu of over 25 member discounts?

130-plus CPE courses available on demand through the ATPE Professional Learning Portal?

ATPE membership—it’s more than insurance. Log in at atpe.org to start exploring today.

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2021–22 ATPE Membership Application

Installment payments & auto-renew available for credit card/bank draft at atpe.org STEP 1

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See below for category descriptions.

Student Teacher, College Student, and Public members may join online at atpe.org. 2021-22 Professional, Associate, and Administrator memberships will not be accepted after Jan. 31, 2022.

Professional (teacher, counselor, etc.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . $139 $175 Associate (para-educator, aide, support staff, etc.) . . . . . . $80 $90 Administrator (principal, superintendent, etc.) . . . . . . . . . . . $225 Retired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$10 OPTIONAL: Invest in Education ATPE Local Unit Dues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ Support ATPE in your local school district.

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TOTAL $ Yes, contact me about becoming a volunteer! How to Submit Your Application

Mail your completed application and check to: ATPE | 305 E. Huntland Dr., Ste. 300 | Austin, TX 78752

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ATPE membership year begins 8/1/21 & ends 7/31/22. Some benefits’ effective dates may not match effective membership dates. Visit atpe.org for disclosure details/limitations. I understand that ATPE may contact me via information provided on this application, including email and text, to communicate about my benefits/account. ATPE dues are not deductible as charitable contributions for income tax purposes but may be deductible as misc. itemized deductions, subject to IRS restrictions. Approx. 95% of your dues dollar is considered deductible; 4.9% is used for lobbying activities and is therefore not deductible. Or hand-deliver it to an authorized ATPE representative. Faxed or scanned applications are not accepted.

ATPE MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES You must join in the appropriate insured category in order to qualify for the Educators Professional Liability Insurance Policy. 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 are 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 Professional Member First-Time Professional Member (Rate available only through 10/31/21) Athletic Director/Coordinator Athletic Trainer At-Risk Coordinator Audiologist Band/Choral Director Business Manager Coach Counselor

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by the State Board for Educator Certification Associate Member 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 Commissioned peace officers are eligible for public membership only. Student Teacher Member Student/clinical teacher in Texas

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 Save when you pay by credit card, bank draft, or check! See reverse. STEP 1

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Student Teacher, College Student, and Public members may join online at atpe.org. Professional, Associate, and Administrator memberships will not be accepted after Jan. 31, 2022.

DESIGNATED ATPE REPS

Professional (teacher, counselor, etc.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $175 Associate (para-educator, aide, support staff, etc.) . . . . . . . . . . $90 Administrator (principal, superintendent, etc.) . . . . . . . . . . . $225 Retired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$10 OPTIONAL: Invest in Education ATPE Local Unit Dues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ Support ATPE in your local school district.

ATPE-PAC Suggested Donation . . . . . . . . . . . . $ Make a voluntary donation to our political action committee.

Received Date Print Name Signature

TOTAL $ Yes, contact me about becoming a volunteer! STEP 3

Last Name

Payroll Deduction Authorization

2021–22 Professional, Associate, and Administrator memberships will not be accepted after Jan. 31, 2022.* First-Time Professional memberships will not be accepted after Oct. 31, 2021. 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

Total # of Deductions

Monthly

Last 4 digits of SSN

Bi-weekly

Date

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, 2022.

How to Submit Your Application

Mail the entire application to: ATPE | 305 E. Huntland Dr., Ste. 300 | Austin, TX 78752

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

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

he thousands of ATPE volunteers across Texas are the backbone of this association. Their hard work and dedication allow ATPE to serve the state’s largest community of educators. In this ATPE News series, we’ll spotlight volunteers who set a great example of service to their fellow educators. First up: ROYA DINBALI, a high school forensics teacher, Nacogdoches ATPE president and campus rep, and Region 7 ATPE officer.

WHY VOLUNTEER FOR ATPE? “I like that we are protecting educators,” Roya says. “Some educators don’t think that they need to be protected. So, when you finally persuade them they need to be protected, you know they at least have that avenue. If they don’t know what to do, they can call somebody and say, ‘Hey I need some help.’” Roya also wants to build a community of educators who can turn to one another for help and support. She works to create events and gatherings for ATPE members that focus on building that camaraderie. “It’s nice to have somebody who knows what you are going through—to have somebody to lean on. When you have a bad day, you can reach out and talk to somebody. We check in on each other. I think when people see that, they are going to want to join ATPE.”

“STOP ME BEFORE I VOLUNTEER AGAIN.” In addition to her ATPE volunteer roles, Roya also volunteers for a variety of other school and community organizations. She serves as a co-adviser for National Honor Society and is on the School Health Advisory Council. Roya is also an officer for the

IT’S NICE TO HAVE SOMEBODY WHO KNOWS WHAT YOU ARE GOING THROUGH—TO HAVE SOMEBODY TO LEAN ON.” —ROYA DINBALI Nacogdoches ISD

American Association of University Women, a board member of the local humane society, and a volunteer for the community emergency response team. She also teaches CPR. “I am the person who cannot say no. I have a sticker that says ‘Stop me before I volunteer again.’” ADVICE FOR OTHER ATPE VOLUNTEERS “Persistence, persistence, persistence. You may think a person is never going to join, but then five years later, they actually join.” With the high turnover seen in schools these days, Roya admits recruiting new members can sometimes be frustrating. That’s when she returns to her top motivation for spreading the word about ATPE: “I just don’t want to see an educator not protected.”

IN BECOMING AN ATPE VOLUNTEER? Reach out to ATPE Volunteer  INTERESTED Program Coordinator Anna Belle Burleson at volunteer@atpe.org for details. ATPE NEWS 43

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

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Winter 2021 ATPE News

Articles inside

4 Things to Know About the ATPE Professional Learning Portal

Your Voice

ATPE’s Charles Pickitt Educators of the Year

In Your Neighborhood

Your Ally

Regional Roundup

Volunteer Spotlight