ATPE News SEGUIN COMMUNITYISD, RALLY BEHIND FINE ARTS PROGRAMS Seguin ISD’s historic music education program has received national recognition for four GILMERMAGICMENTORINGINISD A SCHOOLSCRISISHEALTHMENTALGROWINGINOUR 2022 HIGHLIGHTSSUMMITATPE 13 20 26
• The current Store Purchasing Card Program is being replaced by the new Store Discount Program.
• You will need to download the mobile app to access the digital QR Code to present at checkout in an Office Depot® or OfficeMax® store. If you already have the Office Depot Business mobile app, it will soon be rebranded ODP Business Solutions. Once you’ve registered online for the Store Discount Program, you’ll be able to access the digital QR Code in the app.
• You can register online for the Store Discount Program when you register for your account via the dedicated ODP site.
if placed
most locations). Other restrictions apply. **Curbside pickup is available in most stores, subject to state and local regulations. Orders must be placed 1 hour before store closing. See odpbusiness.com, call 888.2.OFFICE, or ask your Account Manager for details. We recommend you place your orders online so you can continue to get your full member contract pricing. Here are your options should you decide to make an Office Depot® Office Max® in-store purchase: Store Discount Program Whether you’re looking for ink and toner, paper, cleaning products, or school supplies, count on ODP Business Solutions to be in your corner to help you succeed. Important Updates to the Office Depot Member Discount Program Here’s how you can maximize your ODP Business Solutions™ member One-Stopbenefits: School Supplies Shop
• If you are currently using a Store Purchasing Card (SPC), you can still use it temporarily to access the new Store Discount Program, but it will be discontinued in approximately 11 months.
Register for an account online To continue to receive your member discounts, you’ll need to reenroll or register for an account through the dedicated ODP site. Log in to your member account at atpe.org/discounts to access the registration link. Huge Savings Using your registered account and ordering online is the best way to take advantage of your full member discounts. You’ll receive savings of up to 75% on the Best Value List of preferred products with free nextbusiness-day delivery* or pick up your online order via in-store and curbside pickup.** Print and Copy Services You can also place print services orders online and have them delivered where and when you need them. Or they’re available for pickup at an Office Depot® or Office Max® Store.
• The Store Discount Program will now offer a standard discount on certain product categories when you identify yourself as a program member; however, the SPC will no longer provide access to all of your member discounts.
*Free Delivery: Minimum purchase required after discounts and before taxes. Orders outside our local delivery area and most furniture, oversized and bulk items, cases of bottled water, and other beverages and special-order items do not qualify. Non-qualifying orders incur a delivery charge (minimum charge of $9.99). Many orders can be delivered next business day (between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.) online or via phone by 3 p.m. or via fax by 1 p.m. local time (in
Board
The aftermath of the tragedy in Uvalde has left us with a lot to process: out rage, heartache, fear, anxiety—you name it. As educators, we are no strangers to adversity. We have learned to be resilient, but no one should face this alone. As a part of ATPE, we are strongest together. We need to support one another so that each of us can provide our students and families the support they need as well. In this issue, we explore the sources and impacts of traumas that we have all endured, but we also highlight programs in districts around Texas that are inspir ing teachers and making a difference in our children’s lives. We look back at the memorable 2022 ATPE Summit, where members gathered to celebrate together and share their ideas and concerns for the future. So join me, ATPE, as we work together to make this a great school year! Stacey Ward ATPE State President AS A PART OF ATPE, WE ARE STRONGEST TOGETHER. WE NEED TO SUPPORT ONE ANOTHER SO THAT EACH OF US CAN PROVIDE OUR STUDENTS AND FAMILIES THE SUPPORT THEY NEED AS WELL.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Stacey Ward President, Humble (4) Jayne Serna Vice President, Leander (13) Jason Forbis Secretary, Midway (12) Jerrica Liggins Treasurer, Paris (8) Karen Hames Past President, Lewisville (11) of Directors
ATPE News Staff David George Editor John Kilpper Art Director Michael Spurlin Associate Editor Jack Densmore 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 787523792 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
ATPE NEWS 3 ATPE News The official publication of the Association of Texas Professional Educators State Officers
MaElena Ingram McAllen (1) Adriane Taylor Corpus Christi (2) Mandy Vahrenkamp Bloomington (3) Eli Rodriguez Cypress-Fairbanks (4) Suellen Ener Beaumont (5) Donna Ward Willis (6) Teresa Millard Woden (7) Vacant TBD (8) Patti Gibbs North Central Texas College (9) Wanda Bailey Mesquite (10) Teri Naya Birdville (11) Christina Flores Belton (12) Stephanie Stoebe Round Rock (13) Leslie Ward Merkel (14) Betty Gail Wood-Rush Early (15) Sherry Boyd Spearman (16) Allyson Haveman Lubbock (17) Gail Adlesperger Big Spring (18) Robert Zamora Clint (19) Laura Herrera North East (20) 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 2022 in USA by the Association of Texas Professional Educators ISSN ©ATPE 2022 0279-6260 USPS 578-050 305 E Huntland Dr , Ste 300 Austin, TX 78752-3792 (800) 777-ATPE (2873) atpe org | atpe@atpe org
As we welcome one another and our communities back to school this year, be sure to take a little time for yourself. Our collective trauma can be overcome, but not overnight. Hopefully, you have had a chance over the summer to relax and recharge, but just because school is back in session, it does not mean that we are back at 100%.
I n challenging times, leadership is so important, and I am honored to serve you in my new role as ATPE state presi dent. I would like to begin by acknowledging the difficul ties educators have faced over the past several years and the trauma that we have all experienced. Whether it be isolation during quarantine, politics invading the classroom, staffing and supply shortages, anxiety from school shootings, or all of the above, we are all suffering the consequences of these ordeals, and our mental health should be a top priority.
4 ATPE NEWS 17 QualityandMentoringStrategyA13WinningforRetainingTeachers What is the secret to mentoring success in Gilmer ISD? Dawn Harris and her cadre explain how the Invest Mentoring program addresses what new teachers need, why mentoring is so important for retention, and what makes their program unique. Seguin17 ProgramsFineRallyCommunityISD,BehindArts Take a look at what fuels the success of Seguin ISD’s historic music excitementperformancescommunityyears—andrecognitionprogram—receivingeducationnationalforfourconsecutivetheintegralroletheplaysinsupportingandgeneratingfortheprogram. The20 Writing on the OurHealthGrowingUvaldeReflectionsWall:onandaMentalCrisisinSchools There is a growing mental health crisis in our schools. In the wake of an ongoing pandemic and the tragic shooting in Uvalde, we explore how students, educators, and their families are experiencing an unprecedented amount of trauma. On the Cover FEATURES ATPE NEWS | Fall 2022, Volume 43, Number 1 Contents
ATPE NEWS 5 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. 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. 24 Culture Wars Besiege Public Schools: Is There an Underlying Motive for All of the Finger-Pointing? Public schools have become targets for a nationwide culture war as voucher proponents use wedge issues to drum up support for anti-public education legislation. 26 2022 ATPE Summit: Back in Person & Focused on the Future This year, ATPE gathered in Grapevine for the biggest reunion members have ever seen. Catch up on all of the highlights. 34 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. 38 In Memoriam Remembering a special ATPE staff member. SPECIAL SECTIONS 6 Calendar 8 Regional Roundup 10 Your Ally Have You Been Threatened? Know Your Rights 11 PAC Honor Roll 12 Your Voice Public Education is Ailing, and Your Vote is the Medicine 32 Meet Your 2022-23 ATPE Leaders 36 Your ATPE Gen ATPE program launch I Texas Tribune Festival Discount I One New = $10 for You I ATPE Wellbeing Packages 43 Volunteer Spotlight Learn from Antonio Mercado, a social studies teacher in Edinburg CISD and ATPE’s top recruiter for 2021-22. EVERYTHING ELSE “It’s important not to forget about the veteran members and show them some love as well. Because if you recruit a bunch of people, but a bunch of people leave, then you are back at square one.” — Antonio Mercado, social studies teacher at Economedes High in Edinburg CISD and ATPE’s 2021-22 Top Recruiter 43 26
6 ATPE NEWS November 4 Last day of early voting 6 Daylight saving time ends 8 Election Day 14 Virtual ATPE Board of Directors meeting 15–18 State Board of Education meeting 23–25 State office closed for Thanksgiving break 30 Texas Commission on Virtual Education meeting September Aug. 30–Sep. 2 State Board of meetingEducation 5 State office closed for Labor Day 15–16 TRS Board of Trustees meeting 17 Constitution Day 23–24 ATPE Board of Directors meeting 28 Texas Commission on Virtual Education meeting 30 Last day to join ATPE or renew to avoid 30-day wait for employment rights defense insurance to be effective* 30 State Board for Educator Certification meeting *Eligibility, terms, conditions, and limitations apply. Visit atpe.org/protection to view important disclosures and current program details. Staff attorney services are provided separate from the Educators Professional Liability Insurance Program. CALENDAR SEPT. 30 Last day to join ATPE or renew to avoid 30-day wait for effective*insurancerightsemploymentdefensetobe for You submissions due October 11 Last day to register to vote in the general election 19 Texas Commission on Virtual Education meeting 24 First day of early voting 28 Last day for ballot-by-mail applications to be received 31 Deadline for first-time professional members to join ATPE; One New = $10 for You submissions due Dec. 1 Nomination deadline for Educator of the Year, Local Unit of the Year, and Campus Rep of the awardsYear
SAVE THE DATE: SAVE THE DATE: ATPE at the Capitol Feb. 20–21, 2023 Austin Marriott Downtown and Texas State Capitol SAVE THE DATE: 2023 ATPE Summit July 10–12, 2023 Kalahari Resort Round Rock ATPE at the Capitol and ATPE Summit
c 8 ATPE NEWS T here are more than a thousand school districts in Texas and each one has success stories. Regional Roundup highlights some of the achievements happening in our public schools. When something special happens in your school district, let us know! Send news to comm@atpe.org REGIONAL ROUNDUP PFLUGERVILLE 2 KILLEEN 5 DALLAS 3 ARLINGTON 6 SOUTHSIDE 1 PHARRSAN JUAN-ALAMO 4
Two Pflugerville ISD EMT students, Clara Buwule and Abbi Hinds, recently received certificates of recogni tion from the Georgetown Fire Department as well as challenge coins from Travis County Emergency Services District No. 2 and the Pflugerville Fire Department. In March, Bulwe saved the life of a pa tient by applying chest compressions. Hinds helped save a patient at a nursing home when she was among those who performed life-saving CPR. Both were students in Pflugerville ISD’s Career and Technical Education Healthcare Therapeutic–EMT program. pfisd.net
Southside ISD Offers Support in Uvalde After the tragedy in Uvalde, a group of Southside ISD counselors and administrators—including the superin tendent—traveled to Uvalde to donate about 700 social/ emotional wellness bags for Robb Elementary students and staff. The Southside Education Foundation donated $6,100 to the victims’ families and teachers, and Texas A&M University–San Antonio helped collect and con tribute supplies. Southside ISD also hung a banner out side of Robb Elementary to show the district’s support. southsideisd.org
Pflugerville ISD StudentsRecognized for Life-Saving Efforts
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PSJA ISD Theatre TroupesReceive Award Nominations
Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD (PJSA) high school theatre troupes received more than 30 nomina tions for the 2022 Palms RGV High School Theatre Awards. The awards are judged based on both mu sical and non-musical performances. Every the atre troupe within the district was nominated for an award. psjaisd.us
3 Dallas ISD Teacher Named to TIME’s “Innovative Teachers” Ignite Middle School Spanish teacher Akash Patel was named to TIME’s “Innovative Teachers 2022” list. The Dallas ISD teacher was recognized for his work in pro moting global citizenship in schools and communities across the globe. He uses the Global Connect database to bring speakers from several different countries to his classroom, providing his students with information from a variety of perspectives. dallasisd.org
5 Killeen Bus Driver Goes to State Contest
Killeen ISD bus driver Tina Sutton qualified for the Texas Association for Pupil Transportation School Bus Safety “Roadeo” during her first year of com petition. Sutton has been driving for about seven years—starting in Alaska, then driving in Killeen the past five. The competition incorporates a writ ten exam about pre-trip procedures and driving knowledge, as well as a driving exam that simulates challenges bus drivers face on the road. killeenisd.org
6 ARLO Bookmobile
The ARLO Bookmobile traveled to five separate locations throughout Arlington this summer so students could get two free books to keep and read. The bookmobile was operated by Arlington ISD’s library media services depart ment and several school librarians. A grant from the Arlington ISD Education Foundation allowed the acquisition of a new trailer to increase inven tory capacity, providing more options for students. Books were arranged by grade level—offering selec tions for appropriate reading levels—and included some popular titles. aisd.net
Arkansas isiana c ATPE NEWS 9 From Across the State HEADLINES ISD.Arlington&ISD,KilleeniStockphoto,ISD,DallasISD,PflugervilleISD,SouthsideofcourtesyPhotos 1
10 ATPE NEWS YOUR ALLY BY GORDONJENNIFER ATPE Staff Attorney
It is important to note that children under the age of 10 cannot be charged. And while special ed ucation students are not exempt from these laws, consideration of their disability—if relevant—is required to determine whether discipline or pros ecution is appropriate. Any threat of violence from a student or a mem ber of the district community should be reported to your administration. Threats that may not amount to criminal conduct may nonetheless be a matter of discipline in accordance with your district’s code of conduct for students. Such threats may be grounds for requesting the student be removed from the classroom. A teacher can also request assistance from administration in handling interactions of potentially dangerous parents.
In addition to being a serious criminal matter, when a student threat meets these criteria, the Texas Education Code provides that a student may be expelled for either a terroristic threat or as saulting a school district employee. A student who engages in conduct that constitutes a terroristic threat must either be expelled or removed from the classroom and placed in a disciplinary alternative education program.
Have You Been Threatened? Know Your Rights
It is also important to note that the law does not require that an injury be actually imminent or even that the person making the threat intended to car ry it out. However, for both assault and terroristic threat, there must be some basis for concluding the threat was designed to cause someone fear of real impending physical harm to another.
Eligible ATPE members can contact the ATPE Member Legal Services Department for assistance and to get legal advice specific to their individual concerns. Documenting concerns often helps al leviate them. ATPE regularly assists eligible mem bers with documenting points of concern with their administration. We also have attorneys who advise and represent our members in filing a griev ance if needed.
The legal information provided here is accurate as of the date of publication and 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 Public 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.
T he threat of violence is a difficult concern for educators, whether it’s violence perpe trated by students, parents, or other mem bers of the educational community. We sometimes hear from educators who want to know their rights when they feel they have been threatened. What can or should be done in response? It’s helpful to review what the law says when addressing a threat. Most forms of speech are protected by the First Amendment—even threats—and often, these pro tections prohibit prosecution when no actual action has been taken. Certain types of speech, however, can constitute a crime. For the most part, two Texas laws address threats of violence: assault and terror istic threat. Both offenses involve a communication that is in some way intended to create fear that phys ical harm may immediately take place. And either of these is, by law, a more serious offense when com mitted against a school district employee. A threat constitutes “assault” when someone know ingly threatens imminent bodily injury against an other person (or that person’s spouse). By contrast, a “terroristic threat” is a threat to commit a violent offense to any person or property with the intent to put any person in fear of imminent bodily injury. These laws require two significant elements: the threat and the intent to cause fear. The threat must be one of imminent physical injury. The word “imminent” causes many threats—even disturb ing ones—to fall short of criminal prosecution. For example, say a parent publicly comments they would physically attack their child’s teacher if the child were ever mistreated at school. Here, there is no evidence the parent intends to imminently attack. By contrast, consider a scenario where a teacher successfully breaks up a physical fight be tween two students. One of them, still visibly seeth ing, grabs a sharp pair of scissors off the teacher’s desk. The student could have known this would put the teacher in fear of imminent harm, and a threat at this time could result in criminal charges.
ATPE NEWS 11 PAC HONOR ROLL Did you donate during the ATPE Summit? Look for your name in the next issue. Invest in the ATPE Political Action Committee today! It’s easy to donate at atpepac.givesmart.com. Abilene Tonja Gray Aldine Judy Flemings Irma Jimenez Alief Barbara Lebold Alvin Ron Fitzwater Amarillo Nelson Bishop Blythe Chapman Nancy Fowler Eunice Green Gina ShaneKristelJamieMiguelMelanieLewisLoewensternRenteriaRiedSextonWhitten Arlington Stephanie Hudson Austin Heidi Langan Axtell Janice Hornsby Azle Melissa Moore Ballinger Darlene Kelly Belton Christina Flores Birdville Tiffany Gygi Teri Naya Boerne Ona Beth Day Richard Wiggins Bryan Susan Ballew Castleberry TinaAlvarado-Crouch Channelview Karen Bryant China Spring Dawn Wilson Community Wendy Smith Corsicana Julleen Bottoms Crowley Crystal Hammill Diane Pokluda Steve Pokluda Cypress-Fairbanks Donna Gibbon Eliseo Rodriguez Dallas John MaryMariaForeSletteStricker Dickinson Lisa Cook-Johnson Mountain-SaginawEagle Shelly BrendaCouchGarcia Edinburg Elias Lozano Falls City Phyllis Jarzombek Ferris Meredith Malloy Betty McCoy Forney Patsy Dobbs Galena Park Sharon Dixon Lynn Nutt Hale Center Lynette Ginn Hays Shawna Mayerson Hempstead Jessica McHale Humble Tesslyn Mustain Gayle StaceySampleyWard Irving Angela Heath Connie Kilday Keller David Williams Killeen Eileen RonMelissaWalcikWalcikWalcik Klein Marsi Thomas Krum Betty Plunkett La Academia de Estrellas Deborah Pleasant La Joya Yessica Garza Hilda NormaMartinezVega Lampasas SherryBoultinghouse Leander Jayne Serna Lewisville Karen Hames Tara Linz Mansfield Nicole Canoe McAllen Twila DaisyMaElenaFigueroaIngramPalomo Mesquite Jerry SharonBonhamNix Midway (12) Jason Forbis Mission Maria Trevino Nacogdoches Katherine Whitbeck Northeast Texas Kimberly Dolese North Lamar Shelia Slider Northside (20) David de la Garza Olney Dale SamBeckyLovettSpurlockSpurlock Paris Jerrica Liggins Abby Rogers Pasadena Charlotte Anthony Mary Browning Darla Kelly Claire Stoker Juan-AlamoPharr-San Michael Sweet Plano Katy MonicaLindsayMatthewsRobinsonSwanson Port Arthur Sandra Turner Richardson David Williams Rosebud-Lott Beverly Bredemeyer Round Rock CaRita Forte San Antonio Byron Hildebrand Spearman Sherry RhondaBoydSmith Spring Branch Stephen Griffin Raul DeborahRuizWilkes Sweeny Jeanette Hlavaty Minne Sanchez Tyler Betty Berndt Eddie Hill Vernon Denise Sanders Waco PattyMargaretMcGinnessReneau Waxahachie Kim Kriegel Webb Criselda Garza Westwood Linda Moran Wichita Falls Belinda Wolf Willis GidgetBelinoski-Bailey Woden Teresa Millard ATPE Staff Shannon Holmes Thank you for your investment in Texas public education. The following ATPE members donated $50 or more to the ATPE Political Action Committee (ATPE-PAC) from April 1 to June 30, 2022. ATPE-PAC solicits contributions only from members, employees, and their families. Participation in ATPE-PAC is voluntary.
The ATPE members who responded to our “What Would You Tell the Teacher Vacancy Task Force?” survey earlier this year com mented that a wide spread culture of disre spect toward educators has emanated out of this political rhetoric and is impacting their ability to build crucial relation ships with parents and students, as well as their jobAssatisfaction.longaspoliticians see this rhetoric as benefi cial to their election and reelection goals, we may reasonably assume the negative impact on the edu cation profession and the public school system as a whole will continue. In fact, the inflammation will likely ramp up as we approach the Nov. 8 general election. As with any sickness, it is important to treat the symptoms and take preventive measures to protect the body in the future. To treat the symptoms of inflammatory rhetoric, educators must speak up. Local advocacy happens by building relationships with parents, community members, and other educators. It includes partici pating in campus and district opportunities to lead and communicate with decision-makers, attending your local school board meetings, and being a part of local ATPE activities. We know you’re busy, but we’ve made it easy to use ATPE’s member tools, such as Advocacy Central, to engage in broader, state-level advocacy, such as supporting legisla tion or policy changes that would improve worklife balance and the overall viability of the profes sion. Staying up to date on ATPE member surveys, attending the ATPE Summit and ATPE at the Capitol, recruiting other members, and contacting ATPE Governmental Relations with your thoughts and feedback are all valuable engagement methods that supplement the work the ATPE staff is doing with state officials every day on your behalf. But the single most effective way to take preventive action to mitigate the sickness of dishonesty that pervades politics and impacts our class rooms is to VOTE. The most effective elected officials are those who listen. Not all do, but the good ones will lean in. It is in creasingly important to stay aware of important election dates and learn about the candidates on your ballot by researching their education stances and history. Luckily, ATPE provides this informa tion for you through TeachtheVote.org. The ATPE lobby team creates new candidate surveys every election cycle to reflect the important issues of the time and get vital information to you, the voter. As you research your ballot choices, tell your col leagues—both ATPE members and nonmembers alike—to get ready to vote, too. Without a culture of voting among educators, we will continue to sink in the sea of malevolent political rhetoric and “hot” topics that take away from the real issues. One day, we might not be able to get out. We can save public education, but only if we vote and speak out—in whatever form that takes. The last day to register to vote in the Nov. 8 general election is Oct. 11, and early voting occurs Oct. 24 through Nov. 4. Vote like our public schools depend on it. Because they do.
12 ATPE NEWS YOUR VOICE BY CHEVALIERANDREA ATPE Lobbyist Public Education is Ailing, and Your Vote is the Medicine P ublic education is currently swirling in a vat of hot topics. Some might even say it is drowning. The politicization of education is at an all-time high, and it seems every issue ignites a fight. Not only do these debates include serious discussions about school safety, but also fights about parental rights, curriculum, funding, and more. Politicians are relying on inflammatory allegations—allega tions of “porn” in school libraries, fearmongering about teachers’ indoctrinating students—to drive voters to the conclusion that public schools are out of control, and the only remedy is private school vouchers.
WITHOUT A CULTURE OF VOTING AMONG EDUCATORS, WE WILL CONTINUE TO SINK IN THE SEA OF MALEVOLENT POLITICAL RHETORIC AND “HOT” TOPICS THAT TAKE AWAY FROM THE REAL ISSUES.
A Winning Strategy for Mentoring and Retaining Quality Teachers
BY DAVID GEORGE | PHOTOS COURTESY OF DAWN HARRIS
use individual collaboration time to reflect on the past year and look ahead to future lessons. INVESTINGINTHE ATPE NEWS 13
Dr. Dawn Harris and Tamica Hill
THE MOST CHALLENGING PART As any educator could tell you, the first year in a classroom can be a trial by fire. This may be a significant reason that teachers in Texas are less likely to return after their first year than at any other time in their career. Lack of experience and support combine to make that first year a huge challenge. “My job now is to make sure that firstyear teachers do not fail,” Harris says. “You are going to succeed if you come to Gilmer. Whether you are from a tradi tional cert program or alternative cert program, I am going to make sure that youHarrissucceed.”realized early on that training for teachers who were traditionally certified could be very different from those who came from an alternative certification program. The teachers who had completed a clinical teaching experience at least had an idea of what school was; those who hadn’t may have never set foot in a classroom before as anNickeducator.McNeel was one of those nontra ditional teachers. He now teaches small engine/auto tech at Gilmer High School, but his work background did not involve any classrooms. He began his teaching journey as an EMT and oil field mechan ic. Later as a shop supervisor, he trained new hires to rebuild engines. When he “Dr. Harris never takes her hand off of us, even now,” says Tamica Hill, a program participant. “There may be an email from time to time or a little chocolate or card in your mailbox from her. She is always checking up on us to make sure we are doing alright, even when we don’t realize it is a checkup.”
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN Harris has worked in Gilmer ISD for 20 years as an assistant principal, principal, and now assistant superin tendent. Her primary responsibility is now mentoring new teachers, and her focus has been on the Invest program since its inception. In order to fill her superintendent’s certification, Harris needed a district-wide project, so she put together a program where she could invest time into teachers who were new to the classroom. Her idea was to meet with each of them once a month to fix problems in one hour’s time. “I started out with 10 first-year teachers,” Harris says. “I met with them in their classrooms a lot, answered tons of questions, gave them a tissue when nec essary, pats on the back, and even kicks in the butt—whatever they needed to getAftermotivated.”afewyears, Harris realized that for this program to work, she would have to dedicate more time and would need to train each one differently—just like teachers differentiate to meet students’ needs. At that time, she was finishing up her doctorate, and it became apparent that the one-year, once-a-month schedule she had first proposed would need to expand to an intensive three-year program.
A t a time when new educators all over Texas are leaving the profession at an alarming rate and many more are considering the same, a small school district just east of Dallas is investing in new teachers, and the returns are substantial. Since 2014, Gilmer ISD has been placing its faith and resources into an innovative program designed to support and retain new teachers. Created and led by Dr. Dawn Harris, the Gilmer assistant superintendent, the Invest Mentoring program is designed to give first- through third-year teachers the tools and the confidence they need to succeed in those difficult years and beyond.
14 ATPE NEWS
Amy Davidson, a fifth grade teacher at Gilmer Intermediate who joined the program last year, was awarded Gilmer ISD’s Elementary Rookie of the Year for 2021-22. “The knowledge and confidence I have gained from my first year of the Invest program is immeasurable,” says Davidson. “I learned what to expect from each part of the year from first day jitters to Christmas break excitement to state testing preparation. Most im portantly, I learned how to set healthy work/home life boundaries to prevent burnout.”RobinStephenson is completing her second year in the program. She is a Gilmer alumna and teaches health sci ence at Gilmer High School. Before her career began in education, she was a certified chiropractor who had her own practice since 2006. In her first year as a teacher, she overcame many difficulties to earn the “Rookie of the Year” award for her school. “Last year was a unique year to start teaching with masks, remote learning, remote attendance, and all the COVID procedures,” Stephenson says. “I am pretty sure that if I made it through all of that, I could make it through anything.”
GROWING TOGETHER Harris attributes the program’s suc cess to the investment she makes in both the lives and careers of her teach ers. She explains that every new teacher has a long way to go to achieve their po tential, and not all of them are cut out for the “Nobodyjob. knows everything about teaching,” says Harris. “You may have graduated summa cum laude, but when you get into a room of 28 kindergarten ers for the first time, all that pedagogi cal stuff goes out the window. If you love kids, I can teach you how to teach. But I can’t teach you how to love those kids.”
Harris aims to shift her teachers’ mindsets from wishing they were bet ter to knowing that they are always im proving. She asks them to put both their pride and insecurities aside to strive to be the best they can be—nothing more, nothingTabithaless.Lair teaches third grade at Gilmer Elementary and has been there almost 10 years. When she feels down during the school year, she re members an exercise that Harris has her teachers perform: “One of the things that Dr. Harris has us do in the program is to write a letter to ourselves explain ing in our own words why we chose to teach. My reason is solely the children. I don’t really care as much about the ac ademics—that is going to come in time. I am primarily there to love those chil dren no matter what.”
TRAINING VS. MENTORING
“Personally, the program has given me confidence,” McNeel says. “I knew that I was going to fail, and probably a lot since it was my first year. But having good mentors has taught me that failing is part of the process, and it does not mean that you are a bad teacher. As long as you are willing to keep trying, then you will eventually get it.”
ATPE NEWS 15 went to work for the maintenance de partment at Gilmer ISD, Harris asked him if he had ever thought about teach ing. He decided to make the leap with Harris as his mentor. “Being here, I never felt that I was alone as a first-year teacher,” McNeel says. “Dr. Harris sets it up well where we have a lot of mentors. She is con stantly pouring into us so you always have that support.”
This attitude resonates with her teach ers as they struggle through their first year and all of the self-doubt and uncer tainty that comes with it.
Harris and her teachers insist that even though training and mentoring can look awfully similar in the classroom, Nick McNeel combines his small engine expertise with his newly acquired instructional skill set as a classroom teacher to provide hands-on learning for his students.
Although transitioning into education from another field is its own unique challenge, it isn’t just the non-tradition al certification teachers who struggle in their first year. Tamica Hill teaches second grade at Gilmer Elementary School, and she has been working in Gilmer ISD for 24 years. She just completed her sixth year in the classroom and is quick to acknowledge the difficulty she experienced. “Fatigue is a challenge for the first year of teaching,” Hill says. “I just felt like a hamster on a wheel some days. Just having someone you can go to and to give you that feedback and input saying, It’s ok; I‘ve been there’ is so incredibly helpful. I remember that first year, I re ally looked forward to the times when I could meet up with Dr. Harris and oth ers in the program so I could see them and think: ‘Good. You are still here!’”
McCasland compares Harris’ role in the program to that of a parent watch ing her children grow up to take care of themselves: “We all entered the program as little newborn babies. In our second year, we are like toddlers learning to walk and do some things. Eventually it gets to the point where we have ‘grad uated,’ but Dr. Harris is always going to check in to see if we need anything.”
Harris remains close with the 75-80 teachers in the district who have been a part of the Invest program. She has re lationships with them that stretch back to the first day they stepped foot into a classroom, and her goal is to retain them all for as long as they feel called to teach. “At the end of the first year, when those teachers and their schools had to make a decision on whether or not they would come back the following year, all 10 returned,” Harris says. “I had feed back from principals saying that they were all getting better—whatever you are doing is working. At the end of each of their first three years, those teachers were renewed again. Now, at the end of 2022, eight of those 10 are still with me inTheGilmer.”progress that Harris has made within Gilmer ISD tells a story of not only the benefits of mentoring but also the need for a program dedicated to retaining new teachers. In each case, teachers didn’t just return the next year; they improved substantially. “This is just my second year to teach, but I think it is very important,” Stephenson says. “We established con nections throughout the program that gave us someone to talk to that was in the same boat and possibly experi encing the same struggles. We formed long-lasting relationships that make it easier to collaborate and constructed a strong foundation that individuals can buildInvestupon.”ismore than just a mentor ing program; it is a support network for teachers that reaches all over the district and across every grade lev el and subject area. Its purpose is not only to make teachers better but also to retain“Withoutthem.this program, I am not sure I would have stuck with teaching,” McNeel says. “If they would have just thrown me in a classroom and said, ‘Good luck,’ I would probably be back to what I was doing before.”
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Courtney McCasland is the 2021-22 Gilmer High School Teacher of the Year. She teaches Algebra 1 and just complet ed her fifth year. She credits much of her success to the Invest program: “I like to think of mentoring as training wheels; it allows you to get in there and start rolling without worrying about falling down. I have these standards I am go ing to teach. I know this is the unit that I’m on, and I know this is the lesson for the day. But how do I make this good for theEverykids?”teacher is different, and each of their needs are different as well. Mentoring helps address the issues that training fails to fully cover by fill ing holes and connecting dots with pa tience, experience, and encouragement.
16 ATPE NEWS there are important distinctions that give each its own identity. “Mentoring is when you help some one when the outcome didn’t go like the training said it should,” McNeel says. “A mentor gives you advice about real-world experiences, but the best ones do not tell you it has to be done the way they did it. They let you figure out your way with guidance.”
Unlike most training, mentoring is often unscheduled and unscripted. Educators of all varieties receive train ing for many aspects of their jobs, but trainers are not the same as mentors. They fulfill a more limited function that lacks the flexibility and creativity of a mentorship“Mentoringprogram.provides you with your own personal cheerleader to help you be the best version of you,” Stephenson says. “Teaching is an art, and mentor ing helps hone your skills versus being trained to be a cookie cutter clone.”
RETURN ON INVESTMENT
Even though the program is designed to help teachers in their first three years, the relationships last well be yond that. Harris makes it a point to check in with all her current and past teachers throughout the school year and Tabitha Lair embraces her student at a school activity. “One of the things that Dr. Harris has us do in the program is to write a letter to ourselves explaining in our own words why we chose to teach,” says Lair. “My reason is solely the children.” Dr. Robin Stephenson guides students in real-world scenarios that blend her medical knowledge with what she has learned in the Invest Mentoring program.
PROGRAMSFINERALLYCOMMUNITYISD,BEHINDARTS
BY JACK DENSMORE | PHOTOS COURTESY OF SEGUIN ISD
The NAMM Foundation award recognizes the work of teachers, administrators, parents, students, and community leaders who contribute to making music education well-rounded. Around 700 school districts across the country received the award for the 2021-22 academic year.
In Seguin ISD, the music program is indeed well-rounded from the beginning of elementary school through high school. All seven elementary schools within the dis trict have a certified music teacher, and every stu dent in elementary school participates in a music class. The middle schools offer band, choir, and mariachi, along with additional opportunities in music theater. These programs extend into high school, where students can also take classical guitar, a dual-credit music appreciation/compo sition class, and a new course for the upcoming 2022-23 school year: piano. The mariachi program began about eight years ago. It originated as a middle school program but has been expanded to the high school level. “Seguin High School is over 100 years old,” Seguin ISD Director of Fine Arts Marc Telles says, “and [the program] has been a part of the community for that long, because of that it has impacted many generations here in Seguin. Now, we have cultural music like mariachi and so it’s evolved but it’s still been a huge impact on the community and the students.”
ATPE NEWS 17 SEGUIN
S eguin is alive with the sound of music once more. For the fourth consecutive year, Seguin ISD has been named one of the Best Communities for Music Education by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM).
18 ATPE NEWS IMPACT ON STUDENTS
Not only is there an academic impact when students find their passion early in elementary school, but also there is an emotional impact. When these influences take hold at an early age, it can carry through to high school and“Webeyond.keepgetting this feedback not only about our beautiful spaces, but also our kids,” says Dr. Samuel Parrott, Seguin high school band director. “[We hear] your kids are the politest, your kids are the most welcoming, your kids are the most inviting people, and they’re helpful. I don’t know if every child gets to hear that every day. I’m not sure every child gets to hear that they are this beautiful person who has helped someone else out.”
Students in Seguin ISD’s fine arts programs have the op portunity to build strong relationships with their teach ers. Unlike with core courses, they will likely have the same teachers in their music programs for several years.
Students in Seguin ISD’s fine arts programs perform year-round. Last year, Seguin hosted the UIL State Mariachi Festival, welcoming more than 60 mariachi groups from across the state, including groups from El Paso, Dallas, and the Rio Grande Valley. Seguin’s own mariachi program usually qualifies for the event as well. “I would say there are many students who would not have darkened the doorstep of this school if it weren’t for the fine curriculum.”arts — Keith Robinson, music teacher at Jefferson Elementary School
“These kids have longevity with the same people over an extended period of time,” Parrott says. “Their elementary school music teachers are with them throughout their en tire academic career. That’s six years of the same teacher,
Approximately 60% of Seguin stu dents are enrolled in a music course, and educators have seen an impact on students both academically and emotionally.KeithRobinson is a music teacher at Jefferson Elementary School, where he has taught for 15 years. “I would say there are many students who would not have darkened the doorstep of this school if it weren’t for the fine arts curriculum,” Robinson says. Robinson was just like one of those students. He loved his art class, and as he entered high school, he fell in love with band. He has seen his own stu dents have the same experience. “I had a parent this year talk about her son. He really struggled and had some develop mental issues, but he was just a bright, sweet child. She said, ‘Mr. Robinson, the only reason that we have stayed at this school is because of you and the P.E. teacher.’ He just loves being in music, and he was part of my after-school program, Jefferson Drum Company, a percussion ensemble. He just loves drumming.”
IMPACT ON TEACHERS
ATPE NEWS 19 giving them the same love and attention that they need. When they get to middle school, they’re not just seeing their middle school director—they’re seeing their high school directors and their elementary teachers come to theseParrottperformances.”explainsthat
Parrott also says Seguin ISD often has a staff choir, and even with the challenges of COVID-19, he still had teach ers wanting to participate.
In any career, plans and dreams sometimes shift.
“I have to say, teaching elementary music has really just changed my life in an amazing way that I never could have dreamed of when I was going through undergrad,” Robinson says. As with all teachers, Robinson’s professional experience was also rocked by the COVID-19 pandemic during spring break of 2020. Once classes returned to in-person the fol lowing school year, Robinson realized how much he had missed interaction with students.
the impact Seguin ISD’s fine arts programs have on students can influence career paths as well. “So many of them have chosen to pursue music as a profession, whether it be music, education, or perfor mance. We see that these kids thrive in this environment.”
COMMUNITY REACH Community has been integral to Seguin ISD’s musical success. The community voted to approve a new per forming arts center five years ago. On top of that, Telles said performance turnout is often large with families and friends in attendance, as well as school board members and the superintendent. A key player in building and sustaining community sup port has been Seguin ISD Superintendent Dr. Matthew Gutierrez.“I’mreally appreciative of what Seguin provides to our students and for our programs,” Telles says. “Not just fi nancially but just the overall support [by] having upper administration and school board members attending events. They’re constantly around and engaged in what the students are doing, and that speaks volumes about the administrative level of Seguin and their support.”
THE NEXT GENERATION OF MUSIC EDUCATORS
Check out Seguin High School’s Mariachi Matador performance from the 2015 Seguin ISD Holiday Open House on the Seguin ISD YouTube channel or by clicking this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7D-cR4tIOw
For Telles, the Seguin community has made a huge im pact on his educational career. “I’ve been in several different districts, and one of the reasons I chose to come here was that it was a one high school town,” Telles says. “When the community rallies behind one mascot, it just completely changes the vibe of a program.”
With such a drive and passion from students within these programs, attendance is nearly a non-issue, and many students sign on for extra commitments, such as after-school rehearsals or marching band performances. With such driven students, the impact is also felt by the teachers.
“I was doing these strange videos [lessons] from my house and trying that out and not seeing kids at all,” Robinson said. “And then we finally got back to some face to face, as well as some digital teaching, and that was a big aha! moment for me like, ‘Wow! This really is a huge part of who I am and something that I would miss.’ And I did miss it that spring semester. It has totally changed my life, and I’m very grateful for that.”
Robinson initially wanted to stay a band director for as long as he could, but once he found himself in elementa ry music education, he was hooked. He has stayed in ele mentary music for 28 years, and he is still in that position despite being eligible for retirement.
The excitement for performances—whether it be choir or halftime shows—extends beyond the parents of children in the program to friends and neighbors.
Students will also go to see one another’s performances, Parrott says, adding to that sense of a strong community. Students are engaged in events even if they are not direct participants.“Thecommunity is so much broader than just those outside of our [school] walls,” Parrott said. “It’s everyone else inside [those walls] as well.”
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The Seguin ISD music teachers are also laying a foun dation for continued music education in the district by mentoring student teachers. Whether they will teach in Seguin ISD or elsewhere, student teachers are a big part of Seguin ISD’s music pro gram because they help set up a bright future for fine arts academics as a whole. Robinson gives student teachers some important advice.
“This is especially true with teenagers who already experience spikes in their hormones,” Hooker says. “Also, factor in the pressures of grades and SAT
20 ATPE NEWS
Hooker explains that the more ep isodes of heightened arousal with an adrenaline rush that you experi ence, the longer it takes for you to re turn to normal. She sees this often in military clients who have been in a hos tile“Theirenvironment.guardis always up,” Hooker says. “Their baseline actually shifts to match the adrenaline spikes. With sus tained peaks that high, you’re looking at months, if not years, to recover.”
Hooker acknowledges that educators and students can be affected in a similar way to war veterans. Adrenaline spikes from traumatic events over a period of time keep them from functioning at a typical baseline.
THE WRITING ON THE WALL:
FReflections on Uvalde and a Growing Mental Health Crisis in Our Schools
Elisabeth Hooker, LPC, is a behavior al health specialist who works closely with victims of trauma. She observes that the educators with whom she has worked have often broached the subject of school shootings when de scribing the anxieties associated with their“Humansprofession.arenot made to be in a constant hyper-vigilant state,” Hooker says. “When your heart rate and adren aline spike, it takes about 12 to 24 hours for that adrenaline to return to your base level. If it spikes again, it will like ly go higher, and the hormones racing through your bloodstream could cause you additional time to recover.”
or decades, school violence has been a constant concern for families across the country. In May, the small town of Uvalde suffered the deadliest school shooting in Texas history. Educators everywhere share in the grief and horror of Uvalde, and Texans are returning to school with heavy hearts and anxious thoughts.
MOUNTING ANXIETY In the third year of an ongoing pan demic, students and teachers are still recovering from years of isolation, learning loss, and an unusual amount ofCristelastress. Rocha, a 25-year educator and president of Del Valle ATPE, says that we have all been significantly af fected by recent events. “This year, administrators and staff don’t know what teachers are coming to the table with—what trauma they’ve had to deal with—because everybody’s different, especially with the pandem ic,” Rocha says. “Some people have lost familyRocha’smembers.”cousin,Eva Mireles, was trag ically killed in the shooting at Robb Elementary.“Thishasbeen a difficult time for me and my family,” Rocha says. “So many things are impacting our mental wellbeing, and they just keep piling on.” Rocha says that for her family and others in Uvalde, grief is here to stay. “Thank you, State of Texas, for allo cating mental health funding for stu dents [in Uvalde] this year, but is it go ing to continue?” Rocha asks. “And for how long? It’s not something they’re going to get over right away. It can take many years to process all this trauma.”
BY DAVID GEORGE | PHOTOS BY JENNIFER TUTEN
At her cousin’s funeral, the family did not want media cameras and inter views. Luckily, the fire department and a group of motorcyclists helped block the view of cameras.
“People from the media were nearby with their big lenses trying to take pho tos,” Rocha says. “I don’t think it was very respectful. They don’t need to be posting pictures of the family’s faces or im ages of the hearse. A lot of my family just stopped turning on the TV because they didn’t want to see any of that.”
scores, and it’s not reasonable to expect them to perform well and be mentally healthy under these conditions.”
PREPARING FOR THE WORST In recent years, active shooter drills have become a regular occurrence in Texas schools. But they don’t all look the same, and not everyone agrees on their effectiveness.
ATPE NEWS 21
ANDSENSATIONALIZEDDESENSITIZED Betty Gail Wood-Rush, Region 15 ATPE Director and Early ATPE President, is a high school special ed ucation math teacher. She observes that educators and students alike seem to have become numb to the steady stream of tragedies in the news. “On the other hand, it is something that niggles in the back of our brain, knowing that at any moment it could be us,” Wood-Rush says. “Something will happen at a school somewhere, and we are so heartbroken for those affected, but we think, ‘That would never hap pen here.’ Still, it causes some unseen anxiety in teachers and students alike.” Wood-Rush believes the non-stop media coverage of tragic events desensitizes many. Uvalde affected her differently, though. She was inspired to write an op-ed that was published in The Dallas Morning News about how she thought the state should respond. “It may have been that it occurred on my father’s 75th birthday,” Wood-Rush says. “It may have been that my young est niece and nephew are the same age as the children murdered in their class rooms. It may have been that I realized Uvalde is so close to the border of my ATPE region—in my own backyard, so toThanksspeak.”in part to media coverage and the rise of social media over the past de cade, school shootings have sadly felt more and more commonplace. And this coverage runs the entire spectrum from tasteful to shameful. “Every time I heard something about the shooting, it was like removing the Band-Aid over and over again—just as I’m healing,” Rocha says. “To me, it seems somewhat sensationalized. There needs to be a little bit more professionalism and awareness of the mental well-being of the victims.”
Wood-Rush explains that she is not ad vocating for extreme active shooter ex ercises with police officers entering the school and someone shooting blanks. “Maybe we need to have grade-level discussions between administrators, teachers, staff, and students after our drills to see how they are feeling about them, especially after something as traumatic as the Uvalde massacre.”
A mental health crisis isn’t always obvious to those around you. Many of us are practiced at masking symptoms, and both internal and external pres sures can keep us from seeking help.
MANIFESTATIONS OF TRAUMA
Hooker says that frequency matters and compares effective drills to house hold emergency plans that families regularly practice so that everyone knows what to do and where to go. “If you perform an active shooter drill every quarter, it isn’t often enough to train them well,” says Hooker. “But it does tack on to the stress and trauma they are already experiencing. If you are going to perform these drills, the safety that it provides needs to out weigh the risk of additional trauma and possible desensitization.”
“I’ve been teaching for 25 years, and in that time, I’ve seen and experienced a lot of trauma,” Rocha says. “I’ve had students who have had mental issues who self-harmed and attempted sui cide. So I’ve learned to kind of sense when things feel off.”
Although they might not always be easy to spot, there are common symp toms of trauma that you can look for in your students, colleagues, and yourself.
“I look for someone becoming with drawn or showing a lack of interest in things they used to like,” Wood-Rush says. “Maybe their appearance has changed, or they aren’t sleeping at night. I may even notice their person ality change or their grades drop.”
“In my district—and I think a lot of districts—we don’t do full blown lock down drills with police involvement in order to minimize the trauma that it would cause students,” Wood-Rush says. “But this watered-down version may be causing complacency in that teachers and students don’t really be lieve it could ever happen to them.”
No matter what signs someone may exhibit after a harrowing experience, it helps to understand the nature of their condition.“Iliketo separate them into the ‘Big T’ and ‘Little T’ traumas,” Hooker says. “‘Big T’ traumas can lead to PTSD or other stress-related disorders and
22 ATPE NEWS
This approach would likely require more frequent training to ensure that both teachers and students know ex actly what actions to take in a lockdown situation.“Thekids don’t always take it very seriously,” Rocha says. “For example, when we have the active shooter drill, after a while, the kids get restless. So I start passing around a jar of lollipops, and everybody puts one in their mouth. It helps keep them from talking and makes them feel better.”
Rocha argues that presentation makes all the difference: “I tell them, ‘If I am here, I’m going to protect you no matter what. But there will be days that I’m not here, and I’m sorry but I’m going to have to depend on you to be the leader.’ And they buy into it after a while. The students become the leaders of the Rochaclassroom.”alsoencourages every educa tor to know their school’s safety proto cols thoroughly. “I know them because I’ve been in the district for so long, but new staff don’t,” Rocha says. “You say ‘handbook,’ and they don’t know where to find it. When there isn’t adequate explanation of the protocols, in emergencies, chaos ensues.”
Every district has its own systems in place to support students and staff, but these don’t always meet their needs. Now more than ever, parents and teachers are searching for resources and looking to schools for help. “I don’t know about larger schools, but normally I only see on-campus guidance counselors available,” says Wood-Rush. “There are very few men tal health counselors in our schools, but when a trauma occurs, such as when we had a student at the middle school pass away unexpectedly, the dis trict does bring in local mental health professionals and local youth ministers to talk with any student who needs it.” Wood-Rush acknowledges that her schools have never had counseling af ter a school shooting, but she did have one principal who held a school-wide assembly after the Santa Fe shootings to reassure students and staff that the district did have safety protocols in place in case they ever had a situation arise locally. “On the district’s part, they could provide mental health counselors on each campus,” Wood-Rush says. “I see ‘littles’ who have a difficult time some days being away from their parents and homes. Instead of having someone to work with them on how to adapt and overcome their fears, they are sent to In-School Suspension until they can calm down and get their work done. To me—as a special education behavior specialist—that is just inappropriate andAnotherwrong.”issue is that often teachers lack the necessary financial resources or insurance to obtain needed mental health services. “In some cases, a teacher’s insurance may cover a handful of sessions, and that may be adequate for a small issue,” Hooker says. “But we are talking about ‘Big T’ traumas, and those require spe cialized treatment. In cases of school shootings, long-term therapy will likely beInnecessary.”response to the heightened fear and anxiety Texas educators are expe riencing in the wake of Uvalde, grow ing demand for mental health services could prove challenging for districts to“Insatisfy.general, teachers need more sup port and would benefit from a fund that is set up in advance—not after something happens,” Hooker says. “They should never have to choose be tween paying their bills and receiving therapy.”
GIVING TEACHERS WHAT THEY NEED
LOOKING FOR SOLUTIONS
Fortunately, there are some programs schools can sign up for to help alleviate mental health care shortcomings. “There’s TCHATT, which is the Texas Child Health Access Through Telemedicine,” Hooker says. “It’s a program that’s designed to give free telemed services to students with men tal health needs, and it is paid for by the state of Texas.” The TCHATT program could be a boon for so many school counselors who are stretched thin, but it is not an adequate substitute for hiring more mental health professionals in schools. And these positions would likely need to be permanent to be effective.
“We have a big issue with the men tal well-being of the children and the families after tragic events because they don’t need help just for today or next week,” Rocha says. “It’s going to be years for them to process their trauma.”Wood-Rush says educators need opportunities to talk to colleagues as sounding boards about how they are feeling and ways to overcome their stress and anxiety. “I know after Uvalde, a lot of teachers didn’t want to come back to school,” she says. “I think we will see the realities of that reflected in the retention of teach ers with the start of this coming year.”
“Survivors tend to avoid situations that make them think about the event,” Hooker says. “So they might avoid school, they might avoid backpacks, whatever or wherever reminds them of their trauma. This can lead to a host of other problems for students and educators.”
So how do schools build that sense of community where students trust the administrators and the adults on cam pus enough to share their feelings and report things they observe?
ATPE NEWS 23 include sexual assaults, a really bad car wreck, prolonged bullying, active shootings, and other incidents of that magnitude.“With‘Little T’ traumas, which in clude individual instances of bullying and fender benders, you may not get hurt, but you might still get nervous about getting in a car. It’s important to remember that it is still a trauma, and it is still valid. It just isn’t life-altering or happening over and over.” School shootings always have the potential for significant trauma. Even if you are not injured or don’t witness anything shocking, you likely heard shouting and gunshots, and the memo ries can haunt you for a long time.
With mounting stress and lack of re sources, it is no wonder teacher reten tion has become such a huge issue. And though teachers are not trained (or compensated) as licensed therapists, they are expected to look for red flags and document what they observe.
“Teachers are mandated reporters, so if they see something and it doesn’t sit with them well, they need to report it,” Hooker says. “It’s in good faith, so they don’t need to worry about any backlash. In fact, they may be in the unique position to notice something that others wouldn’t, and this could be the child’s best opportunity to receive the help they need before something even worse happens.”
“We say it all the time: If you see something, say something,” Rocha says. “If you build those positive relation ships with them from the beginning, then they’re the ones are going to help us keep the school safe because they’re the ones that see it. They’re the ones that know who has what.”
BesiegeCultureWarsPublicSchools Is There an Underlying Motive forAll of the Finger-Pointing? By Jennifer Tuten
ATPE NEWS 25
Opponents of the law fear this stipulation could create an unsafe situation for LGBTQ+ children who have not come out to their Educators,parents.too, expressed concern about repercussions for being a part of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally, stating that district leaders had warned them against wearing rainbows or displaying photos of same-sex spouses on their desks.
ATPE Executive Director Dr. Shannon Holmes responded in a press release that CARES Act funds are meant to address “the myriad challenges presented by the pandemic, which range from enacting safety protocols to addressing the longterm effects of school closures and remote instruction on stu dent learning. In other words, the CARES Act has nothing to do with ongoing discussions about the content housed within school libraries.” on page 39
No matter an educator’s leanings, one thing is certain: They should not be threatened, silenced, or outright ignored. Learn more about what’s happening in public education nationwide. Scan this QR code to visit our interactive timeline.
continued
vouchers
As ATPE has covered in its magazine and on its Teach the Vote advocacy blog, the battle against public schools is mul tifaceted. Voucher proponents are using wedge issues such as critical race theory (CRT), sexual orientation and gender identity, and school library materials to spark discontent and drum up support for legislation that would offer parents tax payer-funded private schooling options. Policing the profession These highly contested bills are often proposed and passed with the promise of eliminating “indoctrination” from public school curriculum and increasing parents’ rights.
In Texas, the state education code’s “Parental Rights and Responsibilities” section already empowers parents to review instructional materials, remove their child temporarily from a class or activity that goes against their religious beliefs, and lodge complaints concerning violations of these and many otherEvenrights.so,politicians have used hot-button topics and buzz words to mobilize this demographic. Most well-known is the term “critical race theory,” which has evolved from a college-level framework examining systemic racism to an umbrella term for a wide range of content related to race relations, with many concerns about content that suggests an individual—based on race or sex—is inherently consciously or unconsciously racist, sexist, or oppressive. Another topic that gained traction in 2022 is how educators should handle discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity. In March, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law the “Parental Rights in Education” bill, dubbed by some critics (including parents and educators) the “Don’t Say Gay” bill. A lawsuit was filed three days after it was signed alleging the law violates free speech, equal protection, and due process of students and families. Florida’s law states, in part, that “[c]lassroom instruction … on sexual orientation or gender identity may not occur in kindergarten through grade 3.” Additionally, schools will be required to notify parents of their child’s use of school health services unless there is reason to believe “that disclosure would subject the student to abuse, abandonment or neglect.”
A nti-public education legislation is sweeping the nation—fueled by the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic and culminating in a renewed push for here in Texas.
https://bit.ly/ATPEtimeline
For example, here in Texas, Williamson County officials threatened to withhold federal CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act funds from Leander and Round Rock ISDs last year due to concerns over the content of school library books.
Holding schools hostage How is such legislation enforced? One tactic that has gar nered media attention is withholding crucial funding or levy ing financial consequences on parties that fail to comply.
BACK IN PERSON & FOCUSED ON THE FUTURE After two years of virtual summits, nearly 800 ATPE members gathered July 6–8 at the Gaylord Texas Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine. The agenda was jam-packed with opportunities for celebration and connection. Keynote speakers Alex Sheen, founder of the nonprofit “Because I said I would,” and Dr. Jill Siler, author of Thrive Through the Five, inspired summit attendees with messages of intentionality and authenticity. Important debate during the ATPE House of Delegates meeting culminated in passage of the 2022-23 ATPE Legislative Program, which will guide ATPE’s advocacy efforts in the coming year.
The following pages highlight ATPE volunteer leaders, members, and supporters whose contributions help ATPE maintain its status as the No. 1 choice of Texas educators. Thank you to everyone who attended this year’s summit!
26 ATPE NEWS
ATPE NEWS 27
State Officer Election
Thank you to ATPE’s generous corporate and association partners as well as the dedicated volunteers who made the 2022 ATPE Summit a tremendous success.
Resolutions Committee
The HOD readopted Standing Resolutions Nos. 1–13 as recommended by the Resolutions Committee and the ATPE Board of Directors. There were no current or prefiled resolutions to consider. The HOD also adopted an honorary resolution recognizing Past State President Jimmy Lee for his service to ATPE. Visit atpe.org/hod to read the resolutions.
Region 11 Welcome Committee
28 ATPE NEWS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Chris Adams, Taylor Deering, Marianne Eckley, Karen Hames, Crystal Hammil, Ann Hodges, Teri Naya, Betty Plunkett, Steve Pokluda, Jacquline Price, Kori Simelaro Educator of the Year Committee
Nomination/Election
Legislative Committee
ATPE Legislative Program
The 42nd Annual ATPE House of Delegates elected the following members to serve as ATPE’s 2022-23 state officers: President Stacey Ward, Humble; Vice President Jayne Serna, Leander; Secretary Jason Forbis, Midway (12); and Treasurer Jerrica Liggins, Paris. They join Immediate Past State President Karen Hames, Lewisville.
Tina Alvarado, Lauren Baumgarten, Sara Connaway, Marianne Eckley, Janet Erlinger, Mary Gardner, Jennifer Grierson, Deneen Hampton, Debra Hardy, Ann Hodges, Heather Kukuk, Sarah Mann, Brenda Marlett, Patricia Moore, Teri Naya, Robin Pate, Dominic Perez, Betty Plunkett, Steve Pokluda
Chair Dr. Roberta Pate, Susan Ambrus, Kimberly Anderson, Denise Braun, Kim Castleberry, Madonna Felan, Sandra Haltom, Jaclean Harris, Kay Loftin, Jesus Licon, Meredith Malloy, Hilda Martinez, Yesica Munguia, James Nicholas, Cristela Rocha, Janna Vlasin, Melissa Walcik, Belinda Wolf Leader Development Committee
Chair P. Anthony Williams, Joy Barreras, Cory Colby, Samantha Garza, Yessica Garza, Tonja Gray, Phyllis Jarzombek, Joshua Kendrick, Sarah Mann, Amber Rost, Ronald Sursa, Katherine Whitbeck Public Information Committee Chair Nancy Fowler, Melanie DeValcourt, Kelley Gipson, Alicia Hinkle, Veronica Lopez, Jessica McHale, Tracey Smith
HOUSE OF DELEGATES
RBFCU Association Partners It’s Time Texas, TCEA, Texas ASCD, Texas Association of Future Educators (TAFE), Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented (TAGT), Texas Girls Coaches Association (TGCA)
Summit Steering Committee
Chair Julie Meacham, Allen Bettis, Sherry Boyd, Tamara Garcia, Tiffany Gygi, Leia Leveridge, Amerika Mendez Leader of the Year Committee
Chair Michael Robinson, Carl Garner, Lynette Ginn, Tiffiiany Godley, Darla Purcell, Christie Smith, Rene Zuniga
Chair John Milner, Michelle Adams, Gwen Craig, Erika Mitcham, Samantha Montano, Miguel Renteria, Brooke Roberts
Chair James Ellis, Yolanda Capetillo, Tommie Hicks, Darlene Kelly, Angela Nicholas, Daisy Palomo, Joan Phillips, Memary Pilkinton, Cathy Stolle, Roberto Villanueva
Chair Kim Dolese, Donnetta Allen, Shawn Bailey, Sandra Bounds, Jennifer Bowland, Sean Douglas, Nicole Fuller, Jesus Garza, Jackie Hannebaum, Lotus Hoey, Dale Lovett, Sarah Mayne, Luz Mendez, Michael Perez, Abby Rogers, Abigail Ramford, Kristel Sexton, Sandra Turner, Tami Wilkinson, David Williams Membership Committee
ATPE’s annual House of Delegates meeting reflects our member-governed philosophy. At the HOD, delegates representing their local units and regions vote for ATPE’s next state officers and consider the reports of the Resolutions and Legislative committees.
The ATPE Legislative Program outlines the association’s legislative priorities and guides ATPE Governmental Relations in its advocacy efforts. The HOD adopted the 2022-23 ATPE Legislative Program. Visit atpe.org/leg-program to review the program.
Committee
Resolutions
Corporate Partners
Charles Pickitt Educator of the Year Awards
The Charles Pickitt Educator of the Year Award recognizes ATPE members who demonstrate exceptional or innovative capabilities in their respective educational fields.
of
RebeccaYearBottin Plano ISD Finalists:
Special
2021-22 AWARDS
ATPE honored educators, ATPE volunteers, and education journalists at the summit, as well as presented the association’s highest honor, the Judy Coyle Texas Liberty Award.
Bonnie
of
Alafair Hammett Media Award
Named for ATPE’s first state president, this award recognizes a journalistic work covering Texas public education for its relevancy, clarity, approach to public education policy, and ability to capture audience interest. The 2021-22 recipient is Dallas Morning News columnist Sharon Grigsby for her Jan. 10, 2022, column “GOP guru thinks Texas teachers are just babysitters? Let’s see how his insults play at the polls.”
ATPE, who recruited 48 new members! See more about Antonio on page 43. DianaofAdministratortheYearYbarra
ATPE NEWS 29
Judy Coyle Texas Liberty Award
Corpus Christi Tina Alvarado, Castleberry ISD; Heather Nobile, Nocona ISD Associate of the ISD Finalists: Hilda Martinez, La Joya ISD; JoAnn Murdock, Krum ISD Elementary Teacher the Year Anderson Judson ISD Finalists: Luis Garcia, Valley View (1) ISD; Jennifer LeWinter, Plano ISD Secondary Teacher the Erika Koenig, Palacios ISD; Kimberly McFarden, CypressFairbanks ISD
new member recruitment by recognizing and rewarding successful recruiter. The 2021-22 Top Recruiter is Antonio Mercado,
ISD Finalists:
JennyYearWestbrook Woden
KaylaEducatorServicesoftheYearHughes
Nacogdoches ISD Eliamar Gomez, Valley View (1) ISD; Susan NacogdochesMcGuire,ISD
Finalists:
ATPE’s MercadoAntonioRecruiter:Top ATPE’s challenge,recruitmentOneNew = $10 for You, is designed to encourage Edinburg
Named for a founding member, ATPE’s highest honor is presented to individuals or organizations that have demonstrated superior service to public education. The ATPE Board of Directors awarded the 2022 Judy Coyle Texas Liberty Award to The Texas Tribune and its co-founders, John Thornton, Evan Smith, and Ross Ramsey, in recognition of the nonprofit news outlet’s unparalleled coverage of Texas public education, as well as its work to encourage Texas educators to participate in important policy debates.
Floyd Trimble Local Unit of the Year Awards The Floyd Trimble Local Unit of the Year Awards acknowledge the efforts and accomplishments of outstanding local units across the state. Doug Rogers Campus Representative of the Year Awards The Doug Rogers Campus Representative of the Year Awards acknowledge those special ATPE volunteers who are fundamental to the continued growth and development of our grassroots organization. Local Units with 1–200 Members Rio Hondo ATPE Region 1 2021-22 (1)ATPE,Finalists:YeseniaIldaMariselaMcIver,PresidentOfficers:StephanieVicePresidentYanez,SecretaryGarcia,TreasurerHernandezBrazosportValleyViewATPE Local Units with 201–500 NacogdochesMembersATPE Region 7 2021-22 MagnoliaFinalists:TreadawayHolland,Nicholas,VicePresidentOfficers:RoyaDinbali,PresidentJamesSecretaryReneeTreasurerLauraAllenATPE,ATPE Local Units with 501–1,000 Members Leander ATPE Region 13 2021-22 Finalist:ChairPhyllisDorney,TreasurerJenniferBritneyWhitt,PresidentOfficers:JeannetteVicePresidentTaylor,SecretaryBowland,MaryCathrinePastPresidentCrider,MembershipJayneSernaLaJoyaATPE Local Units with 1,001+ Members Plano ATPE Region 10 2021-22 KatyFinalists:KatyLeWinter,Black,Schuler,VicePresidentOfficers:CarynBartle,PresidentDenniseSecretaryAyannaTreasurerJenniferPastPresidentMatthewsDentonATPE,ATPE DowntownHouston–UniversityLocalUniversityUnitsofATPE Region 4 2021-22 Esparza,PresidentOfficers:PalomaOfficers Tonya Cruz and Medina-Santana,Jennifer Sponsor Bernardo Pohl Finalist: Houston Baptist University ATPE Local Units/ ISDs with 1–200 TeresaMembersMillard Woden ATPE Finalists: Eliamar Gomez, Valley View (1); Sharon Pintsch, Kerrville Local Units/ISDs with LaMarcusMembers201–500Wallace Nacogdoches ATPE Finalist: Kori Simelaro, Keller Local Units/ISDs with LoriMembers501-1,000Lyn Alief ATPE Finalists: Artemio Cantu, La Joya; Bertha Cantu, La Joya Local Units/ ISDs with 1,001+ ClariceMembersCross Plano ATPE Finalists: Cypress-FairbanksJayBarcelona,LaEricaKaty;Guerrero, 30 ATPE NEWS
$10,000–ATPE-PAC Hall of Fame
Elizabeth Abrahams, Christopher Adams, Susan Ambrus, Charlotte Anthony, Betty Berndt, Julleen Bottoms, Sherry Boyd. Jeanne Carter, Phyllis Crider, Nora Crist, Ona Beth Day, David de la Garza, Sharon Dixon, Deryl Elms, Alice Erdelt, Madonna Felan, Twila Figueroa, Ron Fitzwater, Jason Forbis, CaRita Forte, Ginger Franks, Nicole Fuller, Nora Gaitan, Nichole Gambulos, Jesus Garza, Yessica Garza, Donna Gibbon, Sharon Ginn, Leslie Gonzalez, Tonja Gray, Bill Griffin, Gail Hall, Karen Hames, Allyson Haveman, Kylie Herring. Byron Hildebrand, Shannon Holmes, Malinda Holzapfel, Courtney Jones, Darlene Kelly, Connie Kilday, Rebecca Lanham, Barbara Lebold, Deann Lee, Jerrica Liggins, Dale Lovett, Meredith Malloy, Paula Marshall, Shawna Mayerson, Antonio Mercado, Evelyn Miles-Hoskin, Teresa Millard, Jennifer Mitchell, Roger Moralez, Nathan Moye, Laura Musgrove, Shawn Mustain, Lynn Nutt, Daisy Palomo, Bobbye Patton, Deborah Pleasant, Betty Plunkett, Steve Pokluda, Miguel Renteria, Dawn Riley, Brooke Roberts, Lindsay Robinson, Eli Rodriguez, Gayle Sampley, Denise Sanders, Jayne Serna, Kristel Sexton, Maria Slette, Shelia Slider, Rhonda Smith, Wendy Smith, Sam Spurlock, Becky Spurlock, Stephanie Stoebe, Judi Thomas, Greg Vidal, Cynthia Villalovos, Eileen Walcik, Melissa Walcik, Ron Walcik, Donna Ward, Leslie Ward, Katherine Whitbeck, Shane Whitten, Richard Wiggins, Jeffry Woods, Robert Zamora, Sylvia Zamora
The members below have contributed the following cumulative amounts to ATPE-PAC since July 1997.
POLITICAL COMMITTEEACTIONHONOREES
Fundraising Challenge This challenge was established to recognize the regions and local units that raise the most money per member for ATPE-PAC. Region, 10,000 or fewer members Region 11 Region, 10,001 or more members Region 10 Local unit, 1–200 members Spearman ATPE Local unit, 201–500 members Boerne ATPE Local unit, 501+ members Humble ATPE STAFF SERVICE AWARDS Congratulations to the following ATPE staff members honored during the summit for their combined 145 years of service. Five years of service Mark Wiggins 10 years of service Amanda Bernstein, Tammie Brown 15 years of service Ronnetta Carr 20 years of service Sonia Howell, John Kilpper, Jessica Strickel 25 years of service Paul Tapp 30 years of service Eddy Williams ATPE NEWS 31
ATPE-PAC Statesman Award
William B. Travis ATPE-PAC Honorees
Stephen F. Austin ATPE-PAC Honorees
The ATPE-PAC Statesman Award honors ATPE members who have donated $20 or more to ATPE-PAC for 12 consecutive months.
David de la Garza (new inductee), Twila Figueroa, Ginger Franks, Gayle Sampley, Richard Wiggins $7,500 Connie Kilday $5,000 Sherry Boyd, Karen Hames $2,500 Teresa Millard, Betty Plunkett, Greg Vidal, Katherine Whitbeck $1,500 Charlotte Anthony, Nora Crist, Sharon Dixon, Nichole Gambulos, Shannon Holmes, Phyllis Jarzombek, Darlene Kelly, Jerrica Liggins, Shawna Mayerson, Roger Moralez, Teri Nail, Miguel Renteria, Shelia Slider, Becky Spurlock, Cathy Stolle, Donna Ward $500 Sherry Boultinghouse, Lisa Cook-Johnson, Phyllis Crider, CaRita Forte, Jesus Garza, Donna Gibbon, Lisa Henry, Janya Hodge, Courtney Jones, Rebecca Lanham, Paula Marshall, Antonio Mercado, Teri Naya, Brooke Roberts, Michelle Ruddell, Barbara Ruiz, Denise Sanders, Kristel Sexton, Rhonda Smith, Cynthia Villalovos, Jeannette Whitt, Deborah Wright, Robert Zamora
Davy Crockett
Charlotte Anthony, Betty Berndt, Sherry Boyd, Ona Beth Day, David de la Garza, Sharon Dixon, Madonna Felan, Twila Figueroa, Ron Fitzwater, Jason Forbis, CaRita Forte, Yessica Garza, Lynette Ginn, Byron Hildebrand, Darlene Kelly, Jerrica Liggins, Dale Lovett, Meredith Malloy, Teresa Millard, Lynn Nutt, Bobbye Patton, Deborah Pleasant, Steve Pokluda, Brooke Roberts, Lindsay Robinson, Eli Rodriguez, Maria Slette, Shelia Slider, Wendy Smith, Sam Spurlock, Becky Spurlock, Ron Walcik, Katherine Whitbeck, Richard Wiggins
This year’s William B. Travis Honorees are those members who donated $150 or more to ATPE-PAC between Aug. 1, 2020, and July 31, 2021.
Stacey PRESIDENTWard Humble, Region 4 A 25-year educator, Ward teaches fifth grade science.
REGION 1 MaElena Ingram McAllen Norma Vega La Joya VICE PRESIDENT Antonio Mercado Edinburg SECRETARY Luis Garcia Valley View (1) TREASURER Twila Figueroa McAllen PAST PRESIDENT Michael Sweet Pharr-San Juan-Alamo REGION 5 Suellen Ener Beaumont Katelyn Hanson Jasper PRESIDENT Sandra Turner Port Arthur SECRETARY Heather Clayton Vidor TREASURER Maya Issac Newton REGION 4 Eli Rodriguez Cypress-Fairbanks Jay Guerrero Cypress-Fairbanks SECRETARY Dawn Martinez Houston TREASURER Jessica McHale Hempstead PRESIDENT-ELECT Karina Torres Cypress-Fairbanks MEMBER-AT-LARGE Sierra Turner-Villalovos Lone Star College-North Harris REGION 2 Adriane Taylor Corpus Christi Jackie Hannebaum Corpus Christi VICE PRESIDENT Amerika Mendez Corpus Christi SECRETARY Brenda Medina Corpus Christi TREASURER Lorrie Gomez Corpus Christi REGION 3 Mandy Vahrenkamp Bloomington Tiffany Keszler Tidehaven VICE PRESIDENT Lance Schultz Calhoun County SECRETARY Sean Douglas Cuero TREASURER Cathy Stolle Karnes City REGION 6 Donna Ward Willis Gidget Belinoski-Bailey Willis VICE PRESIDENT Christopher Douglas Cameron SECRETARY Sue Ambrus Navasota TREASURER Lori Mitchell Willis
Jayne Serna VICE PRESIDENT Leander, Region 13 Serna is a 33-year education veteran and adjunct professor of history at Austin Community College.
Jason SECRETARYForbis Midway, Region 12 A 25-year educator, Forbis teaches first grade.
Jerrica TREASURERLiggins Paris, Region 8 Liggins serves as her district’s ofandeducationsecondarydirectorhas12yearsexperience.
32 ATPE NEWS DIRECTORPRESIDENT Meet Your 2022-23 ATPE Leaders 2022-23 Region Officers 2022-23 State Officers
Karen Hames PAST PRESIDENT Lewisville, Region 11 Hames recently retired after 44 years in the classroom, most recently as an eighth grade English/ language arts and reading teacher.
ATPE NEWS 33 DIRECTORDIRECTORPRESIDENTPRESIDENT REGION 12 Christina Flores Belton Courtney Jones Connally VICE PRESIDENT Christina Taylor Axtell SECRETARY Shawn Bailey Midway (12) TREASURER Nattina Wilkerson Waco REGION 19 Robert Zamora Clint Mark Mendoza El Paso VICE PRESIDENT Sarah Mayne El Paso SECRETARY Lourdes DeLeon San Elizario TREASURER Eduardo Sierra San Elizario REGION 11 Teri Naya Birdville Betty Plunkett Krum VICE PRESIDENT Marianne Eckley Lewisville SECRETARY Tina Alvarado-Crouch Castleberry PAST PRESIDENT Christopher Adams Hurst-Euless-Bedford REGION 18 Gail Adlesperger Big Spring Michelle Adams Midland VICE PRESIDENT Karen Hill Pecos-Barstow-Toyah SECRETARY Ashley Debusk Midland TREASURER Tamara Wilkinson Andrews REGION 10 Wanda Bailey Mesquite Julie Fore Dallas VICE PRESIDENT Clarice Cross Plano SECRETARY Dani Boepple Mesquite TREASURER Carl Garner Richardson REGION 17 Allyson Haveman Lubbock Abigail Ramford Lamesa VICE PRESIDENT Brenda Bryan Hale Center SECRETARY Susan Wilson Lamesa TREASURER Lynette Ginn Hale Center REGION 9 Patti Gibbs North Central Texas College Dale Lovett Olney VICE PRESIDENT Denise Sanders Vernon SECRETARY Belinda Wolf Wichita Falls TREASURER Traci Morrison Nocona PAST PRESIDENT Sam Spurlock Olney REGION 16 Sherry Boyd Spearman Miguel Renteria Amarillo VICE PRESIDENT Jamie Ried Amarillo SECRETARY Rhonda Smith Spearman TREASURER Nancy Fowler Amarillo REGION 7 Teresa Millard Woden Kim Dolese Gladewater County Line VICE PRESIDENT Betty Berndt Tyler SECRETARY Shannon Bush Carthage TREASURER Michelle Adams Martinsville PAST PRESIDENT Katherine Whitbeck Nacogdoches REGION 14 Leslie Ward Merkel Nicole Fuller Jim Ned VICE PRESIDENT Heather Wooten Baird SECRETARY Opal Mobbs Abilene TREASURER Tommie Hicks Hawley MEMBERSHIP CO-CHAIR Angela Rice Hawley MEMBERSHIP CO-CHAIR Desirie Ries Hawley REGION 8 P.VacantAnthony Williams Chapel Hill (8) VICE PRESIDENT Yesica Munguia Paris SECRETARY Amy House Chapel Hill (8) TREASURER Deena White Chisum REGION 15 Betty Gail Wood-Rush Early Cheryl Buchanan Ballinger VICE PRESIDENT Amber Shipman Brownwood 2ND VICE PRESIDENT Sarah Beal Coleman SECRETARY Kevin Wilcox Leadership Prep School TREASURER Luz Mendez Junction PAST PRESIDENT Darlene Kelly Ballinger REGION Stephanie13Stoebe Round Rock Kristin Shelton Round Rock VICE PRESIDENT Danielle Sanders Austin SECRETARY Erin Campbell Round Rock TREASURER Greg Vidal Georgetown PAST PRESIDENT Christie Smith Round Rock REGION 20 Laura Herrera North East Evelyn Miles-Hoskin Northside (20) VICE PRESIDENT John Milner Bandera SECRETARY David de la Garza Northside (20) TREASURER Juaquin Zavala Northside (20) PAST PRESIDENT Elizabeth Turner Northside (20)
34 ATPE NEWS In CommunitiesfromATPENeighborhood:YourStoriesYour 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!
Region 19 ATPE In April, Region 19 Director and Clint ATPE President Robert Zamora met up with Socorro ATPE President Diane Baray for some community service. The two volun teered with the El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank.
ATPE NEWS 35
Channelview ATPE Educators at Channelview High School enjoyed a free lunch and snacks on the last day of summer school in June courte sy of Channelview ATPE. Member Terrell Williams is pictured.
Nacogdoches ATPE
On May 12, members of Nacogdoches ATPE convened for a night of bowling at Texas Pro Bowl. Members were encouraged to bring a nonmember to join the fun and hear about the benefits of ATPE.
Banquete ATPE Banquete ISD staff members were treated to a delicious Kona Ice snow cone April 14. Banquete ATPE sponsored the event to thank district employees and ATPE mem bers for all their hard work and dedication.
36 ATPE NEWS YOUR ATPE
Introducing Gen ATPE, a new program for members ages 30 and younger
Your first year(s) in the classroom are never easy, and Texas’ newest generation of educators needs unique opportunities to learn and network with each other. That’s why we’re excited to introduce Gen ATPE, a new ATPE program for members ages 30 and younger.
After hearing directly from members in this demographic, ATPE has developed Gen ATPE to provide unique educational and networking opportunities for ATPE members ages 30 or younger. No additional application or membership fee is required. To receive information on Gen ATPE opportunities, just make sure your correct birthdate is on file in your member profile at atpe.org
Earn Money Through ATPE’s One New = $10 for You Recruitment Program
Spread the word about ATPE and earn money with the One New = $10 for You recruitment program Until Oct. 31, 2022, members can earn $10 for every new member they recruit.
The top recruiter will also receive $1,000 on top of the $10 per recruited member. For this program, the newly recruited member must join as a first-time professional, associate, or administrator. Also, they must be someone who has never been a member with ATPE—the only exception is if the member was previously a college student or student teacher.
Incentives earned from recruitment will be paid for each recruited member who is active in ATPE’s database on Feb. 1, 2023. Following that, all funds will be issued via direct deposit in MarchThere2023.isno entry form necessary; just instruct any new members you recruit to print your full name in the “recruited by” box on their membership application. What are you waiting for? You’ve got until Oct. 31 to help grow your association AND earn some rewards for yourself at the same time!
Educators save on Texas Tribune Festival registration
ATPE is excited to share with our members the news that educators can once again save on registration for The Texas Tribune Festival, Sept. 22-24 in Austin. TribFest is a three-day policy and ideas event that at tracts leaders, innovators, and change-makers from the worlds of politics, policy, the media, tech, and beyond. The ideas and discussions spurred by TribFest are just one reason the ATPE Board of Directors presented the Judy Coyle Texas Liberty Award, ATPE’s highest honor, to The Texas Tribune and its co-founders in 2022. The educator registration rate is $75—compared with $269 general admission. To receive the ticket discount, register for the festival at https://trib.it/fest using your school email address.
ATPE NEWS 37 YOUR ATPE
For more information about these packages and to enroll, please log in to the ATPE Member Discounts page at atpe.org/discounts
The past few years have brought new and previously unimaginable challenges to educators and their families. That’s why ATPE now offers ATPE Wellbeing Packages for members and their families.
The ATPE Wellbeing Package is available to members for $7.50 per month, plus a one-time $3.95 fee. This package provides accessCounselingto: sessions from the comfort of home. Evaluations are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The LifeSpeak library of educational videos from the world’s leading experts on mental health, stress management, financial health, infertility, and more. Prescription discounts through New Benefits Rx, allowing program participants to save 10% to 85% on most prescriptions at 60,000 retail pharmacies nationwide and through home delivery. An online financial wellness center and the opportunity to call a financial counselor.
*Eligibility, terms, conditions, and limitations apply. Visit atpe.org/protection to view important disclosures and current details of the insurance policy. Staff attorney services are provided separate from the Educators Professional Liability Insurance Program.
ATPE Wellbeing Packages
The ATPE Wellbeing Plus Package is available for $9.50 per month, plus a one-time $3.95 fee. In addition to the benefits outlined above, this package includes: Access to fertility, surrogacy, and adop tion support by WINFertility to guide you through the challenges of a third-party journey to parenthood. Support includes ed ucation, resources, and medical discounts, as well as the opportunity to work with a nurse care manager as you explore fertility treatment options. Caregiver support to help you manage the responsibilities of caring for family members at all ages of life. Support is available through three services: a web-based platform for storing vital medical information, coordinat ing with care team members, and sharing updates with family; a companionship and task assistance service; and a legal document creation service.
With all of the recent discussion regarding classroom safety, we have received an influx of inquiries into our Educators Professional Liability Insurance Program* coverage for members who choose to carry firearms. Under Coverage A, our policy contains a firearm exclusion that refers to: “any claim, defense or activity whatsoever involving a firearm, explosive weapon or device, or stun gun or device.” This means that our policy does not provide liability coverage for matters involving a firearm. Learn more about the professional liability insurance benefits at atpe.org/protection.
Does my ATPE Liability Insurance Policy cover incidents involving firearms?
For more than 25 years as a staff attorney at ATPE, Paul counseled Texas educators on the worst days of their careers, explaining the real ities of the law to them and making their situa tions seem bearable. He spent countless hours doing after-hours callbacks and traveling to grievance hearings across the state.
ATPE Governmental Relations to analyze proposed legislation and frequently worked behind the scenes during the rule-making process once said legislation was passed. Paul always explained to his clients— and, most of all, his colleagues—that the lobbyist’s role was to influence the legislation as it could be and the attorney’s role to deal with it as it was. Following each legislative session, he painstakingly reviewed new statutes and summarized them for the membership. Reporters enjoyed speaking to him as he graciously explained the nuances of the Texas Education Code. But it is among Paul’s colleagues, current and former, that his mind and example will be most missed. While his title was managing attor ney of the ATPE Member Legal Services Department, he contributed officially and unofficially to the outcome of many initiatives at ATPE, whether through his legal analysis or his mentorship. The guest chair in his office was frequently occupied with someone seeking advice. We can only hope Paul gained even a small bit of knowledge and joy from those of us who sat in that seat.
In Memoriam: Paul Paul1959-2022Tapp,Tappwasaneducator.
Paul’s family moved to El Paso, Texas, where he became a product of the Texas public schools he would spend his career supporting (specifical ly, Eastwood Knolls and Eastwood High School in Ysleta ISD). He earned his undergraduate de gree from The University of Texas, where he also met his wife, Joan. His undergraduate studies bounced around a bit, as those of many gifted individuals do, but he graduated with a degree in radio, television, and film, with dreams of be coming a screenwriter. He was working at Breed and Co., an Austin hardware store, when he decided to pursue a career in law—but as he frequently recounted, he didn’t enter law school to pursue employment law and had no idea a job like the one he had at ATPE even existed. In fact, he initially only took an employment law class because timing-wise its final exam would allow him to take a trip to New York City.
Paul passed away July 23, 2022, following a private battle with can cer. The joy of working with educators kept him going during the final months. Every time he spoke to ATPE members, he thanked them for their service in a difficult field. It is now time, Paul, for us to thank you for the same.
Soon upon earning his J.D. at The University of Texas School of Law, Paul answered the job posting for ATPE, and the results can be found in the pages of ATPE News, in thousands of legal records protected by attorney-client privilege, and in the hearts of his colleagues and clients.
The infinitely patient Paul Tapp was born Jan. 6, 1959, in Florida.
38 ATPE NEWS
As managing attorney, Paul passionately and creatively sought ways to educate ATPE members about the law through member communications and in-person and virtu al clinics. Undeterred by the pandemic, he moved his education efforts to Zoom and pi oneered ATPE podcasts. Within the school law community, he was a frequent speaker and contributor to the annual School Law Conference—most re cently speaking at the February 2022 con ference on the complicated case of Davis v. Morath & Dallas ISD, covering the topic of commissioner jurisdiction. He worked with
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly vetoed Senate Bill 58, a bill estab lishing a parents’ bill of rights. Kelly said the bill was about “politics, not parents.”
POLITICS OVER PEOPLE
COMMON GROUND
Teachers in the program understand and appreciate the ex traordinary nature of the investment that Harris and Gilmer ISD have made in them.
“I always like to tell my student teachers: ‘It’s going to be OK. I think it can be overwhelming—especially initially—because your brain is just thinking of all the worst-case scenarios.’ I try to make it fairly user-friendly for my student teachers so that they’re just taking a little bit of responsibility [at the beginning]. Then, by the end of their nine weeks, they are fully teaching.”
Since its inception, 91 teachers have been a part of the pro gram, and 70 of them are coming back to Gilmer this fall.
“Above all, I have learned that Gilmer ISD is an anomaly,” says Davidson. “From the community to the admin, they truly care about me and their teachers. They want us to be support ed and successful and will provide opportunity after opportu nity for just that.”
Successful programs of this nature are not common, and for Harris, the key is support from the district: “I can’t say enough about Gilmer for letting me make this program my own. The board and Mr. Albritton, our superintendent, give me the re sources necessary to help those teachers be better.”
As student teachers seek more experience and knowledge, Parrott says the important thing is for them to take opportu nities as they arise. “You’ll see that some will want to step back and say, ‘Well, I’m not ready for something yet,’ but whenever you do have that opportunity, [you should] step forward and say, ‘Well, I’m going to take on that; I’m going to take this chance and see what happens,’” Parrott says. “Whether it’s a failure or success doesn’t really matter at that point—it’s that you’ve got the ex perience in the moment.” Throughout the years, Seguin ISD has impacted the lives of many students and educators through its music program, giving a bright future to music education and the realm of fine arts in general. Regardless of where the students go from here, the experience and opportunity are irreplaceable for them. And with no signs of slowing down, the possibilities are end less for the Seguin ISD music program and where it can go.
Every investment is an undertaking with the hope of a worth while result, and Gilmer has hit the jackpot with the Invest program.
These ongoing battles underscore the need for educators to be proactive in safeguarding their careers as they navigate the curriculum-related legislation.
ATPE NEWS 39 continued from page 16—Investing in the Future: A Winning Strategy for Mentoring and Retaining Quality Teachers maintain a personal relationship with them and their families as“Dr.well.Harris finds ways to always be in your life without being directly in front of you,” McCasland says. “She makes it her prior ity to know you and to love you. Why would you not stay here?”
“I don’t know that just anybody could successfully run a pro gram like this,” Lair says. “They would have to be authentic and transparent to make it work. I do think that every district has someone with the ability to do it, but it takes more than just a body to do it right. It takes heart.”
Montana’s attorney general bypassed that state’s Legislature in issuing an opinion that CRT should not be taught in schools. In contrast with Texas, attorney general opinions carry the weight of law in Montana. Although such legislation and rulings have succeeded in Texas and elsewhere, other states have fended them off.
continued from page 25—Culture Wars Besiege Public Schools: Is There an Underlying Motive for All of the Finger-Pointing?
Harris wants schools and districts across Texas to take note of what they have accomplished and look to create their own mentoring programs to keep quality teachers from leaving the profession.
No matter an educator’s leanings, one thing is certain: They should not be threatened, silenced, or outright ignored. In its member-written and member-approved legislative program, ATPE has adopted an educator speech and political involve ment position in response to the attack on educators’ rights to free speech. The position states: “ATPE opposes undue re strictions that would limit the ability of educators to express their political views.”
WHAT MAKES THIS PROGRAM SPECIAL?
In some cases, parents, educators, and voters overall are not offered the opportunity to speak out on a bill before it advances. To pass Texas’ version of a CRT bill in May 2021, the Texas Senate eschewed procedural rules to push the bill through in the middle of the night without public testimony. In the Summer 2022 issue of ATPE News, ATPE Governmental Relations Director Jennifer Mitchell said of the move: “Regardless of your political affiliation or beliefs about the merits of those bills, all educators and voters should be appalled by the abuse of process, neglect of transparency, and obvious disdain for educators’ input on major education legislation.”
Learn more about the attacks on public education stemming from this ongoing culture war in our interactive timeline at atpe.org.
Kelly stated: “Over 100 Kansas parents testified against this bill. It would create more division in our schools and would be costly. Money that should be spent in the classroom would end up being spent in the courtroom.” Kelly pledged to work with her state’s Legislature on a bipartisan bill to give parents a seat at the table without hurting school funding or exacerbating teachers’ challenges.
“I don’t know if this program is unique, but I do know that Dr. Harris is unique,” Hill says. “She is the kind of person, where if you have been in her life, you are never out of her life. It is the same thing I say about my students: once mine, always mine. Dr. Harris invests in relationships, and it is important for us to succeed because we are important to her.”
continued from page 19—Seguin ISD, Community Rally Behind Fine Arts Programs
YOUR ATPE POKLUDADIANE Regions 9 & 11 dpokluda@atpe.org MARY WAITSJANE Regions 12, 14, & 15 mjwaits@atpe.org VEGAJEFF Regions 16–19 jvega@atpe.org MILNERYVETTE Regions 13 & 20 ymilner@atpe.org SPECIALISTSMEMBERSHIPREGIONAL ATPE’s eight dedicated regional you’rethetheirmembersspecialistsmembershipsupportATPE’sandvolunteersinlocalcommunitiesacrossstate.Notsurewhatregionin?Visit atpe.org/find-atpe to find out. GUTIERREZROGER Regions 1 & 2 rgutierrez@atpe.org VILLALOVOSCYNTHIA Regions 3 & 4 cvillalovos@atpe.org FRANKSGINGER Regions 5–7 gfranks@atpe.org CRUZJOSEPH Regions 8 & 10 jcruz@atpe.org Meet ATPE’s 40 ATPE NEWS
*Eligibility, terms, conditions, and limitations apply. Visit atpe.org/protection to view important disclosures and current program details. Staff attorney services are provided separate from the Educators Professional Liability Insurance Program.
The 2021-22 school year was—like the preceding two years—one for the history books. Thank you for placing your trust in ATPE. ATPE’s highly regarded legal resources* include up to $8 million in professional liability coverage, subject to policy limits, which helps protect your personal assets in the event of a lawsuit. Eligible members also have employment rights defense coverage, which can pay the costs of defending yourself against specific claims—including dismissal and certification claims. This coverage is available no matter the outcome of your case. It’s win or lose. Separate from the insured benefits, eligible members have access to the ATPE Member Legal Services Department.* ATPE employs more staff attorneys than any other Texas educator association who may provide eligible members with quick, confidential assistance with employment-related legal concerns—in English or Spanish—at no additional cost. You can arrange an after-hours call if it’s inconvenient to speak during regular business hours. We look forward to supporting you in 2022-23 and beyond. QUINCY LUPER paraprofessional, Keller
Why is ATPE the No. 1 choice of Texas educators? Still Need to Renew? If you are not on rollover (auto-renewal), please log in to your member profile at atpe.org to renew today. Questions? Email members@atpe.org or call (800) 777-2873. “ ” Because anything can happen. ATPE gives me peace of mind.
Student Teacher, College Student, and Public members may join online at atpe.org afternotmembershipsProfessional2023.afternotmembershipsAdministratorAssociate,Professional,andwillbeacceptedJan.31,First-TimewillbeacceptedOct.31,2022. See atpe.org/member-categories for category descriptions. ATPE | 305 E. Huntland Dr., Ste. 300 | Austin, TX 78752 How to Submit Your Application Mail the entire application to: 2022–23 Professional, Associate, and Administrator memberships will not be accepted after Jan. 31, 2023.* First-Time Professional memberships will not be accepted after Oct. 31, 2022. 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. STEP 3 Payroll Deduction Authorization Printed Name Signature Employee IDDate STEP 1 Personal Information Birthdate (MM/DD/YY) Home phone (optional) Campus Name (first, middle, last) ATPE member ID (optional)ISD Cell phone (required) Personal email (required) Campus email (optional) Mailing addressState Last 4 digits of SSN Employee ID numberCity ZIP Recruited by OtherMale Female Professional (teacher, counselor, etc.) .................. $175 First-Time Professional (never been a professional member) $110 Associate (para-educator, aide, support staff, etc.) .......... $90 Administrator (principal, superintendent, etc.) $225 Retired ........................................ $10 ATPE Local Unit Dues Support ATPE in your local school district. ATPE-PAC Suggested Donation Make a voluntary donation to our political action committee. $$ 12 $ OPTIONAL: Invest in Education TOTAL I wish to cancel deduction of membership dues for: TX AFT TCTA TSTA UEA Other Last 4 digits of SSNTotal Amount Total # of Deductions$ STEP 2 Membership Category (select one) & Invest in Education Or hand-deliver it to an authorized ATPE representative. Faxed or scanned applications are not accepted. Print: First Name Last Name *ISD payroll offices may stop accepting payroll authorizations before Jan. 31, 2023. Yes, contact me about becoming a volunteer! I get paid Monthly Bi-weekly $ Installment payments & auto-renew available for credit card/bank draft at atpe.org ATPE membership year begins 8/1/22 & ends 7/31/23. 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; 4.8% is used for lobbying activities and is therefore not deductible. DESIGNATED ATPE REPS Received Date PrintSignatureName ATPE Membership Application 2022–23
NEXT UP: ANTONIO MERCADO, a social studies teacher at Economedes High in Edinburg CISD and ATPE’s 2021-22 Top Recruiter.
When recruiting, it can be easy to focus on those who are not already members of ATPE. However, Mercado says that as a local unit president, when he thinks about recruiting, it is important to remember the educators who have already joined the“It’sassociation.important not to forget about the veteran members and show them some love as well,” Mercado explains. “Because if you recruit a bunch of people, but a bunch of people leave, then you are back at square one.” That’s why Mercado always looks for opportunities to thank current members for their loyalty to ATPE and make them feel appreciated. Sometimes, this is as simple as sharing some extra ATPE pens with members who stop by the table when Mercado is recruiting. More recently, he put together special gifts for members who have been with ATPE for 10 years or“Imore.ordered water bottles with the ATPE logo on them,” Mercado recalls. “I put some candy in them and took a day off work to go out and deliver it to them on campus—just as a way to say we appreciate you.”
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
DON’T FORGET ABOUT CURRENT MEMBERS
Gifts like these not only make the mem bers feel appreciated, but also, as Mercado explains, they further increase the visibility of ATPE.
INTERESTED IN BECOMING AN ATPE VOLUNTEER? Reach out to ATPE’s Volunteer Program Coordinator at volunteer@atpe.org.
ATPE NEWS 43
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In this ongoing ATPE News series, we spotlight volunteers who set a great example of service to their fellow educators.
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.
ATPE’S TOP RECRUITER SHARES HIS BEST TIPS As ATPE’s top recruiter in 2021-22, Mercado convinced dozens of new mem bers to join the association. He attributes his success to simple tactics he believes will work for anybody. Mercado suggests starting to recruit those closest to you to with a clear, simple“Startmessage.withyour campus first, and get to know everyone there,” Mercado says. “Talk to potential recruits one on one and get comfortable with that. I always try to highlight the best benefits and show them the facts, such as we are the largest asso ciation in Additionally,Texas.”Mercado makes sure to focus on sharing the benefits of ATPE member ship with potential associate members. “Let’s not forget the associate members,” Mercado says. “Once you sign up these members, the word spreads. I’ve had custodians and cafeteria workers knock on my classroom door and say, ‘Hey, are you so and so? Can you tell us a bit more about ATPE?’ It’s been very successful.” Most importantly, Mercado says that successful recruiting—like teaching— requires patience. “Don’t become discouraged. You’re not going to get everyone. Just be honest with them and be professional, and they will see that and appreciate that. I have seen peo ple be part of other associations for 10-15 years, then switch over to ATPE after they see how our association operates.”
IT’S IMPORTANT NOT TO FORGET ABOUT THE VETERAN MEMBERS AND SHOW THEM SOME LOVE AS WELL. BECAUSE IF YOU RECRUIT A BUNCH OF PEOPLE, BUT A BUNCH OF PEOPLE LEAVE, THEN YOU ARE BACK AT SQUARE ONE.” — Antonio Mercado, social studies teacher at Economedes High in Edinburg CISD and ATPE’s 2021-22 Top Recruiter
44 ATPE NEWS Association of Texas Professional Educators 305 E. Huntland Dr., Ste. 300 Austin, TX 78752-3792 ORDER TODAY SolutionTree.com/DriveExcellence 800.733.6786 Drive academic excellence with quality assessments. Whether you’re looking for a quick reference guide to support daily classroom practice, a deep dive into the why and how of standards-based grading, or practical ways to increase student engagement through intentional, collaboratively designed assessments, the Solution Tree Assessment Center has the resources to help you nd the right solutions for your classroom, school, or district. the Solution Tree Assessment Center Turn hope into action Reshape mindsets about learning together in a focused and fun environment
