COMMUNITY
OF EDUCATORS
Why ATPE is the No. 1 Choice of Texas Educators
NEARLY
80,000 MEMBERS
ACROSS ALL 20 ESC REGIONS OF TEXAS
9
STAFF ATTORNEYS
MORE THAN ANY OTHER TEXAS EDUCATORS’ ASSOCIATION
MORE THAN
12 IN AUSTIN AND WASHINGTON, D.C. PROFESSIONAL LOBBYISTS
100
ATPE is proud to support our members with benefits that set us apart from other educator organizations. We know educators have a choice when joining a professional organization, so here are a few reasons why we’re the leading educator association in Texas and one of the largest independent educator associations in the country.
$8
$1,500+ IN AVERAGE ANNUAL SAVINGS PER MEMBER, WITH AN EXCLUSIVE MENU OF DISCOUNTS ON EVERYTHING FROM AIRFARE TO PRESCRIPTION DRUGS
VOLUNTEERS SUPPORT FROM OVER
2,400 IN SCHOOL DISTRICTS ACROSS TEXAS
175 HEARINGS TRACKED AND MORE THAN
982 BILLS COVERED DURING THE 88TH LEGISLATURE
1.1 MILLION MORE THAN ON-DEMAND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSES AVAILABLE THROUGH THE ATPE PROFESSIONAL LEARNING PORTAL
2X AS MANY ATPE MEMBERS VOTED IN THE 2024 REPUBLICAN PRIMARY RUNOFF COMPARED WITH ALL VOTERS IN AREAS WHERE ATPE INVESTED IN TARGETED GET-OUT-THE-VOTE EFFORTS AND ELECTION WORK OF EDUCATION PROFESSIONALS AVAILABLE FOR NETWORKING, MENTORSHIP, AND COLLABORATION IN THE ATPE ONLINE COMMUNITY THOUSANDS OVER SITE VISITORS TO TEACHTHEVOTE.ORG, ATPE’S COMPREHENSIVE ADVOCACY AND VOTER EDUCATION WEBSITE
ATPE SERVES TEXAS PUBLIC EDUCATORS FIVE WAYS
Nothing is more important than ensuring the children of Texas receive a quality education, so supporting and encouraging Texas educators must be a priority of every Texan. At ATPE, we recognize the immense dedication and hard work educators put into shaping the future of Texas, and we are here to support the Texas public education community every step of the way.
As the leading educators’ organization in Texas, ATPE is dedicated to serving the needs of teachers, paraprofessionals, administrators, and all public education employees. We understand that you have choices when it comes to professional organizations, and we want to highlight five compelling reasons why joining ATPE can greatly benefit you:
PROFESSIONAL GROWTH
The online Professional Learning Portal and ATPE Online Community empower Texas educators across the state to take the lead in their professional growth. The on-demand courses and webinars in the Professional Learning Portal allow you to earn continuing professional education (CPE) credits from anywhere, at any time. The ATPE Online Community supports educators in building a professional network, collaborating with peers, sharing resources, and staying up to date on the latest education news. (See pages 8–9.)
LEADERSHIP ATPE
If you aspire to be a leader in your field, our dynamic one-year Leadership ATPE program is designed to equip emerging leaders with the skills, knowledge, and best practices needed to serve your association, school district, and community. It’s a unique opportunity for professional growth. (See page 10.)
ATPE SUMMIT
Our annual ATPE Summit brings together educators from across Texas for professional learning and volunteer leader training. It’s a chance to network with fellow educators and actively participate in ATPE’s annual business meeting. Together, we shape the future of our organization. (See page 14.)
GOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS & ADVOCACY
ATPE's professional lobbyists in Austin and Washington, D.C. tirelessly advocate for educators. We provide advocacy tools that empower you to stay informed and engage with decisionmakers on issues that affect public education from your school district up to the White House. Your voice matters, and we are here to amplify it. (See pages 20–22.)
MEMBER LEGAL SERVICES
Our Member Legal Services Department has more staff attorneys than any other Texas educators’ association and is dedicated to helping you navigate the employment-related questions or issues you may encounter as an educator. (See page 26.) 2 1 3 4 5
At ATPE, we work around the clock to advocate on your behalf and provide you with the resources that protect you, your rights, and your career. We hope you will consider joining us in this collaborative mission to make a difference. Together, we can create a brighter future for Texas education. Thank you for your dedication, passion, and commitment to the students of Texas.
Sincerely,
Dr.
Shannon Holmes,
Executive Director
2024-25 STATE PRESIDENT JASON FORBIS: MOVING MOUNTAINS IN EDUCATION
Jason Forbis is the 2024-25 ATPE state president and a reading and math interventionist at Castleman Creek Elementary in Midway ISD. Nearly 30 years ago, he joined ATPE as a college student at Baylor University with the intent to join an organization that supported and promoted Texas educators. Fast-forward 28 years, and he has served in every ATPE officer role at the local, region, and now state level.
Eggs-traordinary Passion
“I feel it is extremely important to join and volunteer with ATPE, not just for the insurance and legal coverage, but also for the political advocacy and networking opportunities in this important field,” Forbis says. “Every individual who joins and volunteers for ATPE makes our profession and association that much stronger. We know that together we can move mountains in education.”
Forbis has received a multitude of awards and recognition for his leadership throughout his career, including the Region 12 Elementary Educator of the Year award. His wife, Katie, is also an educator. She teaches music at Chapel Park Elementary, and they have three children (two sons and a daughter).
A Heartfelt Masterpiece
Forbis says he is absolutely blown away by the creativity of his students, and he is honored to showcase their talents. One student drew this incredible portrait of Forbis, and he is proud to share this heartfelt masterpiece.
Forbis has a flock of 10 hens that he started many years ago as a life cycle study in his kindergarten classroom, and it has been a favorite memory of his students for years. During the pandemic, he did not want his students to miss out on the experience, so he took all the supplies home and incubated the eggs in his dining room. He took pictures and recorded video lessons for the kids as a science lesson. After they hatched, Forbis decided to create his own backyard flock by building a coop and raising them himself. “They are fun to care for and watch,” Forbis says. “They have become my pets, and I have not had to purchase eggs in quite some time.”
Every individual who joins and volunteers for ATPE makes our profession and association that much stronger. We know that together we can move mountains in education.”
—Jason Forbis ATPE STATE PRESIDENT
A BRIEF HISTORY OF ATPE
Your Ally. Your Voice.
The story of the Association of Texas Professional Educators began around kitchen tables in Dallas and Houston. Dedicated Texas educators recognized the need for an association that reflected their professionalism and commitment to the children of Texas. Thanks to the forward-thinking members of the Association of Texas Educators (ATE) and Texas Professional Educators (TPE), ATPE has been a champion, an ally, and a voice for Texas educators for nearly 45 years and is today the largest educator association in Texas.
1975 | Unification
The Texas State Teachers Association (TSTA) unites with a national teacher union, the National Education Association (NEA). Disillusioned members leave to join the Association of Texas Educators (ATE) or Texas Professional Educators (TPE), two groups formed in response to the TSTA/NEA unification.
1980 | Merging for Success
On April 1, 1980, ATE and TPE officially merge to become the Association of Texas Professional Educators, or ATPE. ATPE adopts its first set of bylaws and welcomes Mike Morrow as its first executive director and Alafair Hammett as its first state president.
1981 | Quality Makes the Grade
ATPE News, previously a newsletter, relaunches as a magazine focused on covering Texas education trends, news, issues, and more. The quarterly magazine received state and national awards for its content and design.
1988 | Membership Milestone
With membership at 45,500, ATPE becomes the nation’s largest nonunion educator association and a model for similar organizations across the Unted States.
45,500
1992 | A Voice in D.C.
ATPE and 11 other independent educator associations form a loose coalition in order to provide the groups with a presence in Washington, D.C.
1993 | Growing and Growing
With more than 62,000 members, ATPE becomes the largest educator association in Texas, a distinction that it has held nearly every year since. This same year, ATPE debuts its first professional development program for educators.
1996 | Entering the Digital Age
ATPE becomes the first educators’ group in Texas to launch its own website.
1997 | The Battle Begins
ATPE secures legislative sponsors for a record 21 bills submitted to the 75th Texas Legislature and defeats the first real legislative attempt to pass private school vouchers.
1999 | Legislative Victory
ATPE helps secure a $3,000 pay raise for Texas teachers, librarians, nurses, and counselors.
2000 | Membership Milestone
ATPE welcomes the new millennium and reaches 100,000 members across Texas.
2001 | Lobbying Efforts
2011 | Reaching New Heights
ATPE members from across Texas come together in July to attend the inaugural ATPE Summit in Austin. The theme: “Reach New Heights.”
2012 | Teach the Vote
ATPE becomes the LARGEST Educator Association IN TEXAS
100,000
ATPE launches TeachtheVote.org to keep educators informed about elections and legislation that affect educators and Texas public schools.
2014 | Your Ally. Your Voice.
ATPE adopts a new logo incorporating a single star that symbolizes the contributions of ATPE volunteers, as well as the tagline “Your Ally. Your Voice.”
2019 | Making History
Thanks in part to the mobilization of Texas educators at the 2018 polls, the 86th Texas Legislature becomes known as the “Session of Public Education.” This year sees ATPE help secure the passage of historic school finance bill House Bill 3 as part of a $11.6 billion school finance measure.
2020 | Answering Tough Questions
ATPE launches the first COVID-19 resource center for Texas educators days before Gov. Greg Abbott closes Texas public schools for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year.
2022 | A Decade of Teaching the Vote
ATPE successfully lobbies for the creation of the first statewide health insurance program for public school employees.
2006 | Leader Central
ATPE revamps its website to better serve its rising membership and creates Leader Central in order to support its volunteer leaders.
ATPE’s TeachtheVote.org celebrates its 10th anniversary. More than 1.1 million users visited the website during its first decade to research candidates and stay up to date on Texas education news.
2024 | Launch of ATPE Online Community
ATPE establishes an online community for Texas educators to collaborate with peers across the state, share resources, and stay informed.
THE ATPE PROFESSIONAL LEARNING PORTAL: ACHIEVE ON YOUR TERMS
The ATPE Professional Learning Portal (PLP) is an amazing member resource for earning the continuing professional education (CPE) credits required to maintain your educator certification while empowering you to reach your professional goals.
Members can access over 100 on-demand, interactive courses or webinars anytime and from anywhere! Explore our diverse course catalog and easily track all your CPE hours from any provider in one convenient place.
Professional learning developed by Texas classroom educators offering practical applications and strategies.
Innovative ideas from global education thought leaders, featured in sessions from events including SXSW EDU.
Inspiring stories and messages from leadership experts and education thought leaders, such as 2024 ATPE Summit keynote speakers Alyson Van Hooser and Kim Bearden.
Updates with targeted content throughout the year tailored specifically to meet the evolving needs of Texas educators.
THE ATPE ONLINE COMMUNITY: YOUR PROFESSIONAL NETWORK
We know firsthand the value of a true professional network, and every educator deserves that opportunity.
The ATPE Online Community provides every Texas educator, regardless of location, campus size, or content area, a place to share knowledge and receive support.
The ATPE Online Community offers a variety of discussion forums— some open to members only, some available to all Texas educators—with new communities created regularly based on member activity.
Access & Share Resources
Our dedicated online libraries offer a simple way for educators to organize and share high-quality professional resources. Collaborate to craft engaging lesson plans and teaching materials, as well as share TEKS-aligned resources with peers.
Join Conversations
Whether you’re seeking collaboration, have questions, or want to share innovative ideas, our community is here to support your professional journey! Personalized settings put you in control of engaging with conversations that align with your interests and professional needs.
Connect with Peers
In a state as big as Texas, making connections can be a challenge! Our community bridges this gap, offering educators from urban, suburban, and rural districts equitable access to a professional network. Join the conversation to ensure you have the networking and mentorship opportunities necessary to not merely survive but also thrive in your career!
LEADERSHIP ATPE
REALIZE YOUR POTENTIAL
Leadership ATPE is a dynamic one-year program designed to equip emerging public education leaders with the skills, knowledge, and best practices needed to serve ATPE, their school districts, and their communities. ATPE members apply to participate in this biennial program, which includes two weekend retreats where they engage with leadership experts, as well as a yearlong project that enables networking with fellow cohort members.
“The program doesn’t only focus on theoretical knowledge,” explains Kiree Bons, a district instructional technologist with Killeen ISD and 2023-24 Leadership ATPE cohort member. Bons also serves as president of Killeen ATPE. “It places a strong emphasis on real-world application and equips you with practical tools and resources so you can practice what you’ve learned.”
Alumni leave Leadership ATPE equipped to pursue leadership roles within ATPE, advance their careers, and advocate for public education before lawmakers and in their communities.
2023-24
ATPE COHORT
Lena Angel Katy ISD
Beth Auble
Industrial ISD
Abigail Baiza
Idea Public Schools
Kiree Bons
Killeen ISD
Davina Carter
Midland ISD
Eva Dickey
Paris ISD
Shagufta Ellam
Round Rock ISD
Jesus Garza
La Joya ISD
Jay Guerrero
Cypress-Fairbanks ISD
Amanda Hendon
Abilene ISD
Maegan Holycross
Birdville ISD
Jordyn Livingston
New Diana ISD
Sarah Mayne El Paso ISD
Aiesha Odutayo
Houston ISD
Brooke Roberts
Corsicana ISD
Felicia Robinson
Dallas ISD
WHAT LEADERSHIP ATPE ALUMNI HAVE TO SAY
As a professional school counselor, Leadership
ATPE has prepared me to better advocate for all Texas educators who directly impact the lives of students and staff within our Texas public schools. As a member of my community, I am better able to explain and educate community members on how school operations take place and just how much policies affect our daily operations that are outside of our ISD’s control.”
—Brooke Roberts CORSICANA ISD
My most cherished aspect of Leadership
ATPE was the opportunity to cultivate lasting relationships with educators from across the state. These connections go beyond being fellow members of my Leadership ATPE cohort—they have become trusted friends I can count on to help me achieve my aspirations, whether they pertain to ATPE, education, or my personal life.”
—Kiree Bons KILLEEN ISD
APPLY FOR LEADERSHIP ATPE: THE NEXT APPLICATION WINDOW FOR LEADERSHIP ATPE WILL OPEN IN SPRING 2025. VISIT ATPE.ORG/LEADERSHIP-ATPE FOR MORE DETAILS.
ATPE LOCAL UNITS SERVING EDUCATORS & COMMUNITIES
ATPE’s local units are an integral part of the association. With over 250 local units throughout the state that offer networking, advocacy, and service opportunities, our local units not only support the school district’s ATPE members but also the entire local community.
With this type of outreach, local units both give back and increase their visibility to fellow colleagues who would benefit from being part of Texas’ largest community of educators. Whether local units have 10 or 1,000 members, they all share common goals of giving back, fostering a sense of belonging, advocating for their profession, and showing appreciation for one another.
Every year, ATPE recognizes five Local Units of the Year for their accomplishments, including service to their communities. Region 10 ATPE President Clarice Cross’ local unit, Plano ATPE, was recognized as the association’s 2023-24 Local Unit of the Year in the 1,001+ member category. Her local unit is dedicated to building camaraderie within Plano ATPE and beyond.
Throughout the year, Plano ATPE engages in local service projects while being mindful of opportunities that allow members to contribute regardless of their financial situation, including volunteering at shelters and organizing/distributing donated
items. A couple of initiatives Plano ATPE has taken on have included a shoe collection drive and serving food at various churches and shelters.
Cross also believes strongly in promoting leadership skills early on and encouraging students to volunteer. She says it’s especially rewarding to see how enthusiastic her students and her own children have become when new opportunities arise to give back: “When we lead by example, they’re able to understand the passion behind what we do and why we do it.”
When Cross learned of an opportunity to help a local shelter that housed students new to the Plano area, she jumped at the chance to get her student council involved. A little friendly competition was also encouraged as each grade level was challenged to collect as many donations as possible for the shelter. Additionally, Plano ATPE engages with the community through social media and gathering members and their families for in-person events around the area. “We want to think out of the box, get our name out there, and let everyone know who we are and what we’re doing,” Cross says. “We also want to recognize our members who contribute throughout the year and let them know they’re valued and appreciated.”
Plano ATPE members collect items during the Trek or Treat event benefiting the Plano Animal Shelter.
Plano ATPE members serve food at Journey of Hope, a support center for children and their families experiencing grief.
UNLOCK THE HIDDEN GEM OF ATPE MEMBERSHIP
Discover the benefits of joining ATPE! We’re dedicated to supporting educators like you with a range of valuable services and exclusive discounts designed to enhance your professional journey and save you money.
“As I always tell people, member discounts and benefits are the ’hidden gem’ of ATPE membership. So many people join just for liability protection, and that is their main focus. A lot of times they aren’t even aware of what else is available to members.
“If they would utilize the discounts even just a few times a year, their membership basically becomes free with all the money they save.
“Most recently, my wife and I attended the wedding of a former student of ours on the West Coast. We flew into San Francisco and used our member discounts to save on a hotel, as well as rent a car that we used to cruise all the way to Portland, Oregon, for the ceremony. It was so easy, and it made our trip much more affordable.
“There are so many reasons to love being a member, and the discounts are certainly one of them. ATPE is the best educator association in the state, and that’s why so many companies collaborate with us to give our members discounts.”
—John Milner
An ATPE member for 25-plus years, John Milner taught and coached for 16 years before becoming a high school counselor for another 15. In retirement, he has continued to volunteer for ATPE, serving as president of Region 20 ATPE and Bandera ATPE.
VISIT ATPE.ORG/DISCOUNTS TO DISCOVER THE “HIDDEN GEM” OF EXCLUSIVE ATPE MEMBER DISCOUNTS TODAY!
THE ATPE SUMMIT: LEARNING, LEADERSHIP, & LAUGHTER
ATPE’s annual conference recognizes the whole educator and brings “community” to life. Each summer since 2011, ATPE members have gathered from across the state for the ATPE Summit, an annual event that not only encompasses the association’s yearly business meeting but also serves as ATPE’s premier professional learning, leadership development, and networking opportunity.
In 2024, ATPE members convened July 8–10 at the Sheraton Dallas. This summit marked the first time nonmembers were able to register for the event to take part in continuing professional education (CPE) sessions. In addition to two keynote speakers—leadership expert Alyson Van Hooser and Ron Clark Academy co-founder Kim Bearden—ATPE partnered with Stanford University’s REACH Lab, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Texas PTA, the Science Teachers Association of Texas, and other organizations and educators to provide a diverse range of breakouts. These were in addition to sessions presented by ATPE staff and our long-time partners TCEA and the Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented.
Attending sessions at the summit, I have found information and resources I could use immediately and references I can share with others.”
—Aleisha Fuller-Moore FIRST GRADE TEACHER IN DENTON ISD
The annual meeting of the ATPE House of Delegates (HOD) is the cornerstone of the member-governed philosophy that has driven the association’s operations since its founding in 1980. Delegates met in region caucuses and then debated a reorganization of the ATPE Legislative Program (see page 22), as well as elected ATPE’s 2024-25
This is an organization that is supported by the teachers and led by the teachers.”
—James Nicholas HIGH SCHOOL
SPANISH TEACHER IN NACOGDOCHES ISD
No matter what’s on the agenda, it’s the friendships and connections made and renewed at the ATPE Summit that keep members coming back year after year.
What I most enjoy about the summit is getting together and building more of my ATPE family. There are people within ATPE that I would never connect with outside the summit. And not only are we there, but we’re also learning what's going on in legislation and what teachers are really fighting for. More than anything, it's a tight-knit community.”
—Amber Shipman
SIXTH GRADE MATH & ROBOTICS TEACHER IN BROWNWOOD ISD
ATPE RECOGNIZES
EXCEPTIONAL EDUCATORS
During the annual ATPE Summit, when members gather from across the state, the association honors several outstanding educators for their achievements. The ATPE Charles Pickitt Educator of the Year Award—named after one of ATPE’s founding members—recognizes ATPE members who have demonstrated exceptional or innovative capabilities in their respective educational fields. Award recipients in five categories each receive $5,000. Meet the 2024 recipients.
ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR
Dr. Kimberly Bissell, Corpus Christi ISD
Dr. Kimberly Bissell has been a Texas public elementary school administrator for 22 years, and this school year marks her 35th year in public education. Bissell previously served as the regional director of the South Coastal Bend chapter of Destination Imagination. Through the organization, she worked with thousands of educators and students by providing training and opportunities to participants and team managers.
“It is incredible to be recognized by ATPE for this prestigious honor,” Bissell says. “I would like to thank Corpus Christi Independent School District and the Windsor Park Elementary School family for their endless support of our school and of me.”
ASSOCIATE OF THE YEAR
Melanie DeValcourt, Nacogdoches ISD
Melanie DeValcourt has served as a captionist and signing aide with the Regional Day School Program for the Deaf at Nacogdoches High School for 11 years. She also started a stitching club for teachers who wanted to learn how to crochet, knit, cross stitch, or sew. The club continues to this day with both teachers and students.
“I hope this award will bring more recognition to all of those who are like me—paras working behind the scenes who love education and want students to truly be lifelong learners,” DeValcourt says. “I have been a proud member of ATPE since I first joined 10 years ago. During my membership, I have become more involved while learning more about all the great opportunities ATPE affords its members. Advocacy, education, encouragement, protection, support, friendship, and networking are just a few of the many things I have benefited from since becoming a member.”
ELEMENTARY TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Nicole Needham, Katy ISD
Nicole Needham recently celebrated 25 years of dedicated service teaching kindergarten, her true passion. The child of two educators, Needham landed her dream job as a kindergarten teacher in 1999. After spending six years in Alief ISD, she moved back closer to home to Katy ISD.
“This award is an extreme honor and a testament to all the amazing students and educators whom I encounter daily,” Needham says. “I am fortunate to be surrounded by an outstanding team within my district, as well as within my own family.”
SECONDARY TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Dani Boepple, Mesquite ISD
Dani Boepple has a background in instructional coaching, campus administration, curriculum development, and teacher preparation. She currently teaches eighth grade science at McDonald Middle School. As the science PLC lead and eighth grade department head, Boepple checks in with teachers several times a week to make sure their needs are met. During transition periods, Boepple always makes sure she is standing at her door to greet students, check on their moods, and make sure they have what they need for class.
“This award is an immense honor and symbolizes recognition from my peers and ATPE for my commitment to fostering a positive learning environment and making a meaningful impact on my students’ lives,” Boepple says. “I am inspired to continue striving for excellence, innovation, and compassion in my teaching.”
SPECIAL SERVICES EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR
Michael Murray Carreon, Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD
Michael Murray Carreon started his 24th year in education at PSJA ISD in Pharr, where he serves as the director of advanced academics. He has held this position for five years, and before that, he was the head band director at PSJA Memorial Early College High School. It doesn’t stop there, Carreon also was involved in the creation, planning, and implementation of programs for PSJA ISD such as IXL, Pre-Law, Texas College Bridge, district English and Spanish spelling bees, capstone awards luncheons, and a UIL virtual conference.
“I am deeply honored and humbled to be selected as the ATPE Special Services Educator of the Year,” Carreon says. “This recognition means the world to me, and I share it with every student, colleague, and family who has been a part of this incredible journey.”
This award is an immense honor and symbolizes recognition from my peers and ATPE for my commitment to fostering a positive learning environment and making a meaningful impact on my students’ lives. I am inspired to continue striving for excellence, innovation, and compassion in my teaching.”
—Dani Boepple
ATPE SECONDARY TEACHER OF THE YEAR, MESQUITE ISD
CONGRATULATIONS
ATPE RECOGNIZES VOLUNTEER ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Local units encompass districts/areas across the state, helping members find communities of educators to network with and build fellowship. The Floyd Trimble Local Unit of the Year Award—named after one of ATPE’s founding members— recognizes local units’ superior efforts and accomplishments during the year. Outstanding local units were recognized in four categories during the 2024 ATPE Summit, and each received a $1,000 prize.
LOCAL UNITS WITH 1–200 MEMBERS
Hempstead ATPE, Region 4
Hempstead ATPE helps its district with morale boosters. In January, the local unit put muffins in teacher boxes with a note saying, “ATPE would be ‘muffin’ without you” and candies with a note saying, “Thanks for a sweet year.” Hempstead also has held several events, including an evening event at the local Sonic that featured free beverages and gift cards for the first 10 members to arrive.
“It’s an absolute honor and thrill to be recognized and receive the Floyd Trimble Local Unit of the Year award,” Hempstead ATPE President Jessica McHale-Rutherford says. “We don’t become educators for fame or fortune— however, even a thank-you to recognize what we do is like winning an Oscar.”
LOCAL UNITS WITH 201–500 MEMBERS
Magnolia ATPE, Region 6
For several years, Magnolia ATPE campus reps have provided snacks at their respective campuses, including a fruit bar. The local unit also provides notes of encouragement to educators, and members are involved in local churches, temples, synagogues, as well as clubs and organizations.
“Magnolia ATPE is humbled and honored to receive the prestigious Floyd Trimble Local Unit of the Year Award,” Magnolia ATPE President Sonia Wolfrom says. “Our sincere gratitude is extended to our members, many volunteers, ATPE Membership Specialist Ginger Franks, and Region 6 Director Donna Ward, who have served as our inspirational mentors and guided our leadership team in building an informative local unit. Their unwavering support and dedication have been instrumental in our success.”
LOCAL UNITS WITH 501–1,000 MEMBERS
Waxahachie ATPE, Region 10
Each year at the Waxahachie ISD new-teacher orientation, Waxahachie ATPE provides breakfast, snacks, goody bags, bottled waters, and door prizes. New teachers who join ATPE are entered into a drawing for local unit reimbursement of their ATPE membership dues. The local unit also does a drawing for $50 gift cards every two weeks throughout the back-to-school membership campaign.
“It is truly an honor to be chosen as Local Unit of the Year,” Waxahachie ATPE President Nora Crist says. “We have a great local unit that does so much for the school district and the community. We are blessed with great volunteers who made it all possible.”
LOCAL UNITS WITH 1,000+ MEMBERS Plano ATPE, Region 10
Every year, Plano ATPE takes part in community service projects. For the previous year, Plano donated care packages to the PISD Caring Place to provide food and hygiene to families experiencing homelessness in the district. On top of this, Plano ATPE also collects pet items for local pet shelters.
“Plano ATPE is deeply honored to receive the ATPE Floyd Trimble Local Unit of the Year Award in the 1,001+ members category,” Plano ATPE President Ayanna Briggs says. “This prestigious recognition is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion of our incredible members. It reflects our collective commitment to support members while making the positive impact we strive to make through service to our Plano community.”
This prestigious recognition is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion of our incredible members. It reflects our collective commitment to support members while making the positive impact we strive to make through service to our Plano community.”
—Ayanna Briggs
2023-24 PLANO ATPE PRESIDENT
2023-24 ATPE State President Jayne Serna, ATPE founding member Floyd Trimble, and 2024-25 ATPE State President Jason Forbis join the presidents of the 2023-24 Local Units of the Year for a photo during the ATPE Summit.
ATPE ADVOCACY BUILDING COALITIONS & COMMUNITY
Although recent public education policy debates have been dominated by the private school voucher movement, that’s only a small sliver of the critical issues that must be addressed as Texas seeks to educate the more than 5.5 million public schoolchildren under its care, who also make up the state’s future workforce. As the state’s largest educator association, ATPE serves as the preeminent voice for Texas public educators. We work yearround to champion the public education profession and to ensure lawmakers prioritize our state’s public school system. But our team of more than a dozen professional lobbyists can’t do it alone. ATPE relies on our thousands of members across the state and their influence on family and friends to inspire support for public education at the polls. We also form coalitions with a wide range of organizations to ensure our message is amplified, and we seek out opportunities to encourage conversation about the amazing work done in Texas public schools.
Why public education advocacy matters
• If we all show up to vote for public education, we can make a difference for our students and fellow educators. Take, for example, House District 1, a North Texas district in which the pro-public education incumbent and former school superintendent Gary VanDeaver faced a close race in the May 2024 Republican primary runoff election. Thanks in part to ATPE’s get-out-the-vote efforts in this district, 45% of all educators and 55% of ATPE members showed up to vote. Among non-educators, voter turnout was 16%. VanDeaver kept his seat by a narrow margin, winning by approximately 1,600 votes.
• During the May 2024 local elections, despite overall low voter turnout, Texas voters supported public schools, approving $7.49 billion in bond funding for schools. Approximately 74% of school bond propositions on ballots statewide passed.
HOW ATPE CULTIVATES PUBLIC EDUCATION ADVOCACY
A SAMPLING OF ATPE’S RELATIONSHIPS IN THE PUBLIC EDUCATION COMMUNITY
ATPE is a founding member of the Coalition for Public Schools, which brings together education, child advocacy, and religious organizations statewide to mobilize against efforts to divert taxpayer resources to private schools through any type of voucher.
For more than a decade, ATPE’s TeachtheVote.org has published candidate surveys on public education issues. Each candidate for Texas legislative and State Board of Education races has a profile with public education-focused information, answers to the ATPE survey, and, for incumbents, information about their past votes on education-related measures. You can also catch up on the latest public education news on the Teach the Vote Blog, which includes a weekly wrap-up of the latest developments in Texas public education.
Members have access to ATPE’s Advocacy Central to help them get in touch with elected officials. You can use sample messages or phone scripts provided by ATPE, or you can personalize your message.
During the 2024-25 membership year, we’re launching the ATPE Member Advocate Program (ATPE-MAP), a unique professional learning experience that allows ATPE members to earn a microcredential in either local or state-level advocacy and earn continuing professional education (CPE) credits for certification renewal. Those who complete the state-level advocacy track will be among those invited to join ATPE lobbyists on targeted visits to the Capitol during the legislative session.
The ATPE Political Action Committee (ATPE-PAC) empowers ATPE members, staff, and their families to pool their financial resources in support of pro-public education candidates.
ATPE is a founding member of the Texas Coalition for Educator Preparation, a coalition of education associations and educator preparation programs that seeks to advance and raise the profile of the education profession by supporting the continuous improvement of educator recruitment, preparation, and certification practices, as well as promoting ongoing professional growth and support.
ATPE has partnered with several grassroots organizations dedicated to mobilizing and educating voters, including the League of Women Voters, Texas Parent PAC, Texas Educators Vote, and Texans for Public Education
ATPE has collaborated with the Texas Retired Teachers Association for many years on efforts to reform the Government Pension Offset (GPO) and the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP), two provisions in Social Security law that unfairly impact the retirement benefits of many public servants.
ATPE is a long-time supporter of Friends of Texas Public Schools, a nonprofit focused on educating all Texans about the successes of our public school system.
ATPE is also an annual sponsor of the Texas Teacher of the Year Program facilitated by the Texas Association of School Administrators and a founding member of the Coalition for Independent Educator Associations (CIEA), a network of independent, nonunion professional educator associations across the United States.
THE ATPE LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
Every year, the ATPE House of Delegates (HOD) convenes during the ATPE Summit to approve the association’s legislative program, the platform that guides the ATPE Governmental Relations team’s work with state legislators, state boards, and agency personnel, as well as with the federal decision-makers and lawmakers who govern public education law and policy.
This document covers issues including educator rights and employment benefits, curriculum, testing, educator certification, safe schools, school finance, and much more.
Developing and shaping the legislative program
Each year, the ATPE Legislative Committee meets to review the previous year’s legislative program, discussing the importance and continued relevance of each position, and considers member input gathered by the ATPE Governmental Relations staff.
During the annual HOD meeting at the summit, member-delegates vote on the committee’s recommendations to adopt, amend, or eliminate positions in the legislative program.
Every ATPE member is encouraged to participate in the development of the legislative program. Members can submit proposed positions or amendments for consideration during the annual HOD meeting.
How the legislative program guides ATPE’s work
ATPE Governmental Relations works year-round to make legislative program priorities the shared priorities of Texas legislators and policymakers.
During election years, ATPE conducts a candidate survey featuring questions derived from the legislative program. Candidate responses are posted on TeachtheVote.org along with background information on highpriority issues addressed by the legislative program.
During the 44th annual meeting of the ATPE House of Delegates (HOD), which took place July 9, 2024, the HOD allowed the 2023-24 ATPE Legislative Program to expire in its entirety and adopted a reorganized program in its place. The new program includes the following preamble:
“As the preeminent group of educators in our state, the Association of Texas Professional Educators (ATPE) seeks, in partnership with parents, public officials, and other community members, to provide current and future generations of young Texans with a free and appropriate public education. Texas students deserve the opportunity to receive a well-rounded education. We believe it is the state’s constitutional duty to provide adequate funding for the provision of safe, modern schools and the resources required to meet the needs of all students and those who educate them. We further believe educators are the single most important resource in Texas public schools and that the state must provide the compensation and support required to attract and retain highly qualified, caring professionals.”
ATPE’S 2024–25 STATE OFFICERS
WHY WE SERVE
As a proud educator and ATPE member for 28 years, I have grown in the areas of leadership and pedagogy. I have seen many changes in our association and the education field throughout the years. But even as the trends of business and education continue to change, the needs of our students and fellow educators remain consistent.”
—State President Jason Forbis
ELEMENTARY READING AND MATH INTERVENTIONIST, MIDWAY (12) ISD
After my first year of teaching, my mentor told me, ‘You will be a leader in public education one day.’ I was just happy to have completed the year! Fifteen years later, I am one of the five educators elected to lead the largest educator organization in Texas.”
—State Vice President Jerrica Liggins
SECONDARY EDUCATION DIRECTOR, PARIS ISD
As your ATPE state secretary, I will be an advocate for educators across the state.”
—State Secretary Eli Rodriguez
SEVENTH GRADE ENGLISH/LANGUAGE ARTS TEACHER, CYPRESS-FAIRBANKS ISD
I look forward to serving our association. I encourage everyone to be active in your local area and in our state and national elections. Do your research and vote pro-public education.”
—State Treasurer Teresa Millard
PK3 TEACHER AND BUS DRIVER, WODEN ISD
I am truly honored by the opportunity to represent ATPE as the 2024-25 past president. Our members are the heart and soul of public education, and I truly enjoy the chance to get to know so many of you and remind our legislators of the importance of our work!”
—State Past President Jayne Serna
ADJUNCT HISTORY PROFESSOR, AUSTIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE
MEET YOUR 2024-25 ATPE LEADERS
JASON FORBIS President Midway, Region 12
A 28-year educator, Forbis recently began serving as a RTI reading and math interventionist. He is also a certified pharmacy technician.
JERRICA LIGGINS Vice President Paris, Region 8
Liggins serves as her district’s secondary education director and has 14 years of education experience. She is pursuing a doctoral degree.
ELI RODRIGUEZ
Secretary Cypress-Fairbanks, Region 4
Rodriguez, a 40-year education veteran, teaches seventh grade English/ language arts.
TERESA MILLARD Treasurer Woden, Region 7
Millard is a Pre-K3 teacher/ bus driver and has 19 years of education experience.
JAYNE SERNA Past President Leander, Region 13
Serna is a 35-year education veteran and adjunct professor of history at Austin Community College.
REGION
A PORT IN A STORM: ATPE MEMBER LEGAL SERVICES
The member benefits facilitated by the ATPE Member Legal Services Department are highly regarded across Texas by the teachers and other public school employees who have chosen to join our professional organization. The program, which comprises both an insured professional liability insurance and employment rights protection benefit, as well as access to a team of in-house staff attorneys, offers eligible ATPE members an affordable opportunity to access job-related legal support should the need arise.* The benefits are provided at no cost beyond the annual membership dues.
ATPE’s provision of member legal services started modestly: The association’s first executive director, Mike Morrow, met attorney Jay Brim, founding partner of Brim & Brim P.C., in ATPE’s office building. Brim had just opened his own practice in the same building after serving as a staff attorney to the Texas commissioner of education from 1977 to 1979. Brim and Morrow saw the beginnings of a great partnership.
In October 1980, the firm began representing ATPE members. Brim’s firm grew, and eventually ATPE started hiring its own staff attorneys. “That is when it got really exciting,” says Doug Rogers, who retired as ATPE executive director in 2013.
“Exciting” is one way to describe a program that now encompasses nine staff attorneys, a statewide network of a dozen private-practice firms (including Brim’s firm), and a liability insurance benefit of up to $8 million, subject to policy limits.
But “a port in a storm” might be the way ATPE Past State President Jayne Serna would describe it based on the experience of her late husband Gabriel, who was a secondcareer teacher. According to Jayne, Gabriel was in his third year of teaching high school Spanish when he began to experience serious medical complications. He was also unexpectedly put on a growth plan right before Thanksgiving. Although Gabriel was initially unconcerned, Jayne urged him to call ATPE. After doing so, Gabriel called Jayne back and said, “Honey, you were right.”
ATPE gave [my late husband] options. He had agency, which is really meaningful in a time when your body’s failing. It was important for him to have that sense of control over his situation when he wasn’t having much control in other parts of his life.”
—Jayne Serna ATPE PAST STATE PRESIDENT
Gabriel struggled with his health challenges and employment difficulties that caused him a great deal of trouble. Along the way, he spoke with his ATPE-provided attorney regularly, receiving guidance about how to respond to each curveball thrown at him at school.
According to Jayne, ATPE advised and helped Gabriel throughout this trying time. “He was able to end his career with dignity, which wasn’t going to happen with the way the school district was headed,” Jayne says. “He became a little healthier and really got to enjoy some of the time he had left.
“What I will appreciate eternally—and what I told ATPE staff—is that Gabriel got to make choices about how things were handled. ATPE gave him options. He had agency, which is really meaningful in a time when your body’s failing. It was important for him to have that sense of control over his situation when he wasn’t having much control in other parts of his life.”
*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.
FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT ATPE’S MEMBER LEGAL SERVICES PROGRAM
A hallmark of the program is transparency. The terms of the insurance policy are available at atpe.org, so a member can see whether their particular situation is eligible for assistance.
Because this is an insured benefit, membership must be established before the educator’s employment-related activities occur in order for them to receive assistance with a particular situation. (It’s akin to car insurance—you can’t purchase insurance after the wreck.)
Various factors, such as complexity and the involvement of other ATPE members, determine whether a member's case is handled by a staff attorney or referred to an attorney in the private-practice network.
In addition to providing individual representation to members, ATPE staff attorneys provide general legal information to educators through ATPE communications and contribute to the stewardship of Texas education law. They work with ATPE lobbyists to research, review, and recommend laws and regulations that directly affect Texas educators, and they help plan and present at school law conferences.
ATPE periodically files amicus briefs in support of litigation affecting educators’ legal rights. 2 1 3 4 5
MEET THE ATPE STAFF
ATPE employs a team of 57 professionals who support our members in roles ranging from membership specialist to staff attorney, lobbyist, staff accountant, and more.
Almost half of the ATPE staff previously worked in a Texas public school.
WHY IS WORKING AT ATPE MEANINGFUL TO YOU?
Four out of five ATPE staff members attended a Texas public school.
685 YEARS
Combined, the ATPE staff has 685 years of association experience, ranging from just under one year of service to 34 years of service to ATPE!
OUR CORE VALUES:
• We have a heart for Service
• We seek Excellence through stewardship.
• We create a culture of Communication.
• We harness the power of Professionalism
• We take pride in Teamwork.
Working at ATPE is especially meaningful to me because I see firsthand the dedication [of educators] and challenges my wife faces as a teacher. Knowing that our work helps support and uplift educators like her makes it incredibly fulfilling.”
—David George MANAGING EDITOR
I am a proud member of the ATPE legal department. The educators are very glad to know that we are here to support them in whatever way we can, and the number of educators we assist on a daily basis makes the job meaningful to me.”
—Tracy Revetta LEGAL ASSISTANT
Staff Diversity Statement:
ATPE is committed to diligently encouraging and working toward diversity, equity, and inclusion in its approach to hiring practices, employee benefits, workplace culture, member services, and daily functions. Read our full staff-developed diversity statement at atpe.me/diversity
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: VANESSA BROWN
Since the association’s founding in 1980, thousands of ATPE volunteers across Texas have formed the backbone of this association. Their hard work and dedication allow ATPE to serve the state’s largest community of educators.
Vanessa Brown, an assistant principal at Palmview High School in La Joya ISD, believes her ATPE volunteer and leadership opportunities have helped her build connections with fellow ATPE members across the state and bolstered her career.
Brown first joined ATPE 14 years ago when she moved from the classroom to a role as an administrator. ATPE’s commitment to serving all educators played an important role in her decision to join.
“Before I was recruited, I didn’t know there was an organization that offered legal support and advocacy for administrators,” Brown said. “However, ATPE was the perfect fit for where I was in my career.”
Brown began volunteering for ATPE eight years ago when she became a campus representative. She has since gone on to serve as vice president and then president of La Joya ATPE before stepping into her current role as Region 1 ATPE president. She really enjoys volunteering, especially talking directly with her colleagues about the benefits of ATPE membership, including advocacy work and legal benefits.
“I love talking to educators and explaining to them that they have a right to be heard and that they can impact the profession for others,” Brown said. “I also make sure to explain that ATPE serves them throughout their lifetime in our profession, from student teaching to retirement. It makes things easier so they don’t have to keep switching around as they grow in their careers.”
These volunteer experiences have helped Brown grow as a leader and as an educator. She says her involvement in ATPE’s advocacy as a volunteer leader has been especially impactful.
“Learning about the issues that surround education and how important it is to know what’s happening in the Legislature has helped me to become a better and more knowledgeable advocate,” Brown said. “With how fast the world is changing, being a member of ATPE keeps me informed and makes me a resource to others. I am able to educate both our students and my colleagues.”
Recently, Brown was able to call on her experiences in ATPE to help herself and her colleagues navigate a tumultuous situation after the Texas Education Agency took over their district, La Joya ISD.
“Being a member has taught me a lot about making sure that I elevate the voices of those who most need to be represented,” Brown says. “When our district recently went through a TEA takeover, I was, as the local ATPE president, able to have a seat at the table and voice the concerns of all our members. My ATPE experience helped me to make sure I see the impact that decisions will have from many points of view.”
Brown has only one message to those considering joining.
“Don’t wait. By the time you need it, it’s too late! For the price of a cup of coffee every day for a month, you can become a member and protect yourself and your career for a whole year.”
Don’t
wait. By the time you need it, it’s too late! For the price of a cup of coffee every day for a month, you can become a member and protect yourself and your career for a whole year.”
—Vanessa Brown ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL AT PALMVIEW HIGH SCHOOL IN LA JOYA ISD
JOIN TEXAS’ LARGEST
COMMUNITY OF EDUCATORS
I love being of service to others, and ATPE and its values help me carry out that service.”
—Luis Garcia PRE-K TEACHER, EDINBURG CISD
ATPE is the only professional association that brings together every Texas public school employee in an effort to better public education and serve students. We believe everyone who works for a public school influences the educational environment and that collaboration is necessary to ensure student success.
ABOUT ATPE
Founded by educators for educators, ATPE is the leading educators’ association in Texas and one of the largest independent educator associations in the United States. We serve the needs of Texas teachers, paraprofessionals, administrators, and all public education employees, and we fight for our schools on the local, state, and national levels.
THE ATPE VISION
We support the state’s largest community of educators and are dedicated to elevating public education in Texas.
THE ATPE MISSION
We advocate for educators and deliver affordable, high-quality products and services that give members the peace of mind needed to inspire student success.
THE ATPE PHILOSOPHY
We believe it takes everyone working together to improve Texas public schools. We work with all stakeholders in public education, regardless of political party or platform. We work collaboratively with all sides of any debate to find the best solution. And we represent the priorities defined by our members—working educators who are passionate about Texas public schools. Learn more and join us today at atpe.org
