The first week of school I reminded myself to think about my word for the year, “champion,” as I worked with new teachers. I wanted to be a champion for them and help them realize how important they are to our school. I wanted to be a champion for the returning teachers to help them see their value to the students and the classroom. I also wanted to be a champion for myself and do things that were going to make me perform better and feel better.

While I am working on being a champion for those people around me, I know that I am a part of an association that is a champion for Texas educators.

Fourteen years ago, I began my teaching career in a small school district. I joined the ATPE because you are supposed to make sure that you are covered by a professional association… right? I made sure that I signed up every year knowing that if I was ever faced with a need to be covered legally, I would be. As I have grown in my profession, I have learned that ATPE is so much more than legal coverage.

Here are a few of my favorite ways ATPE is a champion for Texas educators:

• By always having Texas educators in mind. ATPE advocates for Texas education! Check out the ATPE Advocacy page.
• By keeping us informed. Check out teachthevote.org. It’s a great tool for researching the education stances of candidates for the State Board of Education and the Texas legislature. (Even better? There are no endorsements--just information!)
• By having a huge amount of resources available. This includes online trainings and book studies.
• By having amazing benefits and discounts for just being a member. (Did I mention there are matching funds from DonorsChoose.org available, too???)

ATPE encompasses the word “champion” in so many ways, but it also consists of champions. ATPE is a member-owned and member-governed association that is full of passionate educators.

When people hear the word “champion,” many automatically think of sports or winning a competition. But I prefer this definition: a person who fights for or defends any person or cause.

My word for this year is “champion.” I am going to be a champion for myself and others and know that ATPE is my champion everywhere else!

Are you a member of ATPE? Do you have a power word each year?

Andrea Keller is a prolific blogger who writes multiple blogs, including http://busybeeideas.blogspot.com/. She was named one of 20 educators to watch by the National School Board Association; has been named Teacher of the Year for TCEA and ATPE; and has presented workshops at SXSWedu, TCEA, and various other conferences. She is a frequent contributor to the ATPE Blog and ATPE News magazine.

Views and opinions expressed in guest posts are those of the guest blogger and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of ATPE.