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December 2020

ATPE at the Virtual Capitol

Date Posted: 12/17/2020

Our legislative symposium and advocacy training event exclusively for ATPE members will be held from 1–6:15 p.m. February 21, 2021. Here’s all the latest info!

ATPE Urges Congress to Extend Federal COVID-19-Related Paid Sick Leave Benefits into 2021

Date Posted: 12/16/2020

The conditions that necessitated paid sick leave extensions as part of COVID-19 relief continue to exist, even with potential vaccine arrival, says Texas’ largest educator association.

ATPE University Sponsor Looks Back on 37-Year Long Career

Date Posted: 12/16/2020

Longtime ATPE leader, champion of new teachers, and lifelong educator Rene Zúñiga, Ed.D., is retiring in December and spoke with ATPE about his career and the importance of supporting students and new teachers.

From TeachtheVote.org: Governor Abbott discusses vaccine distribution in Texas

Date Posted: 12/16/2020

The governor discussed COVID-19 vaccines at a morning press conference, expressing hope that teachers will be vaccinated early.

Reading Lists for All Ages for the Winter Break

Date Posted: 12/15/2020

Winter break (during a pandemic) is a great time to catch up on some reading. Here are some reading lists for you and your students.

PAEMST Nominations and Applications for 2021 Are Now Open

Date Posted: 12/10/2020

Sign up to apply (or nominate a fellow educator) for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching by March 1, 2021.

Sessions from SXSW EDU 2020 Now on ATPE’s Professional Learning Portal

Date Posted: 12/09/2020

We’ve added three new courses to our Professional Learning Portal—just in time for the winter break. Check out these three sessions from SXSW EDU 2020.

ATPE Shares Statement on 2020-21 A-F Ratings Pause

Date Posted: 12/09/2020

The largest educator association in Texas grateful that the Texas Education Agency has listened to its concerns regarding accountability, STAAR mandates during COVID-19 pandemic.

A Roundup of ATPE’s Latest Advocacy Efforts Regarding COVID-19

Date Posted: 12/07/2020

As the Texas education community deals with the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, ATPE continues to advocate for its members and students. Here’s a roundup of ATPE’s latest advocacy efforts.

ATPE Releases Top Priorities for 87th Texas Legislative Session

Date Posted: 12/07/2020

State’s largest educator association is urging lawmakers to prioritize public education funding and waive standardized testing requirements in light of pandemic.

Texas Road Trip Ideas for a (Safe) Pandemic Getaway

Date Posted: 12/02/2020

Like most Americans, Texans have done their best to stay home and limit the spread of the coronavirus. With this year’s family vacations canceled, the itch to leave home may be intense. This holiday season, road-tripping to some of Texas’ greatest campsites may be the safest answer to your COVID-19 vacation desires.

ATPE Statement on Access to COVID-19 Vaccines for Texas Public Educators

Date Posted: 12/02/2020

Read ATPE's response to plans for distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Latest Edition of ATPE News Magazine Now Online

Date Posted: 11/30/2020

The Winter 2020 issue of our award-winning magazine is now available online. In this issue: the stories of two families and their choices for this school year, innovative solutions helping families during the pandemic, a legislative preview, and the digital gap issue dogging Texas.

Scholarship Opportunity: Charles Butt Scholarship for Aspiring Teachers

Date Posted: 11/30/2020

A component of the Raising Texas Teachers initiative, the Charles Butt Scholarship for Aspiring Teachers is designed to encourage the best and brightest students to consider a future in the teaching profession. Here’s everything you need to know about this scholarship opportunity.