Today marks ATPE’s 41st anniversary!

Forty-one years ago, on April 1, 1980, two fledgling groups dedicated to the advancement of public education and educators in Texas officially merged to form the Association of Texas Professional Educators (ATPE). 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 ever since—and today is the largest education association in Texas.

Throughout its 41-year history, ATPE and its members have seen a lot of milestones and changes—from securing educator pay raises to increasing membership, from launching its website to creating an annual summit. The Texas public education community has faced numerous attacks during Texas legislative sessions, hurricanes and winter storms, and a life-altering pandemic.

If 2020 taught us anything, it’s that life will throw us curveballs. And when unpredictability and challenges pop up, one of the best ways to persevere is looking to each other for support and leadership.

As ATPE looks toward its future, we’re thrilled to announce that Leadership ATPE—our dynamic, one-year program that offers professional development, leadership training, and networking opportunities for professionals who are (relatively) new to the education field—will soon be accepting its next round of applicants.

We don’t know what the future holds, but we know we have some of the best educators and leaders in our membership ranks. These aspiring leaders who will a key role in shaping ATPE for years to come. The Leadership ATPE application will open May 3 and involves answering a series of questions, submitting a resume and headshot, and an application fee.

If you’re ready to leave your mark on Texas’ largest educator association, we hope you will apply. Stay tuned for more details, and mark May 3 on your calendar.