ATPE award winners were announced during the 2021 ATPE Virtual Summit, July 12–15.

Charles Pickitt Educator of the Year Award

This award recognizes ATPE members who demonstrate exceptional or innovative capabilities in their respective educational fields. Winners receive a $5,000 prize. The winners are: 

• Administrator of the Year: Dr. Bruce Wilson, Corpus Christi ISD
• Associate of the Year: Madonna Felan, Northside (20) ISD
• Elementary Teacher of the Year: Sarah “Sally” Hunter, Austin ISD
• Secondary Teacher of the Year: Kimberly Grosenbacher, Boerne ISD
• Special Services of the Year: Dr. Audrey G. Young, Nacogdoches ISD

Doug Rogers Campus Representative of the Year Award

The Doug Rogers Campus Representative of the Year Award is designed to acknowledge those special ATPE volunteers who are fundamental to the continued growth and development of our grassroots organization. Winners receive $1,000 each. The winners are: 

• Local unit with 1–200 members: Elizabeth Bitar, Kennedale ISD 
• Local unit with 201–500 members: Jamie Villarreal, Hays ATPE
• Local unit with 501–1,000 members: Hilda Martinez, La Joya ATPE
• Local unit with 1,001+ members: Karina Torres, Cypress-Fairbanks ATPE

Floyd Trimble Local Unit of the Year Award

The ATPE Floyd Trimble Local Unit of the Year Award acknowledges local unit efforts and accomplishments during the year. Each winning local unit receives $1,000. The winners are: 

• Local units with 1–200 members: Krum ATPE, Region 11
• Local units with 201–500 members: McAllen ATPE, Region 1
• Local units with 501–1,000 members: Waxahachie ATPE, Region 10
• Local units with 1,001+ members: Edinburg ATPE, Region 1
• University local units: University of St. Thomas ATPE, Region 4

Judy Coyle Texas Liberty Award

The Judy Coyle Texas Liberty Award is ATPE’s highest honor and is presented to individuals demonstrating superior service to public education, often over an extended period of time. It is named after ATPE founding member Judy Coyle. This year, ATPE awarded its highest honor to all Texas public school employees in recognition of their extraordinary service and dedication to students amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here for more details.

Alafair Hammett Media Awards

Named for ATPE’s first state president, this award recognizes individual local media reporters for their outstanding support and coverage of public education. The 2021 recipient is:

Alex Caprariello, KXAN News

Congratulations to all our award winners! Thank you for everything you do.

Learn more about ATPE awards, including application deadlines and how to apply. Applications/nominations for 2021-22 awards will open in the fall.