During the 2023 ATPE Summit, ATPE presented the Alafair Hammett Media Award—named for ATPE’s first state president—as well as ATPE’s highest honor, the Judy Coyle Texas Liberty Award. 

Kelly Wiley

The Alafair Hammett Media Award recognizes specific works of journalism that highlight important issues in Texas public education. The award is selected by the members of the ATPE Public Information Committee, who evaluate journalistic works recommended by ATPE staff. The works are evaluated for relevancy, clarity, approach to public education policy, and ability to capture audience interest. 

The 2022-23 ATPE Public Information Committee reviewed six nominated articles and selected KXAN investigative reporter Kelly Wiley as the recipient for her broadcast package entitled, “The Exit: Teachers Leave. Students Suffer.” 

Named after one of ATPE’s founding members, the Judy Coyle Texas Liberty Award is presented to individuals or organizations who have demonstrated superior service to public education. The 2023 recipient of the Judy Coyle Texas Liberty Award is Laura Yeager, a tireless Texas public school advocate who says her work in public education policy is “driven by the belief that public education and civic engagement are the central tenets of a strong democracy and key to a better and fairer world.” 

Laura Yeager

Yeager has been a founding member of three organizations dedicated to our public schools:

• Texans Advocating for Meaningful School Assessment (TAMSA)—A grassroots parent organization dedicated to reducing the focus on high-stakes testing in our public schools.
• Texas Educators Vote—A nonpartisan coalition working to create a culture of voting in Texas public schools.
• Just Fund It TX—A growing nonpartisan group of parents, students, and community members with one message for our state legislators: Do the right thing and adequately fund public education.