June 2023
![](/ATPE/media/Blog/230628_ShaguftaEllam.png)
Member Spotlight: Shagufta Ellam, Round Rock ATPE
Date Posted: 6/28/2023
Round Rock ATPE’s Shagufta Ellam shares her passion for ATPE leadership and her excitement about this summer’s Fulbright-Hays Group Project Abroad.
![](/ATPE/media/Blog/221011_PresidentsPodcast-thumbnail.png)
Prepare for the ATPE Summit with the Latest President's Podcast
Date Posted: 6/15/2023
What‘s next for the Association of Texas Professional Educators? Hear the latest from ATPE State President Stacey Ward in this podcast recapping ATPE Board of Directors meetings and more.
![](/ATPE/media/Blog/230614_Juneteenth-thumbnail.png)
Happy Juneteenth!
Date Posted: 6/14/2023
This year, we celebrate by recognizing Opal Lee, an educator known for her efforts to make Juneteenth (which has Texas roots) a nationally recognized holiday.
![](/ATPE/media/Blog/230614_ATPE-Excellence-in-Education-thumbnail.png)
ATPE Members Receive Excellence in Education Awards
Date Posted: 6/14/2023
This year, three ATPE members received the prestigious Excellence in Education Awards presented by H-E-B.
![](/ATPE/media/Blog/21_web_Blog_Logo-thumbnail.jpg)
The ATPE Podcast: Penalty-Free Resignation Deadline
Date Posted: 6/14/2023
In this episode, ATPE Attorney Celina Leal reveals what educators need to know about the deadline for contract resignation between school years.
![](/ATPE/media/Blog/21_web_Blog_Logo-thumbnail.jpg)
ATPE Statement on House Select Committee on Educational Opportunity and Enrichment
Date Posted: 6/12/2023
State’s largest educator association reminds House members that tying vouchers to either educator pay or the accountability system has proven to be a nonstarter with the public education community.
![](/ATPE/media/Blog/Pride_thumbnail.png)
June is Pride Month!
Date Posted: 6/09/2023
Pride Month is celebrated each year in June to promote dignity, equality, and increased visibility for LGBTQ+ individuals all over the world.
![](/ATPE/media/Blog/State-Committee-Thumbnail.png)
Apply to serve on an ATPE state committee by July 16
Date Posted: 6/09/2023
Interested in becoming more involved with ATPE and helping shape the future of the association? Then apply to serve on an ATPE state committee.
![](/ATPE/media/Blog/2023Summit-thumbnail.png)
One Week Until the Summit Delegate Certification Deadline!
Date Posted: 6/02/2023
Don’t miss your opportunity to enjoy summertime fun, professional learning, and more during the ATPE Summit, July 10–12 at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in Round Rock.
![](/ATPE/media/Blog/230601_FrenshipISD-thumbnail.png)
Frenship ISD Teacher’s STEAM Program Teaches Technology, Star Wars
Date Posted: 6/01/2023
A teacher’s love for Star Wars inspired her to create an education program that captures her students’ imagination with the help of lightsabers and droids.
![](/ATPE/media/Blog/230601_ExamReimbursement-thumbnail.png)
Opportunity for Certification Exam Reimbursements in Critical Shortage Areas
Date Posted: 6/01/2023
TEA is providing a limited reimbursement opportunity for all educator preparation programs certifying candidates in the approved shortage areas for the 2022-2023 academic year.