The thousands of ATPE volunteers across Texas are the backbone of this association. Their hard work and dedication allow ATPE to serve the state’s largest community of educators. In this ongoing ATPE News series, we spotlight volunteers who set a great example of service to their fellow educators. NEXT UP: Teresa Millard, pre-K teacher in Woden ISD, secretary for Woden ATPE, Region 7 director, and ATPE’s 2021–22 Campus Rep of the Year for local units with 1–200 members.

Volunteering in a Small District

Woden ISD is a small district in East Texas. It has only one cafeteria to serve all of its students from elementary, middle, and high school. Its size presents some unique challenges for ATPE volunteers who are often already very busy. 

“Everyone wears a lot of hats because there is not as much faculty to go around and provide services for all of our students,” Millard explains. “For example, I drive a bus route in addition to teaching all day. Every one of our bus drivers has another job.”

This can make it difficult to find people willing to volunteer when they are already juggling multiple professional obligations along with their personal lives. Millard says she tries to encourage people to volunteer to help in small ways so that they aren’t overwhelmed by obligations.

“I ask people for help—to just help the local unit officers,” Millard says. “I tell them they don’t have to take over an officer position, just start with participating in one event. This lets them learn more about the organization, get involved, and—down the line—they may be able to take over that position.”

Run by Members

When recruiting potential ATPE members, Millard says she focuses on ATPE’s member legal services program and advocacy as some of the biggest benefits. She also likes to point out it’s an organization run by members, especially to those who may be hesitant to join.

“Occasionally, somebody will say they don’t agree with ATPE’s views on a certain issue,” Millard explains. “I always let them know those positions were voted on by our members. If they join and they disagree with a position, they can attend the summit and be a part of deciding future positions. For me, it was exciting to attend the summit and see that ATPE is a member-run organization. It motivated me to become more involved, and I try to emphasize this because it is a real selling point for ATPE.”

Being an Advocate

“I love being an advocate for my students,” Millard says. “I teach 3-year-olds so they can’t really advocate for themselves, and I love being that advocate and speaking up for them.”

Volunteering for ATPE has allowed Millard more ways to be an advocate, such as attending ATPE at the Capitol.

“Attending ATPE at the Capitol is something that everybody should do at least once,” Millard says. “I have gone several times and learn more about how our government works each year. It is very empowering to talk to our lawmakers and see that you can make a difference by using your voice.

“Being involved in ATPE even seems to elevate me on my own campus, and people take what I’m saying a bit more seriously. I am showing my dedication to my job and that I truly believe in public education and what we’re trying to do.”

Interested in becoming an ATPE volunteer? Reach out to ATPE’s Volunteer Program Coordinator at volunteer@atpe.org.