When you join ATPE, you’re joining the state’s largest community of educators. For more than 40 years, ATPE has advocated for Texas educators and worked to provide affordable, high-quality benefits that give ATPE members the peace of mind needed to inspire student success. Member benefits include:

• Up to $8 million in professional liability insurance subject to policy limits*
• Extensive employment rights defense insurance* that’s guaranteed, win or lose
• Access to a team of staff attorneys** who may help eligible members with job-related legal concerns
• 24/7 access to classroom resources, including on-demand access to 100-plus continuing professional education (CPE) courses and the ATPE Online Community.
• Money-saving discounts
• Professional advocacy in Austin and Washington, D.C.
• And more!

Annual dues for the 2025-26 membership year vary depending on membership category:

Insured categories*

• Administrator: $330 ($27.50/month)
• Professional: $242 (Just over $20/month)
• First-time professional: $110 (Just over $9/month)
• Associate: $99 ($8.25/month)
• Clinical teacher (engaged in clinical teaching or observation): Free

Uninsured categories*

• College student (not engaged in clinical teaching): Free
• Retiree: $33/year
• Public Education Supporter: $55/year

These monthly rates are based on 12 installment payments. The number of installment payments available will vary based on your join date. Additionally, in districts with active local units, you may add on nominal local unit dues. If you're unsure which category to join, you can contact ATPE at (800) 777-2873 or email members@atpe.org for assistance.

You are eligible for first-time professional membership if you have never been a professional-category member of ATPE. First-time professional members enjoy all of the benefits and services offered by ATPE for only $110 for the entire year.

ATPE local units may set and collect local unit dues in addition to state dues. Local unit dues defray the cost of local unit activities, fund community service projects, and help your local unit send members to the ATPE Summit, the association’s annual governance and professional learning conference. Not every school district has an ATPE local unit, and local unit dues vary, so email members@atpe.org or call (800) 777-2873 if you are unsure of your local unit dues amount.

ATPE-PAC is a political action committee funded by voluntary contributions. PAC funds are used to provide nonpartisan support to officeholders and candidates who support public education and ATPE philosophies. Participation in ATPE-PAC is voluntary and is not required to maintain ATPE membership status, member rights, or benefits. Learn more about ATPE-PAC.

ATPE’s unique philosophy distinguishes it from all other organizations. As a professional association, ATPE believes it takes everyone working together to improve Texas public schools. This collaborative philosophy is evident in our legislative program and a diverse membership that includes all types of public school employees.

ATPE membership, which includes access to an array of benefits, provides an excellent complement to membership in any content-area association. Some content-area associations include legal resources as a membership benefit or offer it for an additional cost. None of their benefit offerings are as generous or as broad as ATPE's. If your content-area association membership does include legal protection, be sure to compare the benefits to determine if a dual membership would be beneficial to your career. If your content-area association membership does not include legal protection, it is especially important for you to join a group like ATPE. No public school employee should be without protection on the job.

Groups that do NOT offer legal protection*

CTAT—Career and Technology Association of Texas
STAT—Science Teachers Association of Texas
TAFE – Texas Association of Future Educators
TAGT—Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented
TASA—Texas Association of School Administrators
TCEA—Texas Computer Education Association
TCTELA—Texas Council of Teachers of English and Language Arts
TCTM—Texas Council of Teachers of Mathematics
TGCA—Texas Girls Coaches Association

Groups that offer OPTIONAL legal protection*

TMEA—Texas Music Educators Association
TLA—Texas Library Association
TCA—Texas Counseling Association
THOA/ACTE—Texas Health Occupations Association/Association for Career and Technical Education
THSCA—Texas High School Coaches Association
FCSTAT—Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers Association of Texas
TBTEA—Texas Business and Technology Educators Association

Groups that INCLUDE legal protection with membership*

TASSP—Texas Association of Secondary School Principals
TEPSA—Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association
VATAT—Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association of Texas  

*Information is current as of Aug. 10, 2022.

Because ATPE is not affiliated with any national organization, our members do not pay any national dues. Your ATPE dues dollars will stay in Texas where they will make the most impact. ATPE prides itself on providing Texas educators with the most comprehensive benefits package at the best value.

ATPE welcomes anyone who is interested in public education to join, including public school educators, administrators, para-educators, retired educators, and college students. However, five membership categories—professional, first-time professional, administrator, associate, and clinical teacher—are eligible for the professional liability and employment rights defense insured benefits* and assistance from staff attorneys.** Membership categories are defined in the ATPE State Bylaws. Questions? Email ATPE Membership or call (800) 777-2873.

Yes, 2025–26 membership in the first-time professional category is not accepted after Oct. 31, 2025. 2025–26 membership in the professional, administrator, and associate categories is not accepted after Jan. 31, 2026. Join early to ensure that you receive the most comprehensive benefits.

You will receive a welcome email with a digital copy of your membership card within a week after joining. If you do not receive a card, please contact ATPE Membership at (800) 777-2873 or members@atpe.org to request an emailed replacement.