Do you have the leadership skills and the desire to serve ATPE, your school, and your community? If so, we encourage you to apply for Leadership ATPE and develop those skills you need to serve your community for years to come. 

Leadership ATPE is a dynamic one-year program that offers valuable professional development, leadership training, and networking opportunities for professionals who are (relatively) new to the education field and our association. This year-long educational program will focus on the skills that emerging leaders need to best serve their schools and communities, pursue leadership roles within ATPE, and advance their careers—including public speaking and presentation skills, strategic thinking practices, building connections, enhancing interpersonal communication, advocacy, and more. 

We asked some of our Leadership ATPE alumni to talk about their experience with the program, and here’s what they had to say.

“The reason I got involved in the leadership program was because I wanted to learn more about ATPE beyond legal advice. I also wanted to know how to become more involved in the organization. My favorite part was when Jennifer Mitchell came from Governmental Relations and talked about the importance of being involved and advocating in public schools on so many different levels. This led me to become a Teach Plus Policy Fellow, as well as Teach Plus Senior Fellow, a role I’m currently serving in. It’s also enabled me to write op-eds and participate in podcasts and also participate in our virtual day at the capitol as a panelist. Do what makes you feel comfortable. Find your way. You’ll have plenty of support from staff and volunteers. Most of all, you’ll be making a difference beyond your classroom.”—Scoie Green, Katy ATPE, Leadership ATPE class of 2019-20

“Everyone should apply and have this amazing experience to learn more about yourself and ATPE.

[My favorite part was] Meeting so many people from ALL over our great state and getting to know our state officers. I was constantly learning about myself, my leadership style, ATPE, education, and what we can do to make a difference/issues we are facing. It [Leadership ATPE] cemented why I teach (and gave me resources to reach out, too).” —Roya Dinbali, Nacogdoches ATPE, Leadership ATPE class of 2019-20

“I was named to the very first class of Leadership ATPE. My reason for applying for the program was so I could learn more about the tenets that our professional organization stands for. While I have served as a campus rep, local and region officer, and state committee member and have chartered a local unit in East Texas, Leadership ATPE gave me more skills and knowledge, and even the confidence needed, to come back and make a difference in our profession. If you, like me, are ready to inspire others to lead in a way that will make a change, then I encourage you to apply to Leadership ATPE today.” —Jerrica Liggins, Paris ATPE, Leadership ATPE class of 2018-19

“I was in the inaugural class. I cannot imagine not having done it. I did it [Leadership ATPE] because I wanted to know more. I wanted to broaden my horizon, and that’s exactly what I did. There are great people involved, my contacts have grown, and I found my voice. Some people are thinking, ‘What?’ Yes, I found my voice. And finding my voice made me want to ask questions as to why. ‘Why, why, why.’ And I think, for some people, that makes a big difference. Find your voice and ask why. Hope you join!” —Miguel Renteria, Amarillo ATPE, Leadership ATPE class of 2018-19

The Leadership ATPE application period runs May 3 to June 4 and involves answering a series of questions, submitting a resume and headshot, and an application fee. If you’re ready to leave your mark on Texas’ largest educator association, we hope you will apply. Visit atpe.org/Leadership-ATPE to apply!