Region 5 ATPE

We know you're either crazy-busy finishing up the last few days of school ... or you're taking a well-deserved deep breath. But don't forget that applications for Leadership ATPE are due Saturday, May 31!

This exclusive program for ATPE members will help you:
✅ Strengthen your voice as an advocate
✅ Connect with passionate public ed leaders
✅ Step confidently into leadership roles

Apply today! https://www.atpe.org/About-ATPE/Leadership-Opportunities/Leadership-ATPE

How would HB 4 make testing better for Texas kids? Find out in our latest post on ATPE's TeachtheVote.org. https://teachthevote.atpe.org/Our-Blog/Latest-Posts/How-will-HB-4-improve-testing-for-Texas-kids

On Tuesday the House Public Education Committee will hear House Bill (HB) 5019, a bill that attempts to gut educators' freedom of association. HB 5019 would:
- Eliminate your ability to choose payroll deduction to pay membership dues for ATPE and similar organizations;
- Prohibit ATPE from offering continuing professional education credit for legislative updates; and
- Switch your professional liability insurance without your consent to an entity handpicked by TEA.

ATPE urges you to use the House Public Comment System to express your opposition to this bill and explain the important of professional educator associations. HB 5019 is a politically motivated assault on educators' constitutional rights. https://atpe.me/HousePublicComment

Congratulations to our very own Cheryl Triplett from Region 5 for her recognition as Charles Pickitt Educator of the Year, Administrator.

The Texas House voted 86-63 in the early hours of Thursday morning to approve Senate Bill (SB) 2, a universal private school voucher bill. House members also rejected, on an 86-62 vote, an amendment that would have put the voucher concept before voters in a referendum this November prior to implementation of SB 2. Both votes were taken almost entirely along party lines. Wednesday morning, Gov. Greg Abbott (R) visited with House Republicans behind closed doors to whip votes. Because Abbott was able to successfully strong-arm House Republicans into not voting for any amendments, voters will not have an opportunity to weigh in on SB 2, and it is significantly more likely the Senate will accept the House language and forego the conference committee process, while other education priorities have yet to make it to this stage of the legislative process. Read ATPE Executive Director Shannon Holmes' statement on ATPE's TeachtheVote.org. http://teachthevote.atpe.org/Our-Blog/Latest-Posts/ATPE-Statement-on-passage-of-SB-2

Meet Judy, Your New AI Assistant!

Texas educators, say hello to Judy, ATPE’s brand-new AI assistant! Whether you need info on your ATPE member benefits, legislative priorities, or Texas public education, Judy’s got you covered.

🔹 Ask about ATPE membership perks
🔹 Get insights on education policies
🔹 Learn more about Texas public schools
… and much more!

Try it today 👉 atpe.org/judy

Raise your voices on behalf of public education. You can directly comment here regarding concerns about the voucher bill. Please take the time to do so.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1C1Bodgo65/?

House Public Comment The purpose of this form is to aid Texas residents in electronically submitting public comments to House committees on measures or matters included on public hearing notices.

The Senate’s vote on vouchers was not a surprise. It was only the sixth time that chamber has passed vouchers, after all. But now is when the real work begins—focusing the Texas House on YOUR priorities for Texas public schools. Watch this message from ATPE’s Monty Exter and share it with public school colleagues, parents and friends. #txed #txlege #atpe #texasteachers #texasteacherstribe

Happy New Year, !

Alert! Today (Sunday, Dec. 1) is the LAST day to nominate fellow ATPE members for the 2024-25 Charles Pickitt Educator of the Year, Doug Rogers Campus Representative of the Year, and Floyd Trimble Local Unit of the Year awards! Don't miss this opportunity to tell a fellow educator or ATPE volunteer how awesome they are! Visit atpe.org/awards to learn more and submit nominations.