Cleburne ATPE

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

Ready to take action? Visit https://atpe.org/advocacy-central to send a message to your lawmakers about public school funding.

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The Association of Texas Professional Educators (ATPE)—the largest public educator organization in Texas—releases this statement from Executive Director Shannon Holmes:

“We are dismayed that school funding is not among Lt. Gov. Patrick’s top 25 priorities for the 2025 Texas legislative session. We certainly knew and expected a school voucher program to be one of his top priorities, but we had retained hope that public school finance would also be on his list. Of course, this probably shouldn’t be a surprise given that the first meeting of the Senate Committee on Education K-16 solely focused on private school vouchers. After last session, it’s clear that simply putting money into the budget bill does not equate to prioritizing passage of the bills that will allow that money to be spent.

“In our meetings with the lieutenant governor’s office, as well as with the governor’s office and the House speaker’s office, the ATPE lobby team has carried forward our members’ numerous funding-related concerns. Our teachers and other public school employees need financial relief to stay in the profession. Our school districts can’t cover the cost of the meaningful safety reforms implemented by the Legislature. They also can’t keep up with the cost of special education for our most vulnerable students.

“Even if school funding makes it into Patrick’s priorities 26 through 40, the lieutenant governor has already made it clear that he prioritizes vouchers over every other Texas priority, including the needs of more than 5.5 million Texas public school students.”

Tomorrow is the last day you can join ATPE as a 2024-25 first-time professional member! If you've NEVER been a member of ATPE before, or if you're a renewing 2023-24 student teacher member, you can join ATPE as a first-time professional for just $110 for the entire membership year! Join today at https://atpe.org/join-now.

This is an amazing benefit for those seeking to add certifications.

🚨 New ATPE Member Benefit Alert! 🚨

ATPE is thrilled to partner with 240 Tutoring to provide a 50% discount on test-aligned study guide access. That’s a savings of $25 per month! 240 Tutoring guarantees you will pass your exams on the first try or your money back*!

Interested in alternative certification? ATPE members also receive $150 off the first monthly payment for 240 Certification’s alternative certification program.

Log in to atpe.org/discounts for the details. Not an ATPE member? What are you waiting for? Join today! atpe.org/join-now

*Terms and conditions apply.

🚨 Today (Sept. 30) is the deadline to join ATPE during the 2024-25 membership year and avoid a 30-day wait for employment rights defense coverage*! Be sure to join or renew by 11:59 p.m. today! Visit https://www.atpe.org/join-now to join online. 🚨

*Terms and conditions apply; see atpe.org/protection for details.

Do you know an exceptional educator who deserves recognition? (Of course you do!) Nominations for the H-E-B Excellence in Education program are open now until Oct. 7. Learn more on the ATPE Blog! https://www.atpe.org/News-Media/ATPE-Blog/Nominations-open-HEB-Excellence-in-Education-Award

Discounts coming your way! Join now and enjoy these member discounts.

Lenovo’s Labor Day Sale is live! ATPE members get up to 66% off on the latest tech gadgets and accessories from 8/19 to 9/8. Hurry, these deals won’t last long! Visit http://bit.ly/lsp1800members now to shop and save!

The House Public Education Committee will hold interim hearings on public education Aug. 12 and 13. We encourage you to use your teacher voice to weigh in on these important issues through the public comment system. Details on ATPE's Teach the Vote blog:
https://teachthevote.atpe.org/Our-Blog/Latest-Posts/Previewing-Texas-House-Public-Education-hearings

Our local officers loved interacting with teachers today at convocation!