ATPE members are the best people to tell Texas lawmakers about what's going on in Texas schools. Make plans now to attend our lobby day and political involvement training event, ATPE at the Capitol, happening March 5-6, 2017, in Austin. This is your chance to speak directly with lawmakers and tell them what's important to Texas educators!

The opening general session will feature special guest speaker John Kuhn, superintendent of Mineral Wells ISD and a passionate advocate for Texas public schools. Kuhn received nationwide publicity during the 2011 legislative session for his creative approach to a message to legislators about planned cuts to the education budget. His “Alamo” style letter to lawmakers was published in The Washington Post and widely shared. Kuhn has also written multiple books about education policy and the outsized role of standardized testing. The closing session for ATPE at the Capitol will consist of a panel discussion with legislators, including Sen. Larry Taylor (R-Friendswood), who chairs the Senate Education Committee. The Houston-area lawmaker is beginning his third regular session as a member of the Senate, and he previously served 10 years in the Texas House of Representatives.

There is no registration fee for this event, and travel incentive funds are available to certain eligible ATPE local units and members. The deadline to register online is TOMORROW, Feb. 3, 2017.

Find housing and transportation information, program information, and resources at ATPE’s Advocacy Central page. (Members must log in to access this page and register for the event.) Follow our legislative blog at TeachTheVote.org for ongoing updates during the 85th Texas Legislature.