ATPE is proud to bring you this series of posts from your board members. The ATPE Board of Directors is made up of 20 regional members, who are elected by their constituents; four state officers, who are elected annually by the entire House of Delegates at the ATPE Summit; and the most recent state past president. Board members were sent questions via email, and their responses will be posted to the ATPE Blog in the order they were received. Today’s post is from ATPE State Secretary Byron Hildebrand.

How and why did you get involved at a leadership role at ATPE?

When I first decided to run for office, it was as treasurer for my local unit. I went to Leader U and I saw there that as an educator, what I had to say was important to others. I saw that all educators matter. From there, my passion to work for my fellow educators and my students grew so much that I wanted to do as much as I could for education and ATPE.

What is your favorite part of being an ATPE state officer?

Serving educators in this association and this state is my passion. I know in my heart that most people will do the right thing. Some just need a little coaching.

How has being a state officer helped your region?

The members of my region know that I serve them as well as the rest of the state. I think that they appreciate the fact that one of their own is out there on the firing line working for all educators.

What advice would you give to others who might be interested in serving on the board or as a state officer?

Go for it. It is not the only way to serve, but as an association, we all matter, and we all have something to add.

Can you share something fun about yourself that our members might not know?

Yes, I just got married on Valentine’s Day 2017. I was in Austin on Sunday Feb. 12, working for ATPE, and left Monday at 1 p.m. to head back to San Antonio to get married at 12 midnight. My new bride was happy I made it back.

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