We've just published a new collection of content on atpenews.org, including features, columns, and member spotlights that we know you won't want to miss.

We also invite you to visit the new ATPE Online Community to share your thoughts and engage with other members on the topics covered in these stories and more.

The latest stories:

• Hope and Resilience shows how Kerrville ISD educators stepped up in the wake of a devastating flood that claimed lives and upended their community. From courageous evacuations to districtwide recovery efforts, this moving story captures the strength, compassion, and unity that helped bring students and staff back to school with hope for the year ahead.
• Building the Teacher Pipeline follows ATPE member Ashlee Galvan’s journey from paraprofessional to teacher of record through Corpus Christi ISD’s innovative Associate Teacher program. With mentorship from educators such as Dianna Ybarra, this award-winning program is opening doors for aspiring teachers and helping districts grow talent from within.
• Moving the Needle on Voter Turnout spotlights how Humble ATPE’s long-running school board candidate forum—attended by nearly 300 community members—helped boost civic engagement in the May 2025 election. Through strategic outreach and partnerships, the local unit demonstrated the power of educators to increase voter turnout.

Plus:

• In Capitol Comment, ATPE Governmental Relations Director Monty Exter encourages educators to kick off the new school year by strengthening their advocacy skills—starting on campus. From building relationships with decision makers to rallying your ATPE crew, this column shares practical ways to stay informed, get involved, and make a real difference at the local level.
• In Legal Opinions, ATPE Staff Attorney Sylvia Martinez-Haley breaks down House Bill 2, the new Texas law that provides permanent pay raises for teachers and support staff through the Teacher Retention Allotment and Support Staff Retention Allotment. Learn who qualifies, how the raises work, and what recent Texas Education Agency guidance means for educators across the state.
• In The Teacher Down the Hall, ATPE Engagement & Learning Specialist Andrea Hutlock shares how building the perfect classroom is surprisingly similar to crafting the perfect cappuccino. Just like espresso, milk, and foam must be in balance, so too must classroom management, student engagement, and a strong sense of community.
• Our Volunteer Spotlight introduces Katherine Havens, a Wortham High School math teacher and 2025 Doug Rogers Campus Representative of the Year. From mentoring new educators to reviving her local ATPE unit, Havens exemplifies how even small gestures can make a big impact in building community and supporting educators.
• In our Member Spotlight, we feature Birdville ISD dyslexia therapist Teri Naya, CALT, whose dedication to helping students read with confidence has shaped her remarkable 36-year career. Recently earning her Certified Academic Language Therapist credential, Naya continues to deepen her expertise and advocate for early intervention—changing lives one reader at a time.
• In Meet ATPE’s Top Recruiter, Edinburg educator Amancio Garza shares how his decades of dedication to ATPE membership have made him a standout recruiter. From personal stories to persistent outreach, Garza explains why he believes in ATPE’s mission and why the Recruit & Reward program is a win for everyone.
• In Round of Applause, we celebrate ATPE members across the state who go above and beyond in their communities and schools.

Got something to say?

We post content on atpenews.org year-round, and we are always looking for member-written content, thoughts, and ideas. Whether you instituted something innovative in your district or want to speak on the importance of a topic dear to your heart, we would love to hear from you. Visit atpe.org/magazine to view our submission guidelines.