ATPE’s governance structure

ATPE stands apart from other educator organizations with a member-owned, member-governed structure, a strong philosophical foundation, and a focus on the common concerns of all Texas educators. As a member, you enjoy unmatched opportunity to participate and lead at the state, regional and local levels.

The ATPE House of Delegates (HOD) is the supreme policy-making and governing body for the association. It meets annually at the ATPE Summit in Austin to approve changes to the ATPE State Bylaws, elect state officers, establish policies and formulate ATPE’s legislative program. Delegates are selected by their fellow local unit members through a process guided by the state bylaws. If you are interested in serving as a delegate, contact your local unit president.
 
The ATPE Board of Directors (BOD) consists of 20 directors (one from each region) and five state officers. Each ATPE region corresponds directly with one of 20 Texas Education Agency (TEA) regions.
 
Each region maintains its own independently elected officer corps. The regional director serves as the liaison and representative to the ATPE Board of Directors.
 
ATPE local units can be found in nearly 500 school districts across the state. Your local unit leaders are district colleagues who coordinate an annual membership campaign, communicate with your school board, support local initiatives and ensure your voice is represented at the HOD level. Each local unit member and at-large member is employed as an educator in his or her region. Read on to learn how regions and local units can work together.

The HOD elects ATPE’s state officers during its annual meeting at the summit. Professional, associate and retired members interested in running for the office of treasurer, secretary, vice president or president should contact the state office for current election rules and a nomination form. Nominations must be received in the state office by March 15 of each year. Nominations may also be submitted from the floor of the HOD meeting.

Your region director serves as a liaison between the Board of Directors and officers in your region. Your region president serves as a resource for local unit leaders in your area. Various elected regional leaders work to further the association’s mission with responsibilities including: 

• Providing local units with support and assistance, including financial assistance.
• Establishing new local units.
• Facilitating communication between the state office and local units.
• Promoting and encouraging local involvement in ATPE’s annual summit.

Nine standing committees guide association business by making recommendations for board consideration. Service on these committees is a vital component of ATPE’s member-owned and member-governed structure, and members are invited and encouraged to apply for service each year. The state president reviews member applications and recommends committee assignments to the board, which then approves each appointment.