Hello there!
As we dive into a new legislative session, it's the perfect time to reflect on how important our collective voice is when it comes to advocating for the future of education in Texas. Our latest advocacy column, "New Session, New Opportunities," written by our very own ATPE Governmental Relations Director Monty Exter, highlights just how crucial you are in shaping the policies that affect educators across the state.
In this article, we're reminded that each of us plays an essential role in advocating for the resources, support, and respect teachers deserve. ATPE has a variety of tools and programs designed to empower members to take action and stay informed, including:
- ATPE Member Advocate Program (ATPE-MAP): This program helps members get involved with advocacy efforts and connect with local lawmakers.
- Advocacy Central Website: Your one-stop shop for legislative updates, action alerts, and resources to help you stay engaged throughout the session.
- Teach the Vote: A great tool for tracking the voting records of state lawmakers and seeing where they stand on education-related issues.
Additionally, we must always keep our ATPE Legislative Priorities in mind, as they reflect the core issues we fight for, such as public education funding, educator compensation, and strengthening the teacher pipeline. If you haven't already, take a moment to explore how you can support the ATPE Political Action Committee (ATPE-PAC), which ensures we have the resources to back pro-education candidates.
As we head into this new session, what steps will you take to engage in advocacy efforts this year? Have you participated in any of our advocacy programs before, and if so, what was your experience?
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David George
Managing Editor
Association of Texas Professional Educators
atpe.org | atpenews.org
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