The ATPE Podcast

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Founded by educators for educators, the Association of Texas Professional Educators (ATPE) is the leading educators’ association in Texas and the largest independent educators’ association in the United States. ATPE exists to serve the needs of Texas teachers, paraprofessionals, administrators and all public education employees and fights for our schools on the local, state and national levels.

The ATPE philosophy is simple. We believe it takes everyone working together to improve Texas public schools. We work with all stakeholders in public education, regardless of political party or platform. We work collaboratively with all sides of any debate to find the best solution. And we represent the priorities defined by our members—working educators who are passionate about Texas public schools.

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#45
August 13 · 57 min
A New Look at the American Revolution for Texas Students
In this episode, ATPE offers educators a fresh, revolutionary lens for the classroom. Traditional lessons on the American Revolution focus on the 13 colonies, but a vital effort in the war for independence was thriving right here in Texas. This war effort relied upon the leadership of women ranchers in Spanish Texas. This special episode of The ATPE Podcast uncovers the untold stories of the rancheras, who commanded vast cattle networks that fueled the war effort and were the unsung power brokers of the frontier. Our guest, Dr. Erika Arredondo-Haskins, is a 12th-generation Texan, historian, educator, and exhibit curator. She currently teaches Religious Studies at the University of Incarnate Word. Appointed by Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai, Dr. Haskins is a member of the Bexar County Historical Commission. She is a scholar of women and young women's leadership and early Texas history. Please note: If you are an ATPE member, you may log in to the ATPE Professional Learning Portal to watch a one-hour video version of this podcast and earn one hour of continuing professional education (CPE) credit, as well as access a comprehensive list of resources provided by Dr. Haskins. CPE credit will only be awarded to those who participate in the course through the portal.
#44
June 4 · 22 min
Holocaust Education Through Personal Stories
In a follow-up to her recent conversation with Elizabeth SoRelle from the Texas Holocaust, Genocide and Antisemitism Advisory Commission (THGAAC), host Andrea Hutlock has a meaningful conversation with retired educator Claudia Loewenstein from the THGAAC Speakers Bureau, whose family history and classroom experience have shaped her passion for Holocaust education. As the daughter of Holocaust survivors, Claudia grew up hearing firsthand accounts of life in Nazi Germany and the devastating impact of antisemitism on families and communities. In this episode, she reflects on the responsibility she feels to share those stories with students across Texas and explains why personal narratives can make history feel immediate and real for young learners. Andrea and Claudia discuss the importance of helping students connect emotionally with historical events while creating space for thoughtful classroom conversations and deeper reflection. The episode also explores the role Holocaust speakers can play in Texas schools, the educational opportunities available through the THGAAC, and the importance of helping students understand Jewish culture as a living and continuing part of everyday life. Additional ATPE resources: The ATPE Podcast episode with the THGAAC’s SoRelle New ATPE Professional Learning Portal course developed in collaboration with THGAAC: “Teaching Jewish History and Holocaust Education”
#43
June 1 · 20 min
Holocaust Education and the Power of Student Connection
Join host Andrea Hutlock for a thoughtful conversation with Elizabeth SoRelle, commission educator at the Texas Holocaust, Genocide and Antisemitism Advisory Commission (THGAAC), about the importance of Holocaust education and the lasting impact meaningful classroom experiences can have on students. In this episode, Elizabeth reflects on her journey from classroom teacher to Holocaust education advocate, including professional learning experiences at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and Yad Vashem in Jerusalem. She also shares how those experiences have inspired powerful student projects that help students connect emotionally with history while deepening their understanding of the world around them. Andrea and Elizabeth discuss helping students form personal connections to history, creating authentic learning opportunities that resonate beyond the classroom, and preserving stories that encourage compassion while strengthening understanding across cultures and generations. The episode also touches on Senate Bill 1828, which requires Holocaust education in Texas public schools, and Holocaust Remembrance Week.
#41
March 26 · 29 min
Gear Up for “Maycember” with ATPE Summit Keynote Speaker Juan Bendana
The latest episode of The ATPE Podcast is now available! Join co-hosts Andrea Hutlock and Kate Johanns for a special look at the 2026 ATPE Summit, including an exclusive interview with opening keynote speaker Juan Bendana! Juan shares thought-provoking strategies for staying energized, building confidence, and starting each day with intention. It’s the jolt of good info you need as we begin the sprint to the last day of school. Registration is now open for the ATPE Summit, July 14–16 at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa. Join us for three days of inspiring sessions, fun social events, the annual meeting for the ATPE House of Delegates, and the opportunity to earn up to seven hours of continuing professional education credit. Listen to the podcast through your favorite streaming service or on YouTube. Discuss this episode and share ideas for future segments. Juan Bendana’s appearance arranged through Gotham Artists.
#40
January 29 · 23 min
New Year, New Goals, New Opportunities to Build Community
Join Kate and Andrea for a discussion of the "Bookish Educator Club," a loose, low-commitment effort to support reading goals, as well as a sneak preview of some exciting member benefit news. Hosted by: Kate Johanns, ATPE Marketing & Engagement Director Andrea Hutlock, ATPE Engagement & Learning Specialist
#39
Dec 10, 2025 · 26 min
Time for a Reset
Just in time for winter break, The ATPE Podcast is back from its hiatus with a mid-year reset of its own: a new format! The refreshed podcast format features two co-hosts—Andrea Hutlock and Kate Johanns—as well as a shorter length, a wider variety of content, and, coming in the new year, the inclusion of member voices. We’ll still feature advocacy and legal content on the regular, but we’ll also cover professional learning, leadership growth, and opportunities to save money using your member discounts! In this episode, we: Discuss the 2026 ATPE Summit Call for Proposals (Submission deadline: 12) Learn about new courses available on demand in the ATPE Professional Learning Portal Explore opportunities to save on online shopping using the ATPE Discounts & Rewards Marketplace Discuss this episode and share ideas for future segments in the ATPE Online Community.
#38
Aug 28, 2025 · 33 min
Miscellaneous Types of Educator Leave
From jury duty to military service, educators may encounter unique situations that require time away from the classroom. But what happens if you are injured while breaking up a fight at school? Can a district require you to use personal leave when you are called for jury duty? How long can you be absent for military service and still return to your job with full benefits? These are just a few of the questions educators may face when it comes to lesser-known types of leave. Knowing how they work and what protections are available can make all the difference in a difficult situation. In this episode of The ATPE Podcast, ATPE Managing Attorney Lance Cain discusses assault leave, civic duty leave, military leave, administrative leave, and more. He explains what the law requires, what districts may offer at their discretion, and what educators should keep in mind if they ever need to use these forms of leave. The legal information provided here is accurate as of the date of publication. It is provided here for informative purposes only. Individual legal situations vary greatly, and readers needing individual legal advice should consult directly with an attorney. Please note: Rights based on the Texas Education Code may not apply to all. Many Texas Education Code provisions do not apply to public charter schools, and public school districts may have opted out of individual provisions through a District of Innovation plan. Eligible ATPE members may contact the ATPE Member Legal Services Department.
#37
Jul 3, 2025 · 31 min
Breaking Down the 89th Texas Legislature's Regular Session and Its Impact on Public Education
The 2025 Texas legislative session was one of the most politically charged in recent memory. With pre-election pressure and influence from outside interest groups shaping the agenda, lawmakers clashed over key education issues and long-standing policy goals. For the first time, voucher legislation became law in Texas, marking a significant shift with major implications for families, educators, and school districts. ATPE Governmental Relations Monty Exter explains the political machinations that ultimately broke through the public education community’s wall against vouchers, what it means going forward, and how quickly the effects might be felt. The session also brought renewed debates over school funding. Many educators are left wondering whether public schools gained ground or lost support as lawmakers pushed to prioritize voucher programs. We examine the outcomes and what districts should expect as they plan for the new school year. Another standout trend was the growing hostility toward groups that support public education, including ATPE and other educator advocacy organizations. Monty discusses how this rhetoric developed, its connection to the voucher push, and what educators can do to fight back. And yet, despite the challenges, there were several bright spots. We highlight positive outcomes for educators and look ahead to what the next election cycle might bring. In the latest episode of The ATPE Podcast, we’re excited to welcome back ATPE Governmental Relations Director Monty Exter to help us make sense of it all.
#36
May 15, 2025 · 26 min
Why Showing Up in Person Still Matters
What makes in-person events so valuable for educators today? In an age where virtual meetings and webinars are more accessible than ever, why should you still consider showing up in person? Whether it’s for professional development, networking, or simply feeling a deeper sense of connection, these face-to-face moments can offer something uniquely impactful. Joining the conversation is ATPE Engagement & Learning Specialist Andrea Hutlock, who recently attended SXSW EDU 2025. She shares reflections on what makes face-to-face experiences so energizing and meaningful, including thoughts on those spontaneous hallway chats and casual meetups that often leave the biggest impact. In this episode, Andrea offers practical tips for navigating the cost and logistics of attending events and explains how educators can get the most out of each opportunity—from planning ahead to decompressing afterward. If you've ever questioned whether it’s worth the time and effort to show up in person, this episode is for you.
#35
Mar 27, 2025 · 32 min
Understanding FMLA and Protected Leave for Educators
Have you ever wondered what it means for an educator to be "protected" while taking time off for medical or family reasons? Understanding what that entails is crucial when faced with a family emergency. This includes knowing the steps to request FMLA, eligibility requirements, the types of medical conditions that qualify, and the amount of leave you are entitled to under the law. Key benefits, such as job security during an absence, are also important to understand. Additionally, it's essential to know how Temporary Disability Leave (TDL) differs from FMLA and the potential consequences if an employee exhausts both of these resources. In this episode of the ATPE podcast, ATPE’s Member Legal Services Department Managing Attorney Lance Cain continues his deep dive into educator leave, focusing specifically on protected leave and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). The legal information provided here is accurate as of the date of publication. It is provided here for informative purposes only. Individual legal situations vary greatly, and readers needing individual legal advice should consult directly with an attorney. Please note: Rights based on the Texas Education Code may not apply to all. Many Texas Education Code provisions do not apply to public charter schools, and public school districts may have opted out of individual provisions through a District of Innovation plan. Eligible ATPE members may contact the ATPE Member Legal Services Department.
#34
Feb 27, 2025 · 27 min
Fact-Checking Gov. Greg Abbott on School Voucher Legislation
In his push for voucher legislation, Gov. Greg Abbott recently released a list of arguments made by public education advocates against school voucher programs. By labeling these legitimate concerns as “myths,” the governor has created a misleading narrative that can confuse voters about the true impact of school voucher legislation. Now, more than ever, it’s crucial to critically evaluate these claims and look beyond the rhetoric to understand the real-world consequences for Texas schools and students. Join us as we dive deep into the governor’s arguments, carefully fact-checking each one to uncover the truth behind his claims. In the latest episode of The ATPE Podcast, we’re excited to welcome back ATPE Governmental Relations Director Monty Exter to fact-check the fact-checking in the ongoing debate over school vouchers in Texas.
#33
Feb 12, 2025 · 27 min
Understanding Educator Leave Policies
As educators, taking time off when life requires it is a necessity. However, navigating the policies around leave can often feel overwhelming. For Texas educators, understanding the intricacies of leave types and policies is key to ensuring both your rights and responsibilities are respected. You might have heard the terms “discretionary” and “nondiscretionary” leave thrown around, but do you know how they are typically applied and when they can be used? Are you changing districts and want to know if all or any of your leave will roll over? How about the difference in state and local leave and the benefits associated with them? If you have ever asked yourself any of these common questions, then we have answers to these and more. In the first of a multipart series on educator leave, we sit down with ATPE Managing Attorney Lance Cain to unpack the often-confusing rules surrounding leave types and policies for Texas educators. The legal information provided here is accurate as of the date of publication. It is provided here for informative purposes only. Individual legal situations vary greatly, and readers needing individual legal advice should consult directly with an attorney. Please note: Rights based on the Texas Education Code may not apply to all. Many Texas Education Code provisions do not apply to public charter schools, and public school districts may have opted out of individual provisions through a District of Innovation plan. Eligible ATPE members may contact the ATPE Member Legal Services Department.
#32
Jan 16, 2025 · 44 min
REPEAL! Victory on the WEP and GPO
On Jan. 5, President Joe Biden signed into law the Social Security Fairness Act, the result of more than 40 years of ATPE advocacy. The law repeals the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO), two offsets formerly in Social Security law that unfairly reduced the retirement benefits of some public servants, including many Texas educators. David Pore, ATPE’s federal consultant and a partner at Hance Scarborough LLP, joins ATPE Marketing and Engagement Director Kate Johanns to discuss this momentous victory and the grassroots advocacy that resulted in the Social Security Fairness Act’s passage in the final moments of the 2024 congressional session. This is a must-listen for the many ATPE members who have written letters and emails, made phone calls, and even visited Washington, D.C., to advocate for repeal.
#31
Oct 30, 2024 · 23 min
Parental Access to Education in Texas—What You Should Know
Understanding parental access to a child’s education in Texas is essential for public educators as it shapes how you engage with families and navigate the legal landscape surrounding education. Although parental involvement is encouraged, educators should be aware of important legal limitations and protocols regarding access to records and classroom visitation. Parents have a fundamental right to access their children’s educational records, which include grades, assessments, and disciplinary records. This right is guaranteed under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a federal law designed to protect the privacy of student education records. Under FERPA, parents can review and request copies of their child’s records, ensuring they stay informed about their child’s academic progress and any concerns that may arise. With this in mind, it is important that educators understand that everything they communicate through email, in reports, in evaluations, in referrals, and perhaps even in text messages with other staff, can very likely be reviewed by the parent. So how can educators protect themselves, and what are the legal limits to what records parents can access? Additionally, parents may be allowed to observe a classroom, but they don’t have the legal right to do so, and the school district may set parameters. But what happens when parental visits become disruptive to your classroom? And do stepparents and grandparents also have access? In this episode of The ATPE Podcast, ATPE Staff Attorney Martha Moring explains what you should know about Texas parents’ rights to access their children’s education, including the limitations, confidentiality of records, and classroom visitation. The legal information provided here is accurate as of the date of publication. It is provided here for informative purposes only. Individual legal situations vary greatly, and readers needing individual legal advice should consult directly with an attorney. Please note: Rights based on the Texas Education Code may not apply to all. Many Texas Education Code provisions do not apply to public charter schools, and public school districts may have opted out of individual provisions through a District of Innovation plan. Eligible ATPE members may contact the ATPE Member Legal Services Department.
#30
Oct 4, 2024 · 23 min
Power in Numbers: How Voting in the General Election Benefits Public Education
Whether you're a teacher, an administrator, a student, or a parent, your voice matters, and this upcoming election is not just about picking a new president; it’s also about making decisions that affect our education system, funding for schools, teacher salaries, and essential programs. While Texas educators help to shape the future of Texas, our elected officials, primarily the Legislature, help to shape the present and future of the Texas education system. The policies and budget that lawmakers pass affect almost every part of the school system, and districts all over the state need more resources to serve student populations, fund essential programs, and provide better benefits and pay for teachers. History tells us that a large turnout in voting among parents and educators in a pro-public education fashion can make a huge impact on education policy in Texas. After a rough 2017 legislative session for public education, the 2018 election saw a huge turnout among educators and public education allies. This show of force set up a much more successful legislative session in 2019, when lawmakers passed a historic school finance bill as part of an $11.6 billion school finance measure. So how can you make sure you’re registered to vote in the county where you live? And how can you as an educator and voter identify candidates who prioritize public education issues? In this episode of The ATPE Podcast, ATPE Governmental Relations Director Monty Exter discusses the importance of registering to vote and showing up to the polls in the November general election.
#29
Aug 9, 2024 · 12 min
The State of Education Policy
It came as no surprise that the voucher conversation dominated the last legislative session, and as such much of our communications to members over that time frame was dedicated to fighting that battle. In addition to the long regular session, the entirety of the summer and fall felt like all vouchers all the time. At the end of the day, we were able to hold off vouchers, and that's certainly a positive. Since then, unfortunately, the voucher issue has anything but subsided. Although passing vouchers has become Governor Abbot’s primary, if not only, education policy goal, it is certainly not the only concern out there for public educators. There is no denying the teaching profession has become embroiled within culture wars in a way that it has never been before. However, many of these false flag issues that have created so much controversy are being ginned up for no other reason than to drive a wedge in support for public education and breaking the blockade against vouchers. While the privatizers and voucher pushers continue to do their best to manufacture hate, outside the culture war trenches, there are plenty of non-voucher or voucher linked issues that public educators legitimately need to be focusing on. These issues have nothing to do with privatization, and they're real issues that need to be addressed within the public school system. So which issues are we focused on right now and what are we doing to engage the broader community for support? And outside of voting, what tools can educators use to communicate with their elected representatives, expand the public education conversation, and make their voice heard on these issues? In this episode of The ATPE Podcast, ATPE Governmental Relations Director Monty Exter explains how together we can impact Texas education policy beyond just the threat of vouchers.
#28
Jun 10, 2024 · 30 min
Recruiting and Retaining Teachers
As teacher recruitment and retention issues continue in districts all over Texas, the teacher preparation landscape has changed significantly in response. Many new teachers are transitioning from other careers, and we have seen numerous pathways for certification evolve to better fill growing vacancies. In turn, the rush to certify educators—and do so quickly—has created a bit of a gap between what early educators need and what they are getting. If we want new educators to succeed and see the teaching profession as a sustainable career, perhaps the answer lies less in recruiting and more in retention. As the leading educator association in Texas, ATPE advocates for teachers both at the Capitol in August and in Washington, D.C., as well as with state agencies and regulatory boards such as the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC). As a founding member of the Texas Coalition for Educator Preparation (TCEP), we are working to ensure that teacher candidates coming through the pipeline are being assessed fairly across the board. Research shows that engagement with professional organizations is key for retaining quality teachers, but what exactly do new teachers want and need from an educator association? And what support and/or resources does ATPE provide to address both the changes to the teacher preparation landscape and the issue of growing vacancies across the state? In this episode of The ATPE Podcast, three ATPE staff members who are all former educators—Engagement & Learning Specialist Andrea Hutlock, Lobbyist Tricia Cave, and Membership Specialist Dr. Cynthia Villalovos—discuss the role of professional educator associations in addressing recruitment and retention issues in Texas.
#27
May 15, 2024 · 14 min
Runoff Elections—You Must Be Present to Win
Following a disappointing Texas primary election in March, it appears the Texas House will be far less friendly to public education going forward. Some of these races have been tight, and in such a unique election season, we have seen millions of dollars poured in from out-of-state donors to spread anti-public education propaganda. Originally attracted to Texas races as voucher proponents, these non-Texans continue to run attack ad after attack ad against public education-friendly candidates on issues completely unrelated to public schools. You’ve heard that voter turnout is the key to getting legislators to listen and take education issues seriously, so the maxim “You must be present to win” legitimately describes our situation in the May 28 runoff election. Educators need to consistently show up at the polls not just to support our candidates but also to send a message to lawmakers that our schools and educators deserve better funding and compensation, respectively. So where can you find information on races and candidates in your area? And who can vote in which primary runoff race? In this episode of The ATPE Podcast, ATPE Governmental Relations Director Monty Exter explains the how, when, and why of voting pro-public ed in the upcoming runoff election.
#26
Apr 19, 2024 · 17 min
Upcoming School Board and Bond Elections
You might be asking yourself, “Didn’t I just vote in March?” Well, we hope the answer to that question is yes, but public education is always on the ballot, and there are two more elections in the month of May that are just as important for Texas educators. Early voting for the May 4 election runs from April 22–30, and depending on where you live, you might have a school board trustee, bond, and/or an appraisal district board election on your ballot. Bond dollars finance maintenance, new buildings, sports stadiums, technology, and more. This can be especially important for school staff, too, because you don’t want to work in a building without proper air conditioning or heat. Contrary to popular belief, bond money does not pay teacher salaries, but school board trustees do make decisions regarding teacher pay, as well as approving curriculum and district policy. Some of you will also have a primary runoff election May 28, and early voting for this will run May 20–24. And in this race, many of our pro-public education legislators will need your support. With the huge impact that bond, appraisal, and school board trustee elections can have on our public schools, what more do you need to know, and what resources are available to prepare you for these elections? In this episode of The ATPE Podcast, ATPE’s newest lobbyist Heather Sheffield discusses the upcoming May elections—specifically, the difference between school board and bond elections and why they matter for Texas educators.
#25
Mar 27, 2024 · 20 min
Rethinking Professional Learning
In preparation for the launch of a new online community and professional learning platform, ATPE has hired a new engagement and learning specialist to spearhead these projects and foster opportunities for ATPE members to engage with each other and take part in high-quality professional learning. Andrea Hutlock joined the ATPE team in the Marketing & Communications department in January. Many educators have struggled with making teaching a viable and successful career, and a common cause for concern—especially for teachers in rural or smaller districts—is the feeling of being siloed. Having access to a mentor or professional community that knows and understands your position is the key to finding the support you need. Additionally, without a shared definition for professional development, the amount of value that individual educators take from these sessions can vary wildly. And with the potential for disparity between what many districts offer and what teachers really need, how can ATPE look to bridge that gap? In what ways can we provide members an opportunity to supply feedback and engage with each other on this problem in a professional setting? In this episode of The ATPE Podcast, ATPE’s Engagement and Learning Specialist Andrea Hutlock describes her new column in ATPE News magazine, learning opportunities at the upcoming ATPE Summit, and other ATPE initiatives to rethink professional learning for educators.

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