The ATPE Podcast

When we talk about neurodivergence in education, the conversation almost always focuses on the students—how to structure Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), provide sensory accommodations, or adapt lesson plans for students with ADHD, dyslexia, and learning differences. But what about the adults leading those classrooms?

Research shows that 15% to 20% of the population, roughly 1 in 5 people, are neurodivergent. In Texas public schools, that means neurodiversity shapes a significant portion of our faculty lounges and department meetings.

In honor of October’s ADHD, Dyslexia, and Learning Disability Awareness months, a featured episode of The ATPE Podcast shifts the lens to focus on the educators themselves. Hosted by ATPE Learning & Engagement Specialist Andrea Hutlock, this episode brings together guests Rebecca Engle and Miranda Flanary for an open, empowering conversation about navigating the profession with neurodivergence, breaking down stigmas, and using their unique perspectives as a superpower in teaching.

The podcast highlights the necessity of building supportive, neuro-inclusive school cultures rather than expecting neurodivergent teachers to "mask" their traits to fit traditional molds.

Alongside this podcast episode, ATPE has released a professional learning opportunity designed to help school communities and individual educators navigate neurodivergence in the profession. Log into the ATPE Professional Learning Portal to find “The Neurodivergent Educator.”

Whether you are an administrator looking to foster a more inclusive workplace, a neurodivergent teacher seeking personalized strategies for the classroom, or an aspiring educator planning your future career journey, both the podcast episode and professional learning course offer valuable tools and insights.

How does your campus or department foster spaces where all educators feel empowered to work at their best? Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the ATPE Online Community.

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.

 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”

 

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.

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.

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

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.

 

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.

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.

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.