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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.
Episodes
Wednesday Feb 09, 2022
Wednesday Feb 09, 2022
In the first of a multipart series on teacher contracts, ATPE Managing Attorney Paul Tapp explains the legal definition of contract, why the public education system relies on contracts, and why they are beneficial to both educators and school districts.
The information provided here is for general purposes only. Individual legal situations vary greatly, and listeners 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.
Wednesday Dec 15, 2021
Wednesday Dec 15, 2021
It’s been called “The Great Resignation”: a massive number of individuals who are quitting their jobs due to the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Public education is not immune to this phenomenon. The ATPE Member Legal Services Department is receiving a high number of calls from members who have been pushed to the brink by pandemic-era problems and new legislative requirements.
So before an educator calls it quits, what should they know? And what happens to your employment contract? In this third episode of The ATPE Podcast, ATPE Managing Attorney Paul Tapp explains the differences in resignation for contract and non-contract employees and what the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) considers “good cause” to leave an educator contract in the middle of the school year.
Show notes:
Educator Resignations and Requests for Contract Release
The legal information provided here is for general purposes only. Individual legal situations vary greatly, and listeners 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.
Monday Nov 08, 2021
Monday Nov 08, 2021
If you’re working in a Texas public school, you’re probably experiencing the effects of a pandemic-exacerbated staffing shortage. And based on the calls we’re receiving from ATPE members, there’s a good chance this staffing shortage is eating into your planning time.
In the second episode of The ATPE Podcast, ATPE Managing Attorney Paul Tapp explains what the Texas Education Code requires in terms of planning time, how this area of the law has evolved through commissioner’s decisions, and what teachers should consider if their supervisor asks them to spend their planning time covering a class or attending a meeting.
The legal information provided here is for general purposes only. Individual legal situations vary greatly, and listeners 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.
Monday Oct 11, 2021
Monday Oct 11, 2021
House Bill 4545 during the regular session of the 87th Legislature requires "supplemental accelerated instruction" for students who fail the STAAR test. Such students can either be assigned to a master, exemplary, or recognized teacher, or they can be provided at least 30 hours of supplemental instruction. This raises many questions for Texas educators—most notably, where are the extra 30 hours supposed to come from? ATPE Managing Attorney Paul Tapp answers this question and more.
The information provided here is for general purposes only. Individual legal situations vary greatly and viewers needing individual legal advice should consult directly with an attorney. Eligible ATPE members may contact the ATPE Member Legal Services Department.