The ATPE Podcast

atpe
  • 5.0 (7)
  • EDUCATION

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.

  1. JAN 29

    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

    23 min

  2. 12/10/2025

    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.

    27 min

  3. 08/28/2025

    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.

    33 min

  4. 07/03/2025

    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.

    31 min

  5. 05/15/2025

    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.

    27 min

  6. 03/27/2025

    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.

    33 min

  7. 02/27/2025

    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.

    28 min

  8. 02/12/2025

    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.

    28 min
See All (42)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    atpe
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    42
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2021 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The ATPE Podcast