ASSOCIATION OF TEXAS PROFESSIONAL EDUCATORS
Local chapter reactiviated

Educators from the Whitehouse ISD recently took part in the reactivation of a local unit of the Association of Texas Professional Educators (ATPE), the state’s largest group of teachers and education professionals.

The newly elected officers for the Whitehouse local unit of ATPE include Robin Parrish, president, and Cindy Andrews, treasurer.

The group joins 540 school districts statewide that have an ATPE chapter. The association’s current priorities include improving educator benefits by

seeking legislative support for its 2007 Legislative Program. During the upcoming legislative session, ATPE members will address educator issues and concerns such as teacher retirement, school vouchers and standardized testing.

“It’s truly a joy to bring this group of talented educators back into our ATPE family,” said Cindy Chapman, ATPE state president. “Only through the work of our dedicated local units is ATPE able to continue striving to improve Texas education.” The 108,000 plus-member

Association of Texas Professional Educators is the largest educators’ group in Texas and the largest nonunion educators’ group nationwide.

Its membership consists of classroom teachers, para-educators, administrators, college students and retired educators. ATPE is committed to advocating for better benefits for all educators, promoting a collaborative work environment and the right of educators to choose the association they feel represents their interests, and providing the best education possible for all Texas school children.