ATPE News is the official publication of the Association of Texas Professional Educators, the largest educator association in Texas. The magazine addresses the most important issues affecting public education in the state. Learn more at ATPE.org.
Issue link: https://atpe.epubxp.com/i/649527
<© IMAGE DESCRIPTION/COLLECTION/THINKSTOCK> 4 | atpe.org atpe news ATPE News contains legislative advertising contracted for by Gary G. Godsey, Executive Director, Association of Texas Professional Educators, 305 E. Huntland Dr., Ste. 300, Austin, TX 78752-3792, representing ATPE. ATPE News (ISSN 0279-6260) is published quarterly in fall, winter, spring and summer. Subscription rates: for members of the association, $3.32 per year (included in membership dues); non-members, $10 per year. Extra copies $1.25 each. Published by the Association of Texas Professional Educators, 305 E. Huntland Drive, Suite 300, Austin, TX, 78752-3792. Periodical Postage Paid at Austin, Texas and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to ATPE News, 305 E. Huntland Dr., #300, Austin, TX, 78752-3792. Advertising rates may be obtained by sending a written request to the above address. Opinions expressed in this publication represent the attitude of the contributor whose name appears with the article and are not necessarily the official policy of ATPE. ATPE reserves the right to refuse advertising contrary to its purpose. Copyright 2015 in USA by the Association of Texas Professional Educators ISSN © ATPE 2013 0279-6260 USPS 578-050 305 E. Huntland Dr, Suite 300 Austin, TX 78752-3792 (800) 777-ATPE (2873) • (512) 467-0071 atpe.org • atpe@atpe.org The official publication of the Association of Texas Professional Educators STATE OFFICERS Cory Colby President, Willis (6) Julleen Bottoms Vice President, Corsicana (12) Carl Garner Secretary, Mesquite (10) Byron Hildebrand Treasurer, San Antonio (20) Richard Wiggins Past President, Boerne (20) BOARD OF DIRECTORS Michael Sweet Pharr-San Juan-Alamo (1) Cesarea Germain Corpus Christi (2) Andy Erdelt Palacios (3) Ron Fitzwater Alvin (4) Suellen Ener Beaumont (5) Judi Thomas Willis (6) Janie Leath Nacogdoches (7) Jimmy Lee Paris (8) Dale Lovett Olney (9) Jackie Davis Garland (10) Karen Hames Lewisville (11) Jason Forbis Midway (12) Jayne Serna Leander (13) Tonja Gray Abilene (14) Darlene Kelly Ballinger (15) Dawn Riley Bushland (16) Brenda Bryan Hale Center (17) Bridget Loffler Odessa (18) Rudy Romero Clint (19) Tina Briones San Antonio (20) ATPE STAFF Gary G. Godsey Executive Director Alan Bookman Deputy Executive Director Elaine Acker Marketing & Communications Director ATPE NEWS STAFF Gary G. Godsey Executive Editor Elaine Acker Editor John Kilpper Art Director Leslie Trahan Managing Editor Erica Fos Senior Graphic Designer Jean Schlitzkus Staff Writer/Editor Heather Gardner Consulting Editor JOHN F. KENNEDY ONCE SAID, "Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are sure to miss the future." This message carries a great deal of meaning for organizations like ours that represent a profession of individuals who are working in a world of constant change. As an association, we are the fagship of what it means to successfully represent and advocate for students, educators, and the public education system. This success can be attributed to the groundbreaking and visionary foundation upon which our organization was built. In 1980 we were something diferent than the norm, representing an inclusive and grassroots-driven organization. In recent weeks I have been talking on a nearly daily basis with our founding leaders, local leaders, directors, and others about the future of our organization and what it means to be member owned and governed. We've discussed new ways to give every member the opportunity to be part of the governance of the association. I have listened carefully as members and leaders have expressed both great enthusiasm and some reservations about the future. I have been encouraged by my discussions with founding leaders, who expressed a depth of energy and support for big ideas and ambitious planning that line up with the values upon which our association was built. I have been even further excited about our future when more than 4,000 of our members responded to a statewide survey with overwhelming support for some of these ideas. ATPE is the industry leader in advocating for educators and students. We have set ourselves apart from all others by our dogged commitment to being inclusive. By embracing change that energizes and involves more members and leaders, we can continue to ensure our position as the premier educator association for years to come. Cory Colby ATPE State President president's message president's message