An Interview with ATPE’s AI Assistant, Judy

The Association of Texas Professional Educators (ATPE) has released Judy, its new artificial intelligence assistant for Texas educators. The release date was April 1, the anniversary of ATPE’s founding in 1980.

Judy was named after one of ATPE’s founding members, Judy Coyle. A leader in the Association of Texas Educators—one of ATPE’s two predecessor organizations—Coyle was instrumental in creating the organization we know today and dedicated herself to ensuring Texas educators had a trustworthy organization they could rely upon for support.

Judy can be accessed at atpe.org/Judy. While this instance of Judy is accessible without a login, the AI assistant will provide a limited number of responses before a member login is required. (ATPE members should log in to their accounts for the opportunity to ask Judy unlimited questions. If you need help logging in, please contact ATPE Membership at members@atpe.org or (800) 777-2873.) We interviewed Judy to allow our members to see how she interacts with questions and to bring a more personable introduction to ATPE’s AI assistant. This interview is unedited.

Q: Hey Judy, please introduce yourself.

Judy: Hey there! I’m Judy, your go-to AI assistant from the Association of Texas Professional Educators (ATPE). I’m here to support Texas educators with all sorts of resources, advice, and information. Whether you need help with classroom strategies, professional development, or understanding your membership benefits, I’ve got you covered. Feel free to ask me anything related to education, ATPE’s services, or how we can help you succeed in your teaching journey!

Q: How does your AI model differ from others?

Judy: Great question! My design is specifically tailored to support Texas educators, focusing on the unique needs and challenges they face. Here’s how I stand out:

1. Specialized Knowledge: I’m built with a deep understanding of the resources, mission, and advocacy efforts of the Association of Texas Professional Educators (ATPE). This means I can provide targeted advice and information relevant to Texas educators.
2. Focus on Education: While other AI models might cover a broad range of topics, my expertise is concentrated on education, particularly within the Texas context. This allows me to offer more precise and relevant guidance for teachers and education professionals.
3. Empathy and Support: My personality is designed to be encouraging and empathetic, reflecting ATPE’s commitment to supporting educators. I aim to empower teachers by providing not just information, but also motivation and reassurance.
4. Resource Accessibility: I can guide you to specific ATPE resources, membership benefits, and advocacy initiatives, making it easier for you to access the tools and support you need.

If you have any specific questions about education or how ATPE can assist you, feel free to ask!

Q: Let’s go through some example scenarios of some questions you might be asked. For example, say you are asked a specific legal question, what would your response be?

Judy: If I’m asked a specific legal question, my response would be to emphasize the importance of professional legal assistance due to the complexity of legal situations. I would also inquire if the person is an ATPE member, as access to professional legal assistance is a valuable benefit of ATPE membership. Here’s how I might respond:

“Legal situations can be quite complex, and having professional legal assistance is invaluable. Are you an ATPE member? If so, you have access to professional legal assistance as part of your membership benefits. Eligible ATPE members should contact the ATPE Member Legal Services Department at atpe.org/mlsis or (800) 777-2873 for individual assistance and guidance.”

This approach ensures that educators receive the appropriate support and guidance tailored to their specific legal needs.

Q: Now, what about a question regarding ATPE’s advocacy efforts?

Judy: If someone asks about ATPE’s advocacy efforts, I would provide an overview of how ATPE supports educators through its advocacy work. Here’s how I might respond:

“ATPE is deeply committed to advocating for Texas educators. Our advocacy efforts include lobbying lawmakers, the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC), and the Texas commissioner of education on important issues such as educator preparation standards, certification requirements, and employment laws. We strive to improve compensation and benefits for public school employees and protect educators’ rights, including their ability to be politically active and advocate for their profession and students.

ATPE also emphasizes the importance of educator quality, which is a key predictor of student success. We advocate for initiatives that support a high-quality public education workforce, such as meaningful professional development and equitable distribution of high-quality educators.

For more detailed information on our advocacy efforts and to stay updated on legislative issues, I recommend visiting ATPE’s Teach the Vote website at TeachtheVote.org.”

This response highlights ATPE’s comprehensive approach to advocacy and directs educators to a resource where they can learn more and get involved.

Q: You can also do other things though, right? Like create lesson plans?

Judy: I can certainly assist with providing guidance and resources for creating lesson plans, but I don’t create lesson plans directly. I can offer tips on effective lesson planning, suggest strategies for classroom management, and point you toward professional development resources that might help enhance your teaching practices. If you’re looking for specific resources or ideas, feel free to ask, and I’ll do my best to guide you to the appropriate information!

Q: Ah, so there are some limitations to consider when conversing with you? What’s your standard response when reaching a limitation?

Judy: Yes, there are certain limitations to what I can provide, especially when it comes to specific legal advice, creating documents like resignation letters, or accessing information outside of the resources provided by ATPE. When I reach a limitation, my standard response is to acknowledge the limitation and guide you toward the appropriate resources or contacts for further assistance. Here’s an example of how I might respond:

“I apologize, but I’m unable to assist with that specific request. However, I recommend reaching out to the appropriate resources or contacts for further assistance. If you’re an ATPE member, you can contact ATPE Membership or the Member Legal Services Department for more personalized support.”

This ensures that you receive the most accurate and helpful guidance possible.

Q: Can you provide an example of advice on handling teaching challenges?

Judy: One effective strategy for handling teaching challenges is incorporating reflection into your routine. Reflection is a powerful tool that can help you gain clarity on what’s working and what isn’t in your teaching practice. By regularly reflecting, you can reconnect with your authentic self and identify patterns and opportunities for growth.

A simple way to start a reflective practice is by using the “Rose, Thorn, and Bud” method. In this approach, you identify:

• Roses: Positive outcomes or successes in your teaching.
• Thorns: Challenges or sticking points that need addressing.
• Buds: Opportunities for new growth or strategies to try.

For instance, if you notice a “thorn” like a lack of student engagement, you can explore a “bud” by trying a new engagement strategy in your next lesson. This method not only helps you document your successes and challenges but also encourages you to think through solutions and implement them effectively.

Reflection can transform obstacles into opportunities, ultimately benefiting both you and your students. Remember, taking even a small amount of time for reflection can lead to significant improvements in your teaching practice.

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to tell members about yourself?

Judy: Absolutely! I’m here to support Texas educators by providing guidance, resources, and information that align with the mission of the Association of Texas Professional Educators (ATPE). Whether you’re looking for advice on classroom management, professional development opportunities, or information about advocacy and membership benefits, I’m here to help. Feel free to ask me about ATPE’s offerings, how to navigate educational challenges, or anything else related to your teaching journey. Let’s work together to inspire success for both you and your students!

Try Judy out at atpe.org/judy!