ATPE Member Advocate Program Helps Educators Use Their “Teacher Voice”
ATPE members are becoming stronger advocates for Texas public education by earning ATPE Member Advocate Program microcredentials and participating in Capitol Expeditions.
ATPE has always sought to innovate in both its member benefits and its approach to public education advocacy.
After hosting many years of ATPE Lobby Days followed by several ATPE at the Capitol events— which brought hundreds of members to the Texas State Capitol all at once—the association transitioned during the 2025 legislative session to hosting smaller, targeted visits with legislators. These events are called Capitol Expeditions and began in February 2025. The driver for this change was creating a richer experience for members who are determined to make their voice heard by school boards, at the Capitol, and beyond.
“We found there were other member organizations that had a very continuous presence at the Capitol,” ATPE Governmental Relations Director Monty Exter said. “We felt like it was beneficial from an advocacy standpoint to make that change. The experience is more meaningful, both for members and for the advocacy effort.”
However, participation is not automatic; to attend a Capitol Expedition, a member must first complete the ATPE Member Advocate Program (ATPE-MAP) State-Level Microcredential. These online, on-demand professional learning courses help inform members before meeting with their representatives in Austin.
“ATPE at the Capitol used to be a two-day event—one day that was dedicated to professional development and one day dedicated to going up to the Capitol,” Exter explained. “We moved the professional development to an online format through the ATPE-MAP program, and then it’s really grown to be more than what the professional development day ever was.”
One member, Lena Angel, described her experience at a Capitol Expedition.
“The Capitol Expedition felt like a grounding experience,” she said. “It’s one thing to vote for representatives in hopes that they will do right by public education, but to actually interact with decision-makers made my vote feel like it counted—regardless of outcomes. Sharing the unique stories of my students with lawmakers was exciting and fulfilling, and I hope that it stayed with them.”
Angel also spoke to the Senate Finance Committee about Senate Bill (SB) 2330, a bill that would have eliminated payroll deduction of membership dues for state and local government employee organizations, including educator associations.
Watch how Angel brought her classroom experiences to the Capitol in her testimony before the Senate Finance Committee.
“This bill was written with the intent to remove payroll deduction for educators despite the fact that Texas allows [this practice] for firemen and policemen,” Angel said. “I feel strongly that this was a move to silence our voices as we are stronger when we unite together. My testimony contained personal stories about how being a member of ATPE has allowed me to have a longer career in education because I know that I am supported and protected.”
Her testimony drew the attention of at least one Texas senator.
“When I finished, Sen. Jose Menendez asked for a copy of my testimony, which is a common practice so that legislators can draw upon these stories when working on bills,” she said. “Educators should know that our stories have the power to change outcomes for our students.”
Angel’s Capitol Expedition group also met with Rep. Mihaela Plesa (D–Plano).
“She invited us into our office, listened to each of our stories, and shared her own experience with public education,” Angel said. “She was very moved and even teared up at one point when we discussed teachers who make lasting impacts on students. She gave each of us a Capitol-shaped squeezy toy that I proudly display in my classroom.”
Lamar ATPE member DeVonte Thompson made his first Capitol visit and was enthusiastic about his participation.
“It was an experience of a lifetime,” Thompson said. “I have so much fun connecting with people in ATPE, legislators, and the lobby team. It was kind of like a kid meeting a Disney character. I learned so much about how they advocate for educators and the landscape of public education in Texas. It was everything I didn’t know I needed.”
DeVonte Thompson
Lamar ATPE member
Thompson also shared his experience meeting his representative.
“The office didn’t know much about what educators went through on a day-to-day basis, but they were willing to listen,” he said. “They asked questions to understand our perspective and shared where Rep. stood on the issues. It was nice to feel heard and advocated for.”
Both Angel and Thompson completed ATPE-MAP courses before visiting the Capitol. Thompson has completed both the Local Advocacy and State-Level Advocacy credentials. Angel completed the State-Level Advocacy program and is halfway through the Local Advocacy program. Beginning this spring, members will be able to pursue the new “Master Advocate” designation.
“The Master Advocate program is intended to be a recognition for members who take the next step and apply what they’ve learned to practical advocacy,” Exter said. “We think people should get recognized for that. It’s a big step.”
Angel also touched on the current programs provided by ATPE-MAP.
“The programs are rich with information that prepares you for an adventure at the Capitol,” Angel said. “As with any ATPE training, you are supported and encouraged.”
The ATPE-MAP courses include three credentials:
- Local Advocacy Credential – Covers community-level advocacy, including engagement with campus and central office leaders, school boards, community organizations, and local media.
- State-Level Advocacy Credential – Focused on the State Capitol, state agencies, and boards. Completion is required to attend Capitol Expeditions.
- Master Advocate Program Credential – Will be earned by completing the State-Level Advocacy Course and one additional course and then practically applying the advocacy skills leaned in those courses. Members may complete Master Advocate now by completing the Local Advocacy microcredential as their additional course, but additional course offerings will be made available in the coming months. Details on applying for the Master Advocate designation will be available soon.
ATPE Governmental Relations Lobbyist Tricia Cave highlighted the importance of ATPE-MAP.
“It takes the guesswork and uncertainty out of a Capitol visit,” she said. “The MAP program teaches educators to approach a Capitol visit with the knowledge that they are the experts in the education field and to go into an office prepared and confident. Participants in Capitol expeditions come away thankful for the knowledge and training they received through MAP and mindful of the tools they learned to get the most out of their Capitol visits.”
ATPE Capitol Expeditions will resume in Spring 2027, so it is important for members to complete their ATPE-MAP training now to ensure they are eligible to participate and make their voices heard.
“If I can speak confidently in front of legislators, so can you,” Angel said. “Your voice, your story, and your experience matter. Please share it!”
Lena Angel
English teacher and co-president of Katy ATPE
Jack Densmore
Marketing and Communications Specialist
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