Driven to Make a Difference? Apply for Leadership ATPE Today!

Are you driven to make a difference on your campus, within ATPE, and beyond? Then we encourage you to apply for the next Leadership ATPE cohort. But don’t delay—applications will only be accepted through May 31.

Leadership ATPE is a dynamic year-long program offering professional development, leadership training, and networking opportunities for ATPE members who are (relatively) new to the education field and our association.

Following their Leadership ATPE experience, alumni have not only gone on to serve ATPE at the local, region, and state level, but also serve their campuses, districts, and communities. In the rapidly evolving public education landscape, shaped by the moment in the current legislative session, it’s vital to use your educator voice to speak up for change, as well as to empower and uplift your colleagues to do the same.

You don’t need previous ATPE leadership experience to apply—just two years of ATPE membership, including during the current 2024-25 membership year. Whether you aspire to grow as an ATPE leader, serve on one of our committees, mentor new teachers, or simply show up more confidently for your students and colleagues, Leadership ATPE will help you get there.

The year-long program includes two weekend training retreats and additional networking opportunities focused on building such skills as public speaking, advocacy, nonprofit leadership, and more.

Applying for Leadership ATPE

The application involves answering a series of questions about your ATPE volunteer/leadership experience, as well as professional, volunteer, and civic involvement outside of ATPE. (And we also encourage you to highlight any awards and special recognition you’ve received!)

Your narrative statement can highlight special interests, hobbies, personal philosophies, etc., to help the Leadership ATPE selection committee understand your interest in the program, why you should be selected, or how you hope to make use of your additional leadership training. Brief slide deck presentations and videos will be accepted as part of your application.

Here are a few more things to know about the application process and program requirements:

• The following ATPE members are ineligible to apply: current or past members of the ATPE Board of Directors, current or past state officers, retired members, public members, college student members, and clinical teacher members.
    
• Applicants selected for the Leadership ATPE class must commit to participating in two mandatory training retreats during the program year; these retreats will take place Oct. 24-26, 2025, and March 27-29, 2026, in Austin.
  
  
• Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation; at least one must be from a professional supervisor or colleague, and one must be from an ATPE member who is familiar with your service to ATPE.
  
  
• Applicants must pay a $20 application fee. Payment is due at the time of submission of the online application. All other program expenses, including study materials and travel costs for the fall and spring retreats, will be covered by ATPE.
  
  
• At the time of the application, all applicants must certify that they have read all requirements of the program and will commit to attending both weekend training retreats and participating in all assignments during the program year.