Volunteer Spotlight
The thousands of ATPE volunteers across Texas are the backbone of this association. Their hard work and dedication allow ATPE to serve the state’s largest community of educators. In this ongoing ATPE News series, we spotlight volunteers who set a great example of service for their fellow educators.
Michael Sweet | PSJA ATPE
Michael Sweet works as a fifth-grade teacher at Zeferino Farias Elementary School in Pharr-San Juan-Alamo (PSJA) ISD. He also serves as PSJA ATPE’s treasurer and was a finalist for ATPE’s 2023-24 Campus Representative of the Year Award for local units/districts with 201-500 members.
Finding a Community
Sweet’s ATPE journey began when he was invited by a friend to attend an ATPE event. He says from that moment, he had found a community.
“ATPE holds a special place in my heart because of the lasting friendships I’ve built with fellow educators—many of whom I now consider family,” Sweet says.
Volunteering has continued to strengthen that sense of community. Sweet began his volunteer journey over 20 years ago by helping manage an ATPE table at his district’s new-teacher orientation (NTO). After that point, he volunteered as a campus representative and from there has held every officer position in PSJA ATPE. Currently, Sweet is the local unit treasurer and is still a campus representative.
“What I love most about volunteering for ATPE is the chance to meet new people and share my experiences, whether it’s utilizing ATPE’s legal services or attending the summit,” Sweet says. “Volunteering provides an incredible opportunity to network with fellow educators—not just locally, but across the region and the state—building connections that strengthen our shared mission.”
Sweet’s favorite way to recruit potential members is to carry around ATPE pens in his ATPE bag wherever he goes. He says giving away simple items like those will often spark a conversation and leads people to ask for more information about the organization.
“I also like to sweeten the deal with food, whether it’s tacos or candy,” Sweet says. “After all, who can say no to a taco or a Snickers?”
Sweet has also organized several events at the region and local unit levels, including Bowling for the Children, loteria nights, and meet-and-greet sessions with candidates running for the offices of mayor, commissioner, and school board, to name a few.
Opening the Door
For those who are considering volunteering, Sweet takes a cue from the famous Nike slogan, “Just do it!”
“Volunteering with ATPE opens the door to building lifelong friendships with fellow educators from all over the state who share similar classroom experiences,” he says. “It’s a great support network where you can help each other out. Plus, it doesn’t take much time, and the time you invest is worth it.”
Sweet also says that those who volunteer can still be productive in other areas outside of ATPE. It is all about finding a way to balance those different responsibilities.
“In addition to my work with ATPE, I serve on several boards and committees within our district. Finding balance is key, but it’s manageable because ATPE recruitment typically happens at the beginning of the year. And our events are well-planned in advance, so there’s rarely a last-minute rush. Plus, I often find ways to integrate my ATPE duties into other non-ATPE functions and events. Since recruitment is an ongoing effort, I can easily combine both roles, making it seamless to volunteer for ATPE while juggling other responsibilities.”
Sweet also adds that volunteering has been one of the most rewarding experiences in his career.
“It’s more than just professional development—it’s about being part of a community that genuinely cares about educators and students,” Sweet says. “The friendships and connections I’ve made are invaluable, and the support I’ve received has helped me grow, both personally and professionally. If you’re thinking about getting involved, know that you’re joining a network that will lift you up and provide endless opportunities to make a difference.”
