President’s message 3
Around Texas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Read stories of local unit and region success from across the state.
Whose line is it anyway?. . . . . . . . . . .
6
ATPE leaders receive tips and tools for effective recruitment and retention at spring 2013 region meetings.
Picture-perfect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8
Members of ATPE’s committees put the association’s member-owned, membergoverned tenet into practice.
Cream of the crop. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10
Congratulations to the 2012-13 finalists for Local Unit of the Year, Campus Rep of the Year and the Sam Houston Award for Political Involvement.
Leadership defined. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11
ATPE’s more than 5,000 volunteers define what it means to be a leader. Find your name in our list.
Three cheers for the red, white and black. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
31
ATPE members wear their creativity and pride on their sleeves—and on their T-shirts!
It’s that time once again: We’ve reached the end of yet another school year. I hope that yours has been rewarding and that you’ve accomplished the goals you set for yourself and your students at the start of the year. The end of a school year brings with it a unique perspective. It’s a chance to look at both the past and the future. Looking back, I’m so proud of all that you, as ATPE leaders, have accomplished. What could have been a dangerous legislative session for public education ended on a positive note, thanks to your advocacy efforts and your willingness to spread the word about Teach the Vote. Looking forward, I can’t wait to spend time with you at the 2013 ATPE Summit in July—learning, networking and making important decisions about ATPE’s future. It’s always awe-inspiring to think about being a part of this family of 100,000-plus members. Our annual volunteer list is featured on pages 11–30 of this magazine. The 5,000-plus volunteer leaders across Texas who are featured in “Leadership defined” are our family’s leaders, and it makes me proud to see your names in print. You consistently work hard to make sure that ATPE remains the preeminent educators’ association in Texas. I can’t thank you all enough! I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to be your state president, and I am excited to continue working with you in the future for the benefit of ATPE—and Texas public education. Take time this summer to relax and recharge, and I wish you all the best for 2013-14.
Deann Lee, ATPE state president
StarsAroundTexas A CELEBRATION OF ATPE LEADERSHIP
SPRING Semester 2013 • Volume 4, Issue 2 Stars Around Texas is published biannually by the Association of Texas Professional Educators. Submit article ideas and high-resolution photos for publication consideration to comm@atpe.org. Copyright 2013 by the Association of Texas Professional Educators.
State Officers
Stars Around Texas Staff
Deann Lee President, Paris
Mandy Curtis Senior Copy Editor/Writer
Ginger Franks Vice President, Pineywoods
Erica Fos Graphic Designer
Richard Wiggins Secretary, Boerne
Alexandria Johnson Copy Editor/Writer
Cory Colby Treasurer, Willis
John Kilpper Senior Graphic Designer
Cheryl Buchanan Past President, Ballinger
Jennifer Tuten Communications Specialist
DEANN LEE–JOHN KILPPER
Table of Contents